Feeling Anxious? Try These Practical Tools from Beckloff Behavioral Health Center

Feeling Anxious? Try These Practical Tools from Beckloff Behavioral Health Center

Dean Beckloff • January 29, 2025

Do you feel stuck in a cycle of worry? Are you constantly anticipating the worst?

 

Anxiety is a common experience. It is estimated that 31.1% of U.S. adults have experienced an anxiety disorder at some time in their lives.

 

But you don't have to live like this.

 

Beckloff Behavioral Health Center in Dallas will equip you with the tools for overcoming anxiety so that you manage it effectively.

 


What Is Anxiety?


Anxiety is a natural response to stressful situations and can be useful in helping us avoid danger.



But when it becomes excessive and interferes with our daily lives, it can be a sign of an anxiety disorder.


Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue in the United States. It can manifest in various forms, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.


The symptoms of anxiety can vary from person to person, but some of the most common signs include:


●    Excessive worry and fear

●    Difficulty concentrating

●    Muscle tension and aches

●    Restlessness and feeling on edge

●    Difficulty sleeping

●    Fatigue

●    Irritability

●    Panic attacks

●    Avoidance of certain situations or activities


What are the Causes of Anxiety?


The exact cause of anxiety is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.


Some of the potential causes of anxiety include:


●    Family history of anxiety or other mental health disorders

●    Traumatic experiences, such as abuse or a significant loss

●    Chronic stress

●    Personality traits, such as perfectionism or low self-esteem


Beckloff Behavioral Health Center’s Evidence-Based Tools for Overcoming Anxiety


While anxiety can feel overwhelming, there are many tools and techniques that can help you manage it effectively.


Here are some strategies that we use in our anxiety treatment at Beckloff Behavioral Health Center:


●    Deep Breathing: Slow, deep breaths can activate your body’s relaxation response and reduce feelings of stress and tension.

Practice taking slow, deep breaths through your nose and out through your mouth whenever you feel anxious. 


●    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety.


Through CBT, you can learn how to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and develop more effective coping strategies. 

●    Exposure Therapy: Exposure therapy is a form of behavioral therapy that helps people confront their fears in a safe and controlled environment.


By gradually exposing yourself to the things that trigger your anxiety, you can learn to manage your reactions and reduce the fear associated with them.


●    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT focuses on accepting your thoughts and feelings without judgment and committing to taking action toward your values.


By learning to accept your anxiety and commit to making positive changes, you can reduce its impact on your life.


●    Dialectal Therapy: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) combines elements of CBT and mindfulness to help people manage intense emotions and improve relationships.


Through DBT, you can learn skills for regulating your emotions, tolerating distress, and communicating effectively with others.


At Beckloff Behavioral Health Center, we're dedicated to helping you build resilience and regain control of your mental health through our supportive and evidence-based anxiety treatment.


Book an appointment with us today.


By Dean Beckloff April 21, 2025
If your child or teen struggles to cope with overwhelming challenges, specialized counseling offers the support they need. Discover how it can be a lifeline.
Addressing Mental Health Challenges
By Dean Beckloff April 15, 2025
As young adults transition from adolescence to adulthood, they often face new and complex challenges that can impact their mental health. Young adult mental health counseling offers a supportive space where individuals can express their feelings, work through their concerns, and build coping strategies. This blog post explores how counseling can be a valuable tool for navigating these challenges and promoting mental wellness during this critical time. What are Common Mental Health Issues Faced by Young Adults? Some common mental health issues that young adults deal with include: 1. Anxiety Disorders: Many young adults experience heightened anxiety, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and panic attacks. These can stem from pressures related to school, work, the economy, relationships, or the uncertainty of future plans. 2. Depression: This is a prevalent issue among young adults, manifesting through persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, feelings of hopelessness, and fatigue. The pressures of adult responsibilities and social comparisons often contribute to these feelings. 3. Stress: The numerous changes and expectations associated with young adulthood—like college life, entering the workforce, and forming serious relationships—can lead to significant stress. What are the Benefits of Counseling for Young Adults? Therapy for young adults can provide a safe space to explore and understand your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Here are some of the key advantages: 1. Improved Emotional Management: Counseling helps young adults develop better emotional management strategies. This is crucial as they face the ups and downs of adult life, from work stress to relationship issues. 2. Enhanced Self-Understanding: Through counseling, young adults gain deeper insights into their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. This self-awareness can lead to better decision-making and increased confidence. 3. Development of Coping Skills: Counselors are knowledgeable about coping skills for young adults, helping them develop and refine coping strategies for handling stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. 4. Improved Relationships: Counseling can help young adults understand and improve their relationships with peers, family, and romantic partners, teaching them effective communication and conflict-resolution skills. 5. Reduction in Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders: Regular counseling for mental health can significantly help young adults manage anxiety, depression and other conditions, improving overall well-being. 6. Career Guidance: Therapy for young adults provides career advice, helping them understand their strengths and interests and how these align with potential career paths. What are Some Evidence-Based Coping Strategies for Young Adults? Young adults can benefit from a variety of evidence-based coping strategies and techniques to improve their mental health and manage stress. Here are some effective approaches they can incorporate into their daily lives: 1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Techniques: CBT techniques like cognitive restructuring can help identify and challenge negative thought patterns. Journaling and thought records can assist in recognizing cognitive distortions and replacing them with healthier thoughts. 2. Activity Therapy (Expressive Arts Therapies): These approaches include creative processes like painting, music, dance, and drama to help explore and express emotions, increase self-awareness, and cope with depressive symptoms. 3. Exercise and Physical Activity: Regular exercise is proven to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Even short walks or a few minutes of stretching can boost mood and improve overall health. 4. Sleep Hygiene: Establishing a consistent sleep routine and creating a relaxing bedtime environment can enhance sleep quality, which is crucial for mental well-being. Mental Support for Young Adults Available in Dallas, TX At Beckloff Behavioral Health Center , our psychologists and counselors use evidence-based coping strategies to help young adults manage stress and build resilience in life's challenges. Book an appointment today to receive the expert assistance you need.
Emotional Resilience
By Dean Beckloff April 7, 2025
When life feels overwhelming, bouncing back can be tough. This blog post uncovers the science behind emotional resilience and explores how it helps you thrive.
MORE POST