Specialized Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder & High-Functioning Anxiety in Mississippi

People with generalized anxiety tend to worry about a wide range of issues, often feeling tense throughout the day. Instead of focusing on a single topic, they may worry about:

• Being late or staying on top of every task

• Health, grades, and the family budget

• Relationships and the whereabouts of family members

• The well-being of their children

This person often finds it difficult to be flexible and to let things unfold naturally. This is sometimes called high-functioning anxiety because the individual operates at a high level but struggles to manage anxiety when stress is high, often finding it hard to take decisive action on their worries.

Understanding the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

In addition to the mental worries and ruminating that go with anxiety, many people notice physical symptoms. These can include:

• Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) or palpitations

• Headaches and tension headaches

• Physical Tension: Cold fingers, muscle tightness, or trembling

• Digestive Issues: “Butterflies,” stomach cramps, or dry mouth

• Sensory/Sleep: Feeling “on edge,” insomnia, fatigue, and poor concentration

The Worry Cycle (and how it tricks you)

Dr. David Barlow describes anxiety as “a future-oriented mood state in which one is ready or prepared to attempt to cope with upcoming negative events.” If you or someone you love has been struggling for a long time, you’ll recognize the cycle of trying to manage all of the “what-ifs” that could occur in the future.

Ironically, trying to over-manage things that can’t be addressed only leads to increased anxiety. There may be a temporary reduction in stress as you research or try to perfect your environment, but that relief doesn’t last when you slip into trying to manage the unmanageable or fixing worries for which you have no evidence.

How We Break the Cycle

The way out is to learn how to skillfully manage what can be managed and how to let go of (or postpone) worrying about issues we can’t take immediate action on. We also focus on taking care of our bodies to mitigate physical symptoms; breaking the worry cycle often helps these symptoms lessen naturally.

Coping skills are great, but they work best when irrational beliefs and avoidance patterns are eliminated. Breaking this cycle takes work, but you’ll learn an attitude shift of moving toward risk for the sake of what matters to you—skills you can carry for a lifetime.

Is Medicine the Only Option for Lowering Anxiety?

High-quality research shows that while some medicines help lower anxiety, a combination of medicine and therapy is more effective than medicine alone. Many people desire to get off medication due to unwanted side effects.

Specialized anxiety therapy can often help you reach that goal. You can learn how to put healthy limits on your worried mind, grow in courage, and be more present for the activities you love. If medicine is helping you do that, we will work with you to stay on it. If not, we will work on a plan to help you feel strong enough to wean off under the guidance of a medical professional.

Aiming for Lasting Change and Confidence

Our hope is that you will gain insights into your story and tangible skills to skillfully and compassionately handle your anxious mind for the rest of your life. The goal is to “graduate” from therapy with the perspectives and self-compassion necessary to feel confident in the face of anxiety.

People who struggle with anxiety often have unique gifts and talents. The key is learning how to channel the productive parts of your mind for the betterment of the world around you. Our aim is to hear you, help you make sense of your struggles, and help you put anxiety in its proper place so it doesn't run your life.

Ready to find a different way forward?

We offer specialized anxiety treatment for residents across Mississippi via secure Telehealth or in-person at our Brandon, MS office.