Anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone feels at some point in their lives. It can be caused by a variety of things, such as work stress, family problems, or looming deadlines. For some people, however, anxiety can become so overwhelming that it interferes with daily life. This is especially true in cases of trauma-based anxiety.
What is Trauma-Based Anxiety?
There are many things that can bring on anxiety, but trauma is one of the most common causes.
Trauma-based anxiety can be caused by any type of traumatic event. This could be something like a car accident, a natural disaster, or even a violent crime.
If you witness or experience something that is life-threatening or causes serious injury, it can lead to trauma-based anxiety.
When someone experiences a traumatic event, it can have a lasting effect on their mental and emotional health. Trauma-based anxiety can make it hard to go about your daily life, and can even lead to PTSD.
No matter what the cause, trauma-based anxiety can have a profound effect on a person’s life. It can cause problems with work, relationships, and everyday activities. Symptoms of trauma-based anxiety can include:
- avoiding people or places that trigger memories of the event
- intrusive thoughts or images of the event
- nightmares
- insomnia
- hypervigilance
Self-Care Strategies For Dealing With Anxiety
First, it is important to understand that everyone reacts to anxiety differently. What works for one person may not work for another. It is important to find what works best for you.
One common method is relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation. These can help to calm the body and mind.
Another strategy is to keep a journal. This can be a way to express what you are feeling and help to make sense of your experiences.
It is also important to take care of yourself physically. This means eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. Taking care of yourself will help reduce stress and anxiety.
What is ART Therapy and How May it Assist in Healing Trauma-Based Anxiety?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a type of therapy that is growing in popularity due to its effectiveness in treating anxiety, PTSD, and trauma. ART uses eye movements and other forms of bilateral stimulation to help the brain process and heal from trauma.
Trauma can cause our brains to get stuck in a state of fight-or-flight, which can lead to anxiety, PTSD, and a host of other mental and physical health problems. ART helps to retrain the brain so that it can process trauma more healthily.
While ART is a relatively new type of therapy, it is quickly gaining popularity due to its effectiveness. The therapy is based on the premise that when we experience trauma, our brains can become stuck in a state of hyperarousal, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.
However, by using eye movements and imaginal exposure during therapy, ART therapy can help the brain reprocess the memory, reducing its emotional intensity and restoring balance.
ART is an incredibly effective therapy for both anxiety and trauma, and it can help anxiety sufferers regain control of their life.
If you are struggling with anxiety, particularly if it is related to a traumatic event, ART therapy may be worth exploring. Talk to your mental health professional to see if this treatment could be right for you.
For those seeking training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy and to learn more about integrating ART therapy into trauma treatment, reach out to Colleen Clark Consulting.
References:
https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/accelerated-resolution-therapy-ptsdÂ
https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/mind/stress/why-deep-breathing-makes-you-feel-so-chill
https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/trauma
www.acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com
www.artherapyinternational.org
https://www.verywellmind.com/hyperarousal-2797362