Anxiety

Phrases like “I have anxiety” and “I’m feeling really anxious” are commonly used, but their true meaning can sometimes be overlooked. Anxiety disorders can manifest in various symptoms, some of which include:

  • Feeling nervous, restless or tense

  • A sense of impending danger

  • Increased heart rate

    Breathing rapidly 

  • Sweating or trembling

  • Feeling weak or tired

  • Trouble concentrating and being present

  • Difficulty falling asleep 

  • Gastrointestinal (GI) problems

  • Difficulty controlling worry

Lesser known symptoms: 

  • Perfectionism 

  • Indecisiveness 

  • Avoidance 

  • Hyper-fixation or rumination 

  • Urgency for things to happen quickly 

  • Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness

  • Irritability or short temper 

  • Headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches or unexplained pains 

  • Nausea or dizziness

While we can’t completely avoid feeling nervous at times, we can work together to ease these overwhelming symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Eating Disorders

The development of an eating disorder can be influenced by various factors, including social pressures from family, friends, and society. For some, eating disorders can be a way to feel in control, often linked to underlying issues like anxiety, depression, or OCD. Once established, these behaviors can become overwhelming and rigid, making it difficult to be flexible with daily life.

Eating disorders encompass a wide range of harmful eating behaviors that lead to emotional distress and impair daily functioning. Here are the most common types:

Binge Eating Disorder

  • Consuming large amounts of food quickly, often in secret, until feeling uncomfortably full

  • Feeling a lack of control during episodes of binge eating

  • Experiencing shame, disgust, or guilt about binge eating

Bulimia Nervosa

  • Repeated episodes of binge eating with a loss of control

  • Engaging in purging behaviors to avoid weight gain

  • Self-esteem is heavily influenced by body image and weight

Anorexia Nervosa 

  • Extreme restriction of food intake

  • Intense fear of gaining weight and an obsessive pursuit of thinness

  • Distorted body image

In addition to these, there are disordered eating habits that, while not officially recognized as diagnoses, have become more prevalent in recent years:

Orthorexia

  • Obsessive focus on healthy eating

  • Eating habits that disrupt daily life and social interactions

  • Compulsive checking of ingredient lists and nutritional labels

  • Obsessively following fitness influencers and “healthy lifestyle” accounts on social media

Purging

  • Using purging behaviors such as vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, or excessive exercise to control weight

Together, we’ll work on releasing some of this need for control, so you can fully enjoy life.

Relationships

While relationships themselves aren’t a diagnosis or symptom of mental illness, they can be significantly impacted when someone is struggling mentally. Our ability to thrive often depends on our connections with others and having a reliable support system. In our sessions, we’ll explore topics such as personal and group identity, healthy communication, boundary setting, and generational trauma. Understanding and improving these aspects can lead to healthier and more fulfilling relationships.

Even the most complicated relationships can hold value. By addressing underlying issues and learning new ways to connect, we can find growth and healing. Together, we’ll work on fostering positive interactions and building the skills needed to nurture supportive, meaningful connections in your life.

Book a free 15-minute consultation call.

Ready to take the first step of your therapeutic journey?