How Much Anxiety is Too Much?

Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. Some anxiety can even be a good thing, empowering us to perform at a high level in situations that demand our best.

But how much anxiety is too much? When have we crossed the line between helpful and harmful?

Everyone is different, so the capacity to handle anxiety varies from person to person. Nonetheless, certain behaviors and symptoms can be a sign you’re experiencing too much anxiety. If these sound familiar, it could be time to seek a Northeast Philadelphia anxiety therapist.

Dr. Gene Devers is an experienced provider of anxiety therapy in Northeast Philadelphia. With understanding and compassion, he supports individuals, couples, and families through a variety of life challenges, using his expertise in numerous methodologies to offer a highly personalized approach to every client.

Here are five signs it could be time to seek professional counseling to cope with excessive anxiety.

1. Your anxiety doesn’t seem to have a source.

Typically, anxiety comes from a known source and goes away once the problem has been resolved. You may be experiencing too much anxiety if you can’t name its source, or if it often hits you out of nowhere during an otherwise calm day.

2. Your anxiety keeps you from going out.

Staying away from social events out of fear and self-doubt can be a sign of excessive anxiety. While it’s normal to experience some discomfort when socializing (especially with a new crowd), avoiding people altogether is an indication of constricting stress.

3. Your anxiety is making you physically ill.

Sometimes, anxiety can be severe enough to cause physical symptoms like muscle aches, headaches, trembling, tiredness, stomach issues, trouble sleeping, and other ailments. Becoming physically sick can be a sign your anxiety has crossed the line from helpful to harmful.

4. Your anxiety comes from places and things that don’t make sense.

You might be experiencing excessive anxiety if you’re afraid of places and things that aren’t actually threats. Too much anxiety causes the brain to perceive the world as frightening; if this is your perspective, it could be time to seek help.

5. Your anxiety is giving you panic attacks.

A panic attack is a deeply distressing experience that points to overwhelming anxiety. Anyone experiencing many panic attacks should consider reaching out for professional counseling—there are effective strategies for coping with and preventing these scary episodes.

Reclaim Your Peace: Northeast Philadelphia Stress Therapy

Experiencing too much anxiety can be isolating, but you should know you’re not alone. You should also know there is help available to you.

Dr. Devers provides therapy to people from all walks of life, and has the experience and expertise to guide you to solutions that work for you. Learn more about what therapy is like at Philly Family Life Counseling, and how it can help you work through your challenges and achieve your goals.

Contact Dr. Devers at 215/677-3810 or by emailing Gene@PhillyFamilyLifeCounseling.com.