A Holistic Approach to Working with Adults in Colorado
Anxiety
There is a normal and healthy range of anxiety. But when it becomes all-consuming and you spend more time fighting off worrisome thoughts than being present in the moment it is helpful to address anxiety.
Anxiety will generally show up as trouble relaxing, stressors from day-to-day life, overactive nervous system, easily overwhelmed or overstimulated, overthinking with trouble moving through thoughts, uncomfortable physical sensations such as:
increased heart rate, headaches, headaches, dizziness, sweating.
Here are some of the anxiety disorders we work through:
-Generalized anxiety
-Panic Disorder
-Social anxiety
-Separation anxiety
Here are some of the mood disorders we work through:
-Major depression
-Bipolar Disorder
-Adjustment disorder
Mood Disorders
As humans it is normal to feel sad and ebb and flow through moods. Mood disorders tend to be more intense, last longer and harder to manage than normal feelings causing an interruption with the individual’s life and goals. Depending on the mood disorder, a person may have different symptoms and together we will work to better identify and label. Mood disorders generally present symptoms of feeling hopeless, low to no interest in normal activities, decreased energy or motivation, changes in sleep (not enough or too much), changes in appetite and weight, trouble focusing and sustaining concentration and negative changes in mood such as irritability and isolation. If presenting for bipolar there is an added mood cycle containing elevated energy, activity, decreased need for sleep, higher impulsivity in behaviors that have risks for negative consequences, increased rapid thoughts, and more agitation in mood.
Trauma
Trauma refers to exposure to harmful stimuli occurring once or overtime that creates an overwhelming emotional response. Some common causes of trauma are abuse/assault, natural disasters, accidents, death and serious injury. Most traumas are categorized as PTSD, but it is important to know that it can manifest into depression, anxiety, reduction in self-esteem, relational and trust issues and other adverse mental and emotional health outcomes.
Trauma related symptoms can be present in the following ways: Increased intrusive symptoms such as flashbacks or distressing memories, increased emotional arousal such as feeling on edge, irritable or depressed, behavioral outbursts, trouble concentrating and physical discomfort internally.
How can therapy help?
At Ascend Wellness, it is understood that mental health conditions and symptoms are not simply stored in our cognitive memory. The body’s nervous system houses many symptoms of mental health. Together in therapy, we will work together to develop an understanding of how different mental health symptoms are affected by the brain and nervous system and manifested through bodily sensations, thoughts and actions. Additionally, we will work together to identify goals, develop practical tools to help self-regulate, address cognitive and behavioral patterns and while developing compassion towards self.
