Anxiety and Depression

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)  is the most frequent mental health diagnosis in the U.S. in 2023.  Surprisingly anxiety and depression often occur together.   This makes sense if you think of it in this way – “I feel anxious that my future will look just like the painful despair in my past.” 

It’s also powerful.  Anxiety can feel so intense that it can put you in an emergency room where you’re told –  “You’re not having a heart attack, you’re having a panic attack.“  It can leave you no longer able to engage life like you used to – and like you still need to.  At this point, the word “disorder“ isn’t just a diagnostic term; it’s a description of what’s beginning to unfold all around you. 

It’s important to remember that the word “generalized“ in General Anxiety Disorder doesn’t mean “uncaused“ or “unknowable”.  It does mean that the specific causes of anxiety need to be sought, better identified and by treatment desensitized.   All emotions have a proper purpose and functional place in life, including anxiety, despair and even anger.   However, out of their proper place and purpose emotions can devastate our life. 

I have been trained in research-based methods  (EMDR, PIT, DBT, IFS… ETC.) and use them according to the individual’s needs. If you’re experiencing emotions (anxiety, despair, or anger) and they’re creating disorder in your life, it would be great to meet you. We can find a better way forward.