Anxiety Therapy in Edmonton
Learn about Anxiety
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural part of the human experience — a built-in warning system designed to keep us safe. However, when anxiety becomes overwhelming, persistent, or interferes with daily life, it may signal an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health challenges and can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. They are not a sign of weakness or failure — they are real, treatable conditions involving the brain’s emotional and threat-processing systems.
Here are several different types of anxiety, each with unique features:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Ongoing, excessive worry about many different areas of life, from work to health to everyday decisions.
Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in social situations.
Panic Disorder: Sudden, unexpected panic attacks with symptoms like rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fear of losing control.
Specific Phobias: Intense fear of a specific object or situation (such as flying, heights, spiders, or medical procedures).
Separation Anxiety Disorder: Extreme distress about being apart from loved ones, more common in children but can also affect adults.
Agoraphobia: Fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult, such as crowds, open spaces, or traveling alone.
Each type of anxiety can impact daily life differently, requiring personalized treatment approaches.
Key Characteristics
Excessive Worry
Persistent, uncontrollable fears or concerns about everyday situations, even when there’s little or no immediate threat.
Restlessness
Feeling “on edge,” jittery, or unable to relax, even during quiet moments.
Difficulty Concentrating
Trouble focusing on tasks, conversations, or decisions due to racing thoughts or constant worry.
Muscle Tension
Frequent aches, tightness, clenched jaw, or general body discomfort without clear physical cause.
Sleep Problems
Struggling to fall asleep, stay asleep, or waking up feeling unrested due to anxious thoughts.
Irritability
Becoming easily frustrated, impatient, or emotionally reactive, often triggered by underlying stress or worry.
How Anxiety evolves over time
Children
In children, anxiety might show up as clinginess, difficulty sleeping alone, excessive fears about school performance, or avoidance of unfamiliar situations. Kids may complain of frequent stomachaches or headaches with no medical cause.
Teens
During the teenage years, social anxiety often becomes more prominent. Teens may avoid social gatherings, fear judgment from peers, or experience academic pressure-related anxiety. Increased self-awareness can also lead to heightened worries about the future or one’s identity.
Adults
In adults, anxiety can become chronic if left untreated. It may manifest as persistent overthinking, chronic tension, perfectionism, health anxieties, or fear of making mistakes. Anxiety can impact work performance, relationships, physical health, and overall quality of life. Over time, untreated anxiety can also lead to depression or substance use as coping mechanisms.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing an anxiety disorder typically involves:
Clinical Interviews: Discussing current symptoms, their history, and how they affect daily life.
Standardized Questionnaires: Self-reports or clinician-administered scales help measure the severity and type of anxiety symptoms.
Rule-Outs: Ensuring that symptoms are not better explained by a medical condition, substance use, or another mental health disorder.
Important Diagnostic Considerations:
Symptoms must persist for several months (not just occasional worry).
Symptoms must significantly impair social, academic, occupational, or daily functioning.
Diagnosis is the first step toward understanding — and managing — anxiety in a healthier, more empowered way.
Treatment Options
Anxiety is very treatable — and many people see significant improvements within a relatively short time of beginning care.
Some common treatment options are:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment helping individuals recognize and reframe anxious thoughts, gradually face feared situations, and build stronger coping skills.
Exposure Therapy: For phobias, social anxiety, or panic disorder, exposure therapy helps people gently and systematically confront fears in a safe, supportive environment, reducing avoidance behaviors.
Medication: Anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants can help regulate brain chemistry that contributes to persistent anxiety.
Mindfulness-Based Practices: Mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques can lower stress levels, improve focus, and help regulate the body’s fear responses.
Lifestyle Supports:
Regular physical activity (helps release tension and improve mood)
Sleep hygiene and routines
Healthy nutrition
Limiting caffeine and substance use
Strengths Often Associated with Anxiety
Though anxiety can be distressing, many individuals with anxious tendencies possess unique strengths:
Empathy: Heightened awareness of others’ feelings and needs.
Attention to Detail: Strong ability to notice important subtleties that others might miss.
Preparation and Planning Skills: Thinking ahead, anticipating outcomes, and being organized.
Problem-Solving: Natural drive to find solutions and mitigate risks.
Courage: Facing fears daily requires incredible internal strength and bravery.
Many entrepreneurs, artists, and leaders credit ADHD for fueling their boldness and success.
Our approach
At Crossroads Psychological & Wellness, we recognize that anxiety isn’t just about fear — it’s about a brain trying to protect you.
With the right tools, skills, and compassionate support, you can move from living in fear to living with confidence, calm, and purpose.
We focus on empowering you to understand your mind, reclaim your peace, and build a life that feels safe, meaningful, and fulfilling.
