Anxiety is probably the most common mental health symptom I come across in my years of practice.   We all endure some stress in the chaos of our daily lives, for example, worries about money, or an upcoming test.  However, when we find that our anxiety is making it difficult to cope, or is lasting beyond the duration of a stressful event, or without  logical reason, we may be experiencing clinical anxiety.  This can take the form of physical symptoms like raised heartbeat and difficulty breathing, and sometimes can result in panic attacks. These episodes can feel life-threatening; although there is no evidence of that, we still should seek some extra help.  I use various, individually tailored approaches to determine the root of my clients’ anxiety symptoms, and help clients implement more effective coping tools to manage this uncomfortable emotion.  This sometimes includes helping client’s change an unhealthy life situation or relationship, or ruling out a medical condition that might also require medication from a doctor.

 

Treating symptoms of depression is another area of specialty in my clinical practice.  It is different from the normal “blues” or ups and downs that we all feel from time to time.  When this sadness lasts a long time, it can shift into a depressive episode, which can include feeling helpless and numb, also affecting our self-esteem and feeling our future holds no hope.  We can can even experience physical symptoms like stomach aches and chronic headaches, and  make us question the point of living anymore.  Depression needs to be taken seriously.  As a therapist I work with client’s to determine the causes of depressed feelings, and, as with anxiety, help them regain feelings of resilience and the daily fulfillment we all deserve.