Neurofeedback is a promising treatment option for anxiety that helps people feel calmer and experience a more healthy and stress-free life. Everyone’s experience with anxiety may look different, so it’s important to learn about the symptoms and causes of anxiety, and what treatment options promote a sense of peace and well-being.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. When anxiety becomes constant, excessive, or irrational, it can interfere with daily life, and may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders in the United States, affecting millions of people every year. Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by persistent feelings of fear, worry, and anxiety. A specific situation or object can trigger these conditions or they can occur without apparent reason. Anxiety can significantly interfere with a person's daily life, impacting their ability to work, study, maintain relationships, and function in daily life.
Physical effects of anxiety include: fatigue, restlessness, insomnia, muscle tension, nausea, sweating, trembling, and palpitations.
Psychological effects of anxiety include: trouble falling asleep or waking too early, nightmares/vivid dreams, trouble focusing, fear of separation, irritability, and over-thinking.
Some common types of anxiety disorders include:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
People with GAD often find it difficult to control their anxious thoughts and may experience physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, and difficulty sleeping. Excessive and persistent worry, fear, and anxiety about everyday situations and events.
Panic Disorder
people with Panic Disorder have sudden and recurring panic attacks, which can be quite frightening and may happen without warning. Symptoms can include intense fear, sweating, shaking, heart palpitations, and a sense of impending doom or danger.
Social Anxiety Disorder
People with Social Anxiety Disorder have intense fear or discomfort in the following types of social situations: fear of public speaking, meeting new people, or being in crowded places. Social anxiety can significantly impact daily life and relationships.
Specific Phobias
People with a specific Phobia have an excessive and irrational fear of a particular object, situation, or activity, and intense anxiety and panic when exposed to the object of the fear, even if it poses no real danger. This can significantly affect daily life and lead to avoidance of situations or objects. Examples of phobias include fear of heights, spiders, snakes, flying, and enclosed spaces.
Causes of Anxiety
Anxiety is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some risk factors for anxiety disorders include childhood trauma (see previous post on ACES), a family history of anxiety disorders, and stressful life events. Anxiety may also be related to underlying health conditions or side effects from medication.
Neurofeedback and Anxiety
Anxiety can be a challenging condition to manage, but there are several treatments available. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, it is essential to seek professional help. A mental health professional can help you determine the best treatment for your situation. Treatment may include a combination of counseling, neurofeedback training, and/or medication.
Neurofeedback training is a natural, drug-free option to reduce anxiety. Neurofeedback is used for all ages and individuals to manage emotions more effectively. Neurofeedback involves monitoring and training brainwave activity through sensors placed on the scalp. The feedback from the sensors is used to help the individual learn how to regulate their brainwaves, which can reduce anxiety symptoms over time.
Neurofeedback is often used in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to provide a comprehensive treatment plan for anxiety. Working with a licensed and experienced professional who customizes the treatment plan to meet your needs is essential. The number of sessions required depends on the severity of your anxiety. Some clients feel relief right away, and others feel the benefits after about 3-4 weeks or 6-8 sessions. Neurofeedback training helps you reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve your sense of well-being. This helps you live a healthy lifestyle.
I would be happy to consult with you and discuss your needs and my services to determine if Neurofeedback training is a good fit for you. Contact Connie at (657) 215-0004 or info@conniehurst.com and we can work together on managing your anxiety symptoms and work towards a happier and stress-free lifestyle.Â
