Anxiety Disorder Symptoms: How these can lead to Dissociation
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Published: 17 September 2023
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10 min read
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Published: 17 September 2023
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10 min read
Most people are familiar with anxiety and the typical anxiety Disorder Symptoms it exhibits.
Increased heart rate, feeling of fight or flight, fast breathing and dizziness to name a few. But when a person experiences many situations of anxiety where they feel at risk or someone they love is at risk, the symptoms can change and become more severe.
I have had a number of clients who present with a variety of different anxious symptoms and we work with their mind and body to help relieve their experience of anxiety and help their brain re-program the way they automatically react in the face of fear and stress.
There is another possibly less known symptom of anxiety though. It is called dissociation. Dissociation can happen when there have been either 1 major or various experiences of trauma. When a person is often subjected to experiences which overwhelm the brain’s ability to feel safe, the brain will eventually develop neuro-pathways which keep the person in “fight or flight”
Over time, the person begins to feel constantly on “high alert” and experiences symptoms of anxiety. If they continue to experience life as difficult to process and feel, eventually they will reach for Coping mechanisms or addictions. This is fairly known information about anxiety but something that may not be is “Dissociation”.
Dissociation will often be present in a person who can no longer handle the stress of the “felt sense” in their body. Their feelings are too overwhelming and present to be “in their body”. We have all heard the phrase, “I just need to numb out for a while”, I can imagine. Dissociation takes this numbing to a new level. The client separates themselves from their physical body. They can not handle feeling their emotions nor can they attempt to even be present with them. Subconsciously then, they sort of pop out of their body.
The symptoms of dissociation may look like this:
Dissociation is a mental process of disconnecting from one’s thoughts, feelings, memories or sense of identity. Most professionals in the mental health field believe chronic trauma in childhood to be the underlying cause of dissociative identity disorder.
I really felt the pull to write this particular article as I have had the honour and privilege to work with some teenagers who exhibit dissociation. These are young, beautiful and innocent human beings who have been subjected to trauma repeatedly over their young life. Where some teens will pick up smoking, drinking and drugs as an addiction others dissociate instead. As I hold space for these clients during our sessions, it is apparent to me that we as a race do not yet have enough knowledge or understanding about what dissociation looks like. How it shows up.
One of my favourite modality’s to use with dissociative clients is Body Psychotherapy. My goal here is to assist my client’s in actually experiencing the felt sense of their body again. Inquiring in to what pain they hold in different parts of their body and helping it shift.
Another is parts work. Here I attempt to get in touch with the “Protector Parts” within my client’s internal environment. Find out what they are protecting and see if they can give us some space to talk with the “wounded” part in my client that the Protector is guarding so closely.
These 2 modality’s used together I find to be incredibly beneficial with client’s who are suffering from dissociation.
I am very passionate about helping these beautiful innocent young one’s suffering from anxiety disorder symptoms.
Let’s become educated about this less talked about disorder that is affecting not only adults but our young people as well.
Please contact me to book a complimentary consultation if you would like more information or check out Psychotherapy with Shelley for a lot more on Psychotherapy.
Are you ready to take the next step towards a healthier and happier self? Let's get in touch with a free consultation.
Why would my child need an assessment?
Child Assessments are essential if there are concerns about your child’s development, emotional well-being, or cognitive skills. They help in understanding your child’s needs to provide tailored support and interventions.
5 ways in which a Child Assessment can help:
1. Identifies Developmental Milestones: Tracks whether your child is meeting developmental milestones in cognitive, language, and motor skills.
2. Highlights Emotional Concerns: Detects emotional or social difficulties that might be affecting
3. Assesses Learning Abilities: Evaluates strengths and weaknesses in learning to tailor educational strategies.
4. Informs Treatment Plans: Provides crucial information that helps in developing effective treatment and intervention plans.
5. Supports Educational Planning: Assists in creating individualized educational plans (IEPs) that cater to specific learning needs.
How do Child Assessments work?
Child Assessments typically involve a series of standardized tests and observations conducted by a team of specialists, including psychologists and therapists. These assessments might include interviews, psychological testing, and observational tasks, which collectively help in forming a comprehensive understanding of the child’s abilities and challenges.
![cognitive behavioural therapy](https://www.shelleywhitehouse.com/wp-content/themes/WHPsychotherapy/images/landing-pages/child-therapy/idea.png")
Why would my child need Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is ideal if your child or teen is struggling to cope with negative thoughts or behavioural patterns that affect their daily life, emotional well-being, and ability to function.
5 ways in which Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can help:
1. Enhances Self-Control: Teaches your child to manage their reactions and responses to challenging situations.
2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Helps in identifying and altering thought patterns that contribute to stress and anxiety.
3. Improves Emotional Regulation: Assists in understanding and regulating emotions to foster better interpersonal relationships.
4. Boosts Confidence: Builds self-esteem by empowering your child to take charge of their thoughts and actions.
5. Encourages Resilience: Develops coping strategies to overcome adversity and build resilience.
How does Cognitive Behavioural Therapy work?
CBT combines talk therapy with practical behavioural strategies, guiding your child to identify distorted thinking patterns. Therapists work closely with your child to provide effective tools that help them reframe these thoughts. This process fosters a better understanding of their emotions and behaviours, leading directly to positive behavioural changes and improved mental well-being.
Why would my child need Art Therapy?
Art Therapy is beneficial if your child has difficulty expressing their thoughts and emotions verbally. It offers a creative outlet for expression and emotional release.
5 ways in which Art Therapy can help:
1. Fosters Emotional Expression: Provides a non-verbal mode of expressing complex feelings.
2. Enhances Creativity: Stimulates creativity and imagination, which can be therapeutic and rewarding.
3. Reduces Anxiety: Creates a calm and focused environment, reducing stress and anxiety.
4. Improves Self-Esteem: Builds confidence through the achievement of creating art.
5. Promotes Self-Discovery: Encourages self-exploration and understanding through the creative process.
How does Art Therapy work?
Art Therapy uses drawing, painting, and other artistic methods as a means of communication. A therapist guides your child through creative activities that aim to uncover and address underlying emotional issues.
Why would my child need Anxiety Therapy?
Anxiety Therapy is essential if your child experiences persistent anxiety that interferes with their school, social life, or overall happiness.
5 ways in which Anxiety Therapy can help:
1. Teaches Coping Mechanisms: Provides tools and techniques to manage and reduce feelings of anxiety.
2. Boosts Confidence: Helps children face their fears and build confidence through gradual exposure and resilience training.
3. Improves Focus and Concentration: Reduces anxiety-induced distractions, improving focus at school and in other activities.
4. Encourages Social Interaction: Supports children in overcoming social anxieties, facilitating better interactions with peers.
5. Promotes Calmness: Teaches relaxation techniques to help maintain calmness in stressful situations.
How does Anxiety Therapy work?
Anxiety Therapy primarily employs cognitive-behavioural techniques to directly target and modify the thoughts and behaviours that fuel anxiety. Additionally, this therapy may incorporate exposure therapy to gradually reduce anxiety responses in feared situations, alongside relaxation exercises designed to calm the mind and body. This comprehensive approach ensures a thorough treatment of anxiety symptoms.
Why would my child need Child Behavioural Therapy?
Child Behavioural Therapy is recommended if your child exhibits disruptive or negative behaviours that impact their well-being and social interactions.
5 ways in which Child Behavioural Therapy can help:
1. Improves Behavioural: Teaches positive behavior replacement techniques.
2. Enhances Social Skills: Fosters better social interactions through role-playing and social skill training.
3. Behavioural Issues: Addresses specific behavioral issues such as aggression, non-compliance, and impulsivity.
4. Empowers Decision Making: Helps children make positive choices independently.
5. Strengthens Parent-Child Relationship: Offers strategies for parents to support and reinforce positive behaviors at home.
How does Art Therapy work?
Child Behavioral Therapy involves structured sessions where a therapist works with a child to pinpoint the reasons behind their behavior. Using practical techniques, the therapist helps the child recognize triggers and develop better coping mechanisms. This approach teaches essential skills like emotional regulation and problem-solving, leading to positive changes in the child’s behavior and daily interactions.
Why would we need Family Therapy?
Family Therapy is necessary when family dynamics contribute to a child’s issues or when the entire family needs support to navigate a child’s challenges together.
5 ways in which Family Therapy can help:
1. Strengthens Family Bonds: Improves communication skills and understanding among family members.
2. Resolves Conflicts: Provides strategies to resolve conflicts and reduce tensions within the home.
3. Supports All Members: Ensures that every family member feels supported and valued.
4. Promotes Understanding: Helps family members understand the needs and behaviors of others, fostering empathy.
5. Guides through Transitions: Assists families in managing transitions or crises effectively.
How does Family Therapy work?
The goal of Family Therapy is to improve communication and resolve conflicts within the family unit. During these sessions, the therapist employs targeted interactions and exercises that are designed to deepen mutual understanding and foster cooperation among family members. This approach helps identify and address patterns that disrupt family dynamics, ultimately promoting a healthier, more supportive home environment.
Why would I need Stress Therapy?
Stress Therapy is designed for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of daily life, work, relationships, or specific events. It’s for those seeking effective strategies to manage stress, reduce its impact, and improve overall well-being.
5 signs you may need Stress Therapy
1. You feel overwhelmed or anxious more days than not.
2. Physical symptoms (headaches, stomach issues) are frequent.
3. Your sleep or appetite has changed due to stress.
4. You’re irritable or have difficulty concentrating.
5. Stress is affecting your work, relationships, or health.
How does Stress Therapy work?
Stress therapy offers techniques and strategies to reduce your stress levels, improve your coping mechanisms, and help you build a more resilient mindset. Through personalized sessions, learn how to manage stress effectively and regain control over your wellbeing.
Why would I need Anxiety Therapy?
Anxiety therapy helps individuals who are frequently overwhelmed by worry, fear, or nervousness, impacting their daily activities, relationships, and personal achievements.
5 signs you may need Anxiety Therapy
1. Constant worry affecting daily life.
2. Physical symptoms without medical reasons.
3. Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank.
4. Avoiding activities due to fear.
5. Experiencing intense anxiety or panic attacks.
How does Anxiety Therapy work?
Anxiety therapy primarily utilizes cognitive-behavioral techniques to identify and modify negative thought patterns. Strategies include exposure therapy, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness, aimed at reducing anxiety symptoms and improving coping mechanisms.
Why would I need Panic Attack Treatment?
This treatment is essential for those experiencing unexpected, intense fear or discomfort, often with physical symptoms, seeking to regain control over their lives.
5 signs you may need Panic Attack Treatment
1. Sudden, intense fear without danger.
2. Physical symptoms like heart palpitations during an attack.
3. Fear of losing control or doom.
4. Avoiding places or situations fearing an attack.
5. Worrying about the next panic attack.
How does Panic Attack Treatment work?
Panic attack treatment often involves cognitive-behavioral therapy to understand and change the thought patterns that trigger attacks. Techniques may include exposure therapy, relaxation exercises, and sometimes medication to manage symptoms effectively.
Why would I need Social Anxiety Therapy?
Ideal for those who experience significant anxiety in social situations, affecting their ability to engage and connect with others.
5 signs you may need Social Anxiety Therapy
1. Fear of judgment or embarrassment in social settings.
2. Avoiding new social interactions.
3. Physical symptoms in social situations.
4. Excessive worry about social events.
5. Difficulty in friendships due to social fear.
How does Social Anxiety Therapy work?
Social anxiety therapy includes exposure therapy to gradually face social situations, cognitive restructuring to challenge negative thoughts, and social skills training to improve interaction confidence. These methods aim to reduce social anxiety levels and enhance social functioning.
Why would I need Depression Therapy?
Depression Therapy is critical for those feeling a deep sense of sadness, hopelessness, or disinterest in life, which affects their daily function and happiness.
5 signs you may need Depression Therapy
1. Persistent hopelessness.
2. Losing interest in enjoyable activities.
3. Appetite or weight changes; sleep issues.
4. Constant fatigue.
5. Thoughts of death or suicide.
How does Depression Therapy work?
Depression therapy may involve different approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy to address negative thought patterns, interpersonal therapy to improve relationship skills, and psychodynamic therapy to explore underlying issues. These techniques aim to alleviate depressive symptoms and improve emotional well-being.
Why would I need Individual Therapy?
Individual Therapy is beneficial for addressing a broad spectrum of personal challenges, from navigating life changes to managing mental health conditions, in a personalized and confidential setting.
5 signs you may need Individual Therapy
1. Overwhelmed by stress or emotions.
2. Difficulty coping with life transitions or loss.
3. Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or anger.
4. Relationship problems or loneliness.
5. Behavioral or substance use issues.
How does Individual Therapy work?
Individual therapy involves one-on-one sessions with a therapist to explore personal issues, emotions, and behaviors. Through techniques tailored to the individual’s needs, such as cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, or humanistic approaches, therapy aims to provide insight, resolve issues, and promote psychological health.
