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What is Chronic Anxiety?
Chronic anxiety is a long-lasting and persistent state of excessive worry, fear, or unease that goes beyond a normal stress response. Chronic anxiety might interfere with your daily life and have not only physical symptoms, such as muscle tension, shallow breathing, restlessness, and increased heart rate but also cognitive and emotional effects, such as negative thinking and depressed mood.
Anxiety is a normal human response. But when it lasts for too long, it can be exhausting, overwhelming, and isolating. When fear, worry, and unease are a significant part of your week and getting in the way of living your life, you might be suffering from chronic anxiety. Therapy can help.
How to treat Chronic Anxiety?
Therapists have been successfully using treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to treat anxiety for decades. Many of my clients report that reflecting on their thoughts and addressing negative thought patterns have helped them overcome their symptoms.
Mindfulness-based exercises can also help lessen the impact of anxiety-related physical responses, such as panic attacks. In therapy, you can learn practice strategies for calming your body and managing your stress.