BVA Counseling Center
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ANXIETY


**Important Disclaimer:
​
This page is for information purposes only. BVA does not recommend any specific therapy modality. BVA does not recommend any provider or course of treatment. This page is designed to provide information to help you understand anxiety, give you some tools for coping, and ideas to talk to your primary care physician about.**

Did you know that anxiety is the most common mental illness in the United States? Did you know anxiety and depression usually occur together? That's right! When you have one you're more likely to have the other as well. Knowing the signs, symptoms, and treatment options is critical to living with these conditions. On this page you can find out information about what anxiety is, warning signs, what to do if you're concerned, evidence-based treatments, skills to cope, and resources.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is our body’s normal reaction to perceived danger or important events.  Anxiety is like an internal alarm system. It alerts us to danger and helps our body prepare to deal with it. For example, it allows you to jump out of the way of a speeding car. It also lets us know when something important is happening and helps us perform at our best. For example, anxiety can prompt you to bring home your textbook to study for a final exam or motivate you to practice for a class presentation. Anxiety is something that everyone experiences from time to time.

Although anxiety protects us in the face of real danger, it can become a problem when it…
  • Goes off when there is no real or immediate danger (e.g., a smoke alarm that goes off when you’re just making toast)
  • Happens a lot
  • Feels pretty intense
  • Is upsetting and causes you distress
  • Stops you from doing fun and important things

Understanding the Biology of Anxiety

**These videos reference each other. Watch the Neuroscience video before the Psychology video**
Neuroscience & Medical Treatment
Psychology & Therapy Treatment
Bottom line- we know that anxiety and the brain are complicated! We are learning more about the brain and how to treat anxiety everyday. The good news is that there is help out there! The next step to getting help is to look at treatments that have been proven to be effective.

Evidence-Based Treatments

There are many therapies and treatments for anxiety. We will list the two therapies that are the most supported by research. BVA does not recommend any specific therapy and does not recommend those listed here over others that are not listed here.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) rests on the idea that thoughts and perceptions influence behavior. Feeling distressed may distort one’s perception of reality. CBT aims to identify harmful thoughts, assess whether they are an accurate depiction of reality, and, if they are not, employ strategies to change them. CBT is appropriate for people of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults. Evidence has mounted that CBT can address numerous conditions, such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and many others. CBT is a preferred modality of therapy among practitioners and insurance companies alike as it can be effective in a brief period of time, generally 5 to 20 sessions, though there is no set timeframe. Research indicates that CBT can be delivered effectively online, in addition to face-to-face therapy sessions.

*Information taken from Psychology Today article here*
Cognitive Distortions: CBT
Automatic Thoughts: CBT
CBT Exercise
Keep in mind this information is to introduce you to CBT. This information does not take the place of therapy and is not intended to be used for medical or psychological intervention. Speak with your primary care physician and your parents to access a mental health professional who specializes in using CBT.

Medication

​There are many different medications that can be prescribed for anxiety. Your primary care doctor or mental health provider can help you decide if medication is right for you, the potential benefits, and potential dangers of taking medications. 

Living with Anxiety

There are activities and coping skills that you can use to live with anxiety. Remember, anxiety is a normal part of life (even if you go to therapy and take medication)! The activities and resources in our Wellness Section are a great place to start. Try out these activities, practice them and see which ones work for you to relieve anxiety before a big test, the big game, or giving that class presentation.

Helpful Apps

There are plenty of free and paid apps out there for anxiety. Make sure you check out the Smartphone Apps page for some ideas to get you started.

Want to Learn More?

These videos are in-depth looks at anxiety disorders as well as biomedical treatments. Both are very detailed and assume you have background knowledge. Watch them for more detailed information on these topics.
Anxiety Disorders
Biomedical Treatments
Accessibility:  Any website accessibility concerns or input you wish to share may be brought to the attention of the webmaster at mwardle@bethelsd.org. The website is the work of many authors and is a dynamic environment. There is the possibility that accessibility difficulties may be encountered.

Limitation of Liability: By using this Website, you agree to absolve Bethel School District and counselors of any liability or loss that you or any other person may incur from use of the information, products or materials that you request or receive through or on our website. You agree that we will not be liable to you, or to any other individual, company or entity, for any type of damages, including direct, indirect, special, incidental, equitable or consequential loss or damages, for use of or reliance on our website. You agree that we do not assume liability for accidents, delays, injuries, harm, loss, damage, death, lost profits, personal or business interruptions, misapplication of information, physical or mental disease or condition or issue, or any other type of loss or damage due to any act or default by us or anyone acting as our agent, consultant, affiliate, director, team member, or anyone otherwise affiliated with our school or program, who is engaged in delivering content on or through this Website

Purpose: Bethel Virtual Academy counselor assume no responsibility for how you use any information, services, products or documents provided through this site. Nothing contained on the site shall constitute professional advice for medical or mental health diagnosis or treatment.  None of the information available on this site shall be construed as an endorsement, guarantee, representation or warranty with respect to any medical or mental health practitioner or medical or mental health treatment. Use of the site is at your own risk.
​
Adapted from Rock County School Counselors Disclaimer Statements
  • Home
  • About Us
    • ASCA National Model
    • School Counseling Profession
    • Mission, Vision & Belief Statements
    • Staff & Appointments
  • Technology Help
  • Academic
    • New Student Information
    • High School Planning
    • Virtual Learning
    • Academic Skills
    • Academic Tutoring
    • Transcripts & Fines
    • Credit Retrieval & Graduation Options
    • Graduation Requirements
    • Senior Class of 2023
    • Running Start
    • Pierce County Skills Center
  • College & Career
    • BVA Advisory
    • Financial Aid
    • Scholarships
    • Entrance Assessments
    • College Planning >
      • Postsecondary Options
      • First Steps
      • School Selection
      • Campus Visits
      • Application Process
      • Final Steps
    • Military Planning
    • Apprenticeship Planning
    • Teen Employment
  • Social/Emotional
    • Social/Emotional Learning
    • Teen Self-Help Workbooks
    • COVID 19
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Suicide Prevention
    • Smartphone Apps
    • Hotlines, Textlines & Resources
  • Wellness
    • Virtual Calming Room >
      • Sounds & Music
      • Video
      • Live Animal Cameras
      • Mindfulness
      • Guided Meditations
      • Progressive Muscle Relaxation
      • Deep Breathing
      • Yoga & Stretching
      • Art & Creativity
      • Puzzles & Games
      • Journaling
      • Humor
      • Virtual Tours
      • Virtual Rides
      • Motivational & Inspirational
    • Sleep
    • Nutrition
    • Exercise
    • Grit & Growth Mindset