Mental health problems and disorders that undermine emotional well-being can take many different forms, but in practice, a large part of those who find themselves in the need to go to psychotherapy suffer from anxiety.
And both anxiety disorders and excess anxiety that is not considered psychopathological are among the most common reasons for consultation, and they also occur very frequently among those who do not go to the psychologist despite needing it.
The latter occurs because, among other things, resigning oneself to suffering stress and anxiety-type disorders is very normalized; There are many who take for granted that this discomfort is an irremediable part of life and the efforts that must be made to “move forward.”
However, the truth is that these dysfunctional beliefs are precisely a brake on personal and professional development: not seeing that these situations deserve to be managed with professional help is part of the problem.
What are the benefits of going to the psychologist for anxiety problems?
Among the psychological alterations associated with excess or poor management of anxiety, there are many variations, but they all have in common that can be treated effectively through psychotherapy.
Therefore, here we will review the main reasons why going to a psychologist is beneficial to overcome anxiety problems.
1. It allows you to detect problematic ways of dealing with anxiety
In the absence of psychological support, It is easy for those who suffer from an anxiety problem to develop a certain routine or habit to deal with this.
In many cases, these behavioral patterns are not limited to providing momentary relief from discomfort; Furthermore, they are added problems in themselves. Clear examples of this are found in those who “eliminate tension” by binge eating, smoking or consuming alcoholic beverages, or even through self-harm.
Therapy helps to become aware of this type of problematic behavior and to stop them in their tracks, providing alternatives to reduce discomfort.
2. Helps to better understand the source of that anxiety
Self-knowledge is another of the pillars of psychotherapy applied to anxiety problems.
In this case, The patient is trained in certain procedures that serve to adopt a broad point of view about what is happening to him on an emotional level. without getting “caught” by the obsessions and recurring thoughts that in other situations would have completely captured the person’s attention focus without letting it go.
3. It serves to let go of problematic beliefs
Anxiety is almost always based on dysfunctional beliefs that we cling to without realizing that they only serve to perpetuate the problem. Negative ideas about oneself, catastrophic predictions about what will happen to us… mental contents that work against us instead of preparing us for real dangers and risks.
For this reason, the psychologist’s consultation also helps people detect and question those deeply internalized erroneous beliefs.
4. Helps preserve sleep quality
One of the first victims of anxiety problems is our ability to sleep well. Furthermore, not getting enough rest has very negative effects on mental health, and in fact, it also exposes us more to anxiety and stress, thus creating a vicious circle. Therefore, in psychotherapy we work on making the person develop behavioral patterns aimed at preventing sleeping problems.
5. It is useful to prevent anxiety from deteriorating social relationships
Anxiety problems are not only reflected in what happens to the person who develops them, but also has implications for the way in which the person interacts with others. In this sense, going to the psychologist also serves to that the individual has tools to manage this propensity for frustration, irritability and, ultimately, little patience characteristic of those who are anxious.
6. It makes it possible to overcome one’s own fears
Almost always, when faced with an anxiety problem, It is necessary to learn to face something that awakens fear or anxiety in us. In therapy, the tools are given to achieve this by going through an ascending difficulty curve adapted to the capabilities that the patient has at that given moment, with the supervision of the psychologist.
7. If possible, the person’s family members are advised
Many times, in therapy we also work with the person’s loved ones so that, in the family or couple environment, they act as assistants in the therapeutic process. Yes, it is done without violating the confidentiality of private information poured into the sessions.
Are you looking for psychological assistance for anxiety?
If you want to have professional support for the discomfort caused by anxiety, you can count on us. The team of psychotherapists Vibra Wellness We will assist you by addressing your specific case with the most personalized attention, either in person at our center in Madrid or through online therapy via video call.