WOMEN'S MENTAL HEALTH
KELLY AKEHURST, LPC
GREENWICH | STAMFORD | WESTPORT | FAIRFIELD
475.477.0278
STRESS & ANXIETY
WHAT ARE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY?
Excessive worry, occurring more days than not for at least six months
It's difficult to control the worry
Restlessness or feeling on edge
Difficulty concentratingÂ
Irritability
Muscle tension
Difficulty sleeping
WHAT DOES A PANIC ATTACK LOOK LIKE?
Pounding heart, chest pain or discomfort
Trembling, shaking or sweating
Shortness of breath
Feelings of choking
Nausea or abdominal distress
Feeling dizzy, light-headed, or unsteady
Chills or heat sensations
Numbness or tinglingÂ
Feeling detached or not in reality
Fear of losing control or "going crazy" or fear of dying
What are some things that I can do to relieve anxiety right now?
Take five long breaths through your nose and exhale through your mouth
Hold an icepack, frozen water bottle or wash your hands/face in cold waterÂ
Engage your senses by looking for five things you can see, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste
Go for a walk outside
Call a friend or family member
Reach out for professional help
WHAT AREÂ THINGS THAT I MIGHT BE DOING DUE TO ANXIETY?
Replaying conversations over and over again in your head
Avoiding situations that make you feel trapped
Watching the same shows over and over again because it allows you to feel a sense of comfort
Picking at your skin to relieve restlessnessÂ
Taking responsibility for things that aren't your fault
People pleasing
How do you treat anxiety?
We are living through unprecedented times and along with that naturally comes stress and anxiety. The pandemic has drastically increased anxiety rates and exasperated symptoms in individuals prone to anxiety. My approach to anxiety is to work with you to formulate a plan for when anxiety arises and to identify tools and coping skills to use in these moments of distress. In conjunction with formulating cope ahead plans, we work together to address the underlying causes of anxiety. I use a collaborative approach to treating anxiety and utilize a variety of evidence-based treatments. During treatment we explore difficult thoughts, feelings and situations that increase anxiety and work towards identifying values and goals that are important to you that will move you towards living in ways that are important and fulfilling to you.