Online Anxiety Counseling

A Better Way: The Book

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Eleanor Brown Counseling

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A Better Way: The Podcast

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A Better Way: The Book / Eleanor Brown Counseling / A Better Way: The Podcast /

Do you find yourself having a hard time letting things go? Do you play the what-if game and second-guess all the events of your day? Has focusing on daily tasks become like an Olympic sport where you feel like it is just not possible to focus? Do you lie awake at 2 am and just wish that you could shut out all the noise in your head?

When you are living in a state of anxiety, it can feel like you are juggling knives while blindfolded, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Your negative thoughts, fears, and worries become the centerpiece of your life and you can’t make it stop. Everyday tasks can feel so daunting that you have a hard time lifting your head.

Anxiety symptoms are different for everyone but some common ones are feeling of restlessness, panic, and nervousness. You may have trouble sleeping, often due to racing thoughts. Trouble focusing or thinking clearly. You may experience a sense of dread that you are unable to work through.

Experiencing these symptoms may leave you with feelings of incompetence, worthlessness, or shame. These feelings may be accompanied by an inner critic who is extremely busy telling you all the things you could have done better or different. Many times you are left feeling hopeless, alone, and isolated feeling like things could never get any better. When you are feeling high levels of anxiety, it often becomes like a negative feedback loop, the more you try to stop having those feelings, the more you berate yourself for having them, which increases your level of anxiety!

Living with Anxiety

Anxiety can stem from a variety of sources, and the truth is, it's a common experience that many people face at some point in their lives. Not all anxiety is linked to negative events like job loss, relationship breakdowns, or bereavement. In fact, positive life events like weddings, graduations, or having a child can also trigger anxious feelings. It's natural to worry about finding the right job, being a good partner, or being a good parent - these concerns may sound familiar to you.

However, if anxiety is not addressed, it can lead to lower levels of self-worth and self-compassion, as well as increased irritability and depression. This can make it challenging to maintain healthy relationships and may even hinder your productivity. If you find yourself becoming more easily triggered, overwhelmed with panic, or experiencing feelings of shame, fear, or dread, it's possible that you are dealing with an anxiety disorder.

It's important to know that feeling anxious is a normal part of the human experience. You are not alone in this. Everyone goes through challenging life situations like job loss, conflicts with others, divorce, or unexpected changes. These situations can cause stress, fear, and frustration, all of which can easily trigger anxious feelings.

You could be experiencing anxiety if you

  • Find it difficult to focusing

  • Have racing thoughts

  • Trouble falling or staying asleep

  • Fears that may be irrational

  • Easily irritated

  • Excessive worrying

  • Having a sense of looming doom, panic, or danger

  • Emotional attacks of panic or anxiety

  • Tendency to avoid people or places that make you nervous

  • Muscle tension/ headache/trouble breathing/heart racing

Therapy provides a safe and supportive space to help you identify your triggers, address unhealthy behaviors, establish healthy boundaries, and access the support you need during life changes. By working with a therapist, you can develop a solid plan to manage debilitating anxiety and achieve a more fulfilling life.

You don't have to suffer in silence with anxiety, depression, worry, or destructive behaviors. You deserve to have someone who is genuine and supportive by your side as you work towards building a healthy and satisfying life. I am here to provide you with the perspective, coping skills, and tools to control negative self-talk and improve your quality of life, both for yourself and your relationships.

  • “Trust yourself. You’ve survived a lot, and you’ll survive whatever is coming.”

    ― Robert Tew