Anxiety That Comes Out of Nowhere
The past year has been difficult for everyone. Many people I talk to report new or worsening symptoms of anxiety since the pandemic began.
“It seems to come out of nowhere.” “I don’t know why I am so anxious all of the time.”
Since the pandemic I have heard more people express that their anxiety feels more out of control, and they are not sure why. Many people report problems with concentration, increased nervousness, trouble sleeping, an inability to cope with everyday stress and more.
Often people come to me and report these and other symptoms that do not seem to have a clear reason or source. Part of my job is to help people sort through the causes. However, many times the pandemic seems to be the source or at least a part of the puzzle.
Causes of Anxiety
COVID is something that for many people threatened both their physical well-being as well as their social and emotional well-being. Isolation, fear of illness, and loss or potential loss of employment are all traumatic experiences.
When we are confronted with something traumatic, we often experience symptoms of anxiety. This can be, in part, due to our body’s natural fight, flight or freeze response. This response is our body’s natural defense response to something that threatens our well-being. It is the same response we might have if we were in nature and approached by a mountain lion.
Anxiety and Trauma
Different people respond differently to a threat or perceived threat to their well-being. Some people feel as though they cannot function normally, have trouble concentrating and completing everyday tasks. This is likened to the “freeze” response.
Other people might feel as though they cannot slow down. They might neglect their relationships or normal self-care routine while working non-stop. Some of these people experience panic like symptoms including a racing heart or an inability to stop spiraling and negative thoughts. This response may be like a “flight” response to the threat.
Others have an increase in irritability and difficulty regulating their emotions. This may be like a “fight” response. People can also have a combination of responses and symptoms. The pandemic, while it may seem less threatening than a mountain lion, is still a potential threat to our life and way of life. This is enough to categorize the experience as traumatic.
Therapy for Anxiety in Denver
Perhaps you have been experiencing symptoms of anxiety lately and weren’t sure why. The pandemic may be at least part of the puzzle for you. So, what do you do about that?
I specialize in helping people manage anxiety and stressful life events to help them feel less triggered, less stressed and more at peace. I utilize mindfulness based techniques as well as EMDR therapy to help people resolve and often eliminate distressing symptoms.
Find out more about me and the therapies I use at:
www. AndreaHarbeckTherapy.com
Or reach out for a complimentary phone or zoom consultation:
Andrea@AndreaHarbeckTherapy.com
720-336-9454