Asheville, NC Anxiety and Depression Therapy—Therapists and Counselors

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, and approximately 40 million adults struggle with one each year. In the midst of their struggle, people with anxiety or depression may hear things like…

“If you are stressed out, breathe deeply and count to ten. It’s going to be just fine.”

“Get some sleep. Life is always better when you are rested.”

“Meditation might help you. Have you tried yoga?”

“Taking a walk outside helps me feel better. You should try it.”

Without question, loved ones who give such advice usually do so from a desire to help, but the challenge is that anxiety and depression are not temporary moodiness. They are serious mental health disorders, and just as people need to see a doctor for serious health problems, they need to work with a mental health professional for anxiety and depression. Effective treatments are available.

More than a mood swing, anxiety and depression have severe and long-term symptoms. They make daily life more difficult if not impossible, and focusing upon what matters often takes a lot of strength. These difficulties are not phases that come and go, but skilled counselors and therapists can guide their clients toward treatments that can reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression’s severity and longevity. The staff at Thriveworks Asheville Counseling understands the challenges that anxiety and depression can bring to an individual’s life, and we also understand the treatment options available. We have helped many clients find the option that works for them. If you’re interested in depression and/or anxiety treatment at Thriveworks Asheville Counseling, simply give our office a call!

Not Just the Blues: Anxiety and Depression

Depression and anxiety are mood disorders and two of the most common mental illnesses. In particular, a form of anxiety disorders will affect about 1 in 4 adults at some point in their life time. Panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder are examples of anxiety disorders. While the two diagnoses of depression and anxiety are separate, they are related—about half of people who have depression will also have an anxiety disorder too. What does it feel like to live with anxiety and/or depression?

“Depression is the most unpleasant thing I have ever experienced. . .
It is that absence of being able to envisage that
you will ever be cheerful again. The absence of hope.”
– J.K. Rowling

A distinguishing symptom of anxiety and depression is disruptions—daily life becomes harder in almost every way, including…

• Consistent and overwhelming feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, and sadness.
• Disinterest in one’s hobbies or activities that were once considered fun.
• Suicidal idealization or attempts.
• Psychosomatic pain.

If you have experienced these symptoms, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. If someone you love is experiencing them, then consider speaking to them about seeking help. When people are diagnosed with a serious illness, such as cancer or diabetes, it is imperative that they work with medical professionals for their care. The dynamic is no different for people facing serious mental illness like anxiety and depression. Effective treatments are available, and a skilled therapist can often help people avoid many of the devastating toll anxiety and depression can take from people’s lives.

Anxiety and Depression’s Effects on the Body

When mental illness strikes, the effects can be far-reaching. Everyone’s mind and body are interconnected, and mental illness can affect one’s body. For example, people who struggle with depression and anxiety may also see these effects upon their bodies…

• Difficulty Focusing: Anxiety and depression often spark negative thinking and disrupt individual’s ability to concentrate. Simple tasks become overly complex and everyday functioning becomes incredibly difficult.
• Sleep Disruptions: Hypersomnia and insomnia are both common effects of anxiety and depression. For some people, they cannot fall asleep, sleep throughout the night, or wake refreshed. For others, they want to sleep all hours of the day.
• Indecisiveness: Anxiety and depression often leaves people stuck. Unable to make a decision or move forward, people find they hesitate and procrastinate. Indecisiveness plagues their daily life from big decisions to small ones.
• Feeling of Fatigue: Listlessness often plagues people who have anxiety and/or depression. These mental illnesses can deplete and demotivate people. Lack of energy is a common problem people with anxiety or depression face. People may also experience slowed reaction times.
• Sporadic Eating Habits: Just as with sleeping habits, some people may eat uncontrollably while others may not be able to lift a spoon to their mouth. For many people, they may even swing between the two.

Treating Anxiety and Depression at Thriveworks Asheville Counseling

While there are effective treatments, there are no silver bullets for anxiety and depression. Relief often comes through a commitment to treatment over time. Skilled therapists can help people find the treatment plan that works for their particular body and symptoms, but in general, anxiety and depression often respond best to a multi-faceted approach to treatment—an approach that combines a form of talk-based therapy and medication.

If you are ready to meet with a mental health professional to find the right combination of treatment, know that Thriveworks Asheville has appointments available. We are ready to meet with you! Keep in mind:

• When you contact our office, know that we accept most forms of insurance.
• Weekend and evening appointments are available.
• We do our best to get clients in within 24 hours for their first appointment.

Let’s work together to fight anxiety and depression. Call Thriveworks Asheville Counseling today.