Is It Just Stress… or Something More? When to Consider Anxiety Counseling in Erie, PA
“I’m just stressed,” you say when your partner’s brow furrows over their morning coffee, and again when your coworker gives a concerned glance across the meeting table, and again when the mom next to you in the school pickup line frowns at you, and again to yourself when you notice your dark circles in the mirror before bed.
You’re trying your best to juggle everything, but you’re feeling overwhelmed with being tasked with yet another project at work (forget the six things that are already behind, right?), finding the best ways to get your kids to eat their veggies (hiding them in mac and cheese hasn’t worked yet), and fending off your mother in law’s criticisms about how you keep house (I’d be able to keep my house spotless if I was a stay at home Boomer too, BRENDA).
Despite all attempts to manage, you’re starting to wonder if this is more than just stress. If something might actually be wrong. Guess what? It’s actually really hard to distinguish between normal, everyday stress and symptoms of anxiety disorders - especially in today’s day and age, where stress and anxiety seem to be everywhere you turn. We’re here to help you understand these differences, so that you can better understand your needs and determine if you could benefit from anxiety counseling in Erie, PA.
Understanding the Difference: Stress vs. Anxiety
Stress is typically a reaction to something specific - for example, your boss throwing another file on your desk, having a tough conversation with a friend, or a traffic jam on the Bayfront Parkway. Because this reaction is tied to a specific situation, it tends to last only as long as the situation does - once you’ve had the conversation, filed the documents, and finally pulled into your driveway, the stress usually subsides.
Anxiety, however, is more persistent than stress. While it’s sometimes tied to a specific situation, it doesn’t have to be, and can come up or linger even without a specific stressor. Often, anxiety relates to the future - worrying about what could happen rather than what has already happened.
Signs That Your Stress Could Be “Something More”
How long it lasts: If you’re feeling stressed at some level most of the time, especially if it’s continued for weeks or months, you might be experiencing anxiety.
More intense: If your stress feels worse than it has in the past, despite no major changes in your life, you might be experiencing anxiety.
Physical symptoms: While both stress and anxiety can cause physical issues, anxiety is more likely to cause these issues. If you’re feeling winded, your heart is racing, or you’re experiencing stomach aches without any tangible reason, you might be experiencing anxiety.
Its impact on your daily life: While stress is heavy, it doesn’t tend to get in the way of things you want or need to do. If you’re noticing that your stress seems to make getting things done at work impossible, is distancing you from your loved ones, or makes it hard to really enjoy all the things you usually enjoy, you’re probably experiencing anxiety.
The “What If” spiral: Are you finding yourself constantly worrying about what could happen - “what if I get fired?” “What if I get in a car crash?” “What if my partner is cheating on me?” - even if (especially if) there’s no clear reason to be worrying? If so, you’re likely experiencing anxiety.
Avoiding important responsibilities or enjoyed activities: If you’re holing up at home, avoiding making that important phone call, or playing hooky from work or school frequently, anxiety may be to blame.
Why This Matters
Living in PA has a lot of pressures. Between the ever-changing seasons, the tough economy, and the political pressures of living in a (pretty much the) purple swing state, we’re all going through it! And that’s just the basic stressors of being a human in PA, that we all accept as just being part of life as a Pennsylvanian - let alone your unique struggles and challenges.
Rest assured that both stress and anxiety (whichever you’re experiencing, or even both) are normal, and don’t mean something is wrong with you, or that you’re going crazy. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 40 million adults in the United States have qualified for a diagnosis of anxiety disorder within the past year alone. 31.9% of adolescents have qualified as well. You are not alone. It can be challenging to acknowledge that there is a problem and to reach out for help. Please know that deciding to seek out anxiety therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness - there’s no contest to see who can handle their anxiety alone the best, and having a professional to help you can make your journey to improved mental health less painful and easier to accomplish.
How Anxiety Counseling in Erie, PA, Can Help
Anxiety therapists help their clients to live their lives without the weight of their anxious thoughts. They work closely with you to identify where anxiety is limiting you, what steps you can take to get back to a more valuable life, and what resources you need to get you there, such as coping strategies, different ways of thinking, and support persons, just to name a few. Your anxiety therapist will tailor their approach to your unique needs, so that you come away from therapy feeling empowered to take charge of your life. At Metamorphosis Counseling, our therapists can help you truly understand yourself and your symptoms, so that you can finally experience relief.
Conclusion from an Anxiety Therapist in Erie, PA
Stress is a normal part of life - but persistent anxiety is a sign that something needs to change. You are not crazy, nor are you weak - you just need some help. Trust yourself - if something feels off, overwhelming, or too scary, reach out to us. Contact our intake department and get started on your metamorphosis to the best version of yourself!
Take the Next Step Toward Relief with Anxiety Counseling in Erie, PA
If stress has started to feel heavier than you can manage alone, it may be time to explore how counseling can support your well-being. At Metamorphosis Counseling, our caring therapists are here to help you untangle the cycle of worry, find healthier ways to cope, and build the resilience you need to move forward with confidence.
Here’s how to get started:
Call 814-273-6270 or fill out our contact form to connect with our team.
Schedule your first anxiety counseling session with a compassionate anxiety counselor in Erie, PA.
Begin your journey toward calm and clarity, knowing you have steady support every step of the way.
Additional Therapeutic Support at Metamorphosis Counseling
In addition to providing anxiety therapy in Erie, PA, our team offers trauma-focused counseling to help clients work through painful experiences, child and teen therapy to build resilience and support healthy development, and convenient online therapy for those who prefer the flexibility and privacy of virtual sessions from home.
