Do you find yourself overwhelmed with worry each day? Are you seeking relief from incessant racing thoughts? Is this hindering your ability to sleep at night? Do you struggle to attain a sense of comfort within yourself?

Perhaps you feel entangled in negative thought cycles that appear insurmountable. It's possible that persistently worrying about unlikely problems has become challenging to overcome, leading to overwhelming fears and occasional panic attacks. While stress affects us all, when it becomes persistent and overwhelming, it could be anxiety.

Anxiety may also manifest in physical symptoms, contributing to issues like insomnia, headaches, or nausea. The resulting sleep disturbances can lead to exhaustion and fatigue, making it challenging to navigate the day.

At times, the thought of seeking support from family and friends might cross your mind, but a sense of disconnection and isolation may prevail. Social gatherings may induce nervousness, and post-event self-reflection might involve replaying conversations, questioning if anything was said incorrectly.

Overcoming anxiety independently may seem overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone. Collaborating with a supportive therapist can mark the initial step towards your journey to recovery. Anxiety treatment can guide you in rediscovering your authentic self, fostering genuine calmness and happiness.

You're Not Alone—Many People Seek Treatment for Anxiety.

Anxiety affects millions of individuals, standing as one of the most widespread mental health conditions. Trauma, illness, and major life transitions can trigger anxiety, while the demands of a fast-paced lifestyle may exacerbate stress.

Technology's influence, particularly through social media, can contribute to anxiety by presenting unrealistic standards. Some people experience chronic anxiety without a discernible cause.

Overcoming anxiety without support is challenging, as acquiring healthy coping skills often requires professional guidance. Without someone to turn to, individuals may resort to problematic behaviors. Understanding the root cause of anxiety is crucial for initiating the healing process.

Rather than navigating anxiety independently, seeking help from an experienced therapist is a viable option. Anxiety treatment provides a structured approach to confront fears and regain genuine happiness.

Do you often feel drained and exhausted for no particular reason? Do you find yourself lacking the energy for activities you once enjoyed? Has this led to a sense of isolation from your social circle? Do you feel emotionally detached from everything happening in your life? Are you growing increasingly pessimistic about your future?

It's possible that you feel physically tired all the time, regardless of how much you sleep. Each morning brings the challenge of wondering how to get through the day, and even the simplest tasks feel daunting. Alternatively, negative thoughts may lead to sleepless nights, accompanied by headaches after hours of tossing and turning.

Attempts to share your feelings with loved ones may be hindered by the fear that they won't understand. You might have noticed a growing distance from friends since your symptoms began, making it difficult to reach out due to a sense of isolation.

Despite missing the person you used to be, hope for your future may be difficult. You long to genuinely experience happiness again but are uncertain about how to shift your perspective or change your circumstances. These symptoms and feelings could be a sign of depression.

With depression treatment, you can rediscover joy, rekindle your interest in hobbies, and reconnect with loved ones.

Many people suffer from depression in silence. Despite being a prevalent mental health condition, depression is often stigmatized, preventing those who suffer from realizing how many others share similar symptoms.

Overcoming depression without treatment is challenging due to exhaustion and a lack of energy. Additionally, individuals with depression may hesitate to seek treatment due to a perceived lack of self-worth.

Societal standards, promoting "toxic positivity," contribute to the prevalence of conditions like depression. The pressure to stay positive may encourage people to hide their struggles, leading to solitary battles.

Here at Irise Mental Health and Wellness Services, we create a space where you can get the support that you need. Through therapy, individuals can build self-esteem, manage depression symptoms in healthy ways, and develop beneficial behavioral and thought patterns.

Experience of trauma manifests as an emotional aftermath triggered by exposure to highly distressing events, where the threat to life or a profound loss of safety and control is evident. These events cover a spectrum, including violence, sexual abuse, natural disasters, accidents, military combat, neglect, or death, each having the potential to elicit traumatic responses.

The consequences of trauma often result in profound psychological distress, possibly leading to conditions like PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Individuals navigating trauma may grapple with overwhelming emotions, a pervasive sense of insecurity, and a loss of control. Overcoming trauma involves allowing feelings and sensations to be processed, enabling both the body and mind to cope effectively.

Recognizing Trauma

Consider the following indicators to determine if you have experienced trauma:

• Heightened jumpiness at sudden sounds or movements.

• Unexplained mood swings.

• Persistent feelings of unsafety.

• Frequent awakening from distressing dreams.

• Constant vigilance, seeking exits, or avoiding stressful situations.

• Maintaining a protective stance, anticipating danger.

• Using substances to cope with pain and negative thoughts.

• Isolation from family and loved ones due to heightened reactions and anxiety.

It is also imperative to consider intergenerational trauma, which can be termed a “passing down” of trauma that can cause psychological distress and affect one’s physical and mental well-being. Trauma, like a tide, can create ripples and engrained perceptions and behaviors that carry on through generations.

Symptoms of intergenerational trauma include:

• Emotional numbing and depersonalization

• Unresolved and complicated grief

• Isolation and withdrawal

• Hyper-vigilance

• Fearfulness

• Anger and irritability

• Inability to connect with others

• Lack of trust of others

• Substance abuse

• Recurring thoughts of death, dying, and suicide

For school-age children or teens, the signs may be more obvious inside an academic setting. For example:

• Disciplinary issues

• Poor grades

• Cutting classes

• Dropping out

When observing a family collectively, there are trends that warrant closer examination, e.g.

• Any talk about feelings is dismissed and viewed as “weakness”

• Acute over-protectiveness of children and elderly family members — even when no danger is present

• Very tepid emotional responses to extreme events

• Very wary of “outsiders”

• Falling easily into conflict with each other and those “outsiders”

Therapy offers a confidential and non-judgmental haven where individuals can become aware of the impact of trauma, process it, and break free from its grip. A skilled therapist guides clients in understanding their trauma deeply, facilitating healing at a pace comfortable for them.

Building a trusting relationship with a therapist is crucial for unlocking and healing trauma wounds. At iRise Mental Health and Wellness Services, we utilize proven therapeutic modalities and techniques to expertly support individuals on their journey to process trauma and rebuild their lives.