Trauma
Trauma is conceptualized as an event that exceeds your ability to cope. It is a subjective experience, meaning that what feels traumatic to one person may not to another. Trauma can impact perceptions of safety, trust, power/control, esteem, intimacy, and can sometimes lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Anxiety
There are two types of anxiety: physical and mental. Physical anxiety symptoms, often referred to as panic symptoms or panic attacks, include increased heart rate, tightness in chest, difficulty breathing, sweatiness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, and even a feeling of impending doom.
Mental anxiety, commonly known as worry, manifests through fear, restlessness, overthinking, trouble sleeping, or expecting the worst outcome in a situation. Both types of anxiety signal perceived danger, prompting us to take action to keep ourselves safe. However, in anxiety disorders, false alarms are constantly going off in relatively safe situations, such as talking to new people, using an elevator, preparing for a work trip.
People with anxiety often avoid situations or experiences to minimize the likelihood of panic or worry. Although avoidance frequently creates a sense of safety and control, it can lead to missed opportunities for meaningful activities and connections.
If you’re looking for immediate strategies to control your anxiety before connecting with a therapist or psychologist, download our free guide: 6 Strategies for Controlling Your Anxiety.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD can manifest in various forms, with most people experiencing both obsessions andcompulsions. Obsessions are intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety or distress. In an attempt to manage these experiences, people often try to ignore or suppress them, leading to compulsion behaviors.
Compulsions can be visible actions, such as checking the locks a certain number of times, washing hands, or mental rituals, such as counting to a certain number or repeating a certain phrase. Both types of compulsions are guided by rigid and strict rules that are aimed at reducing or preventing anxiety or distress caused by obsessions.
OCD often leads to avoidance of people, places, or situations to prevent triggering obsessions or subsequent compulsions. Similar to anxiety, avoidance gives a sense of safety and control in the short-term but interferes with relationships (both with yourself and others), work, school, or passions.
Are You Experiencing Anxiety or OCD?
It’s important to remember that you can take control of these challenging thoughts and feelings. Partnering with a psychologist specializing in anxiety disorders and OCD treatment can equip you with the tools to lead an enjoyable life. Begin your journey with Vivid Psychology Group by calling or filling out an online form today.
