Anxiety is real! We can help.

What we want for you here at Metro Counselling Vancouver is to know that some level of stress is to be expected in life, however for those who experience a disproportionate amount of tension there is help to support you so you can break free from chronic worrying, learn to calm your anxious mind, and regain your sense of hope and happiness.

Worries, doubts, and fears occur in every life. It is natural to experience anxiousness to some degree if you are, for example, facing an upcoming test, or if your finances are impacted by a job loss, income reduction or unexpected bills.

Please know that you are not alone! It may feel as though you are at times, and that is one of challenges with anxiety, it draws us inwards and away from the things that stress us or trigger our anxieties to come to life, a natural protective response from our minds and bodies.

Did you know that nearly 53% of Canadians, just like you, deal with anxiety and depression every single day. Even though this is such a common and often overwhelming challenge across this country most people still feel isolated or alone. Unsure where to turn for help.

Those feelings can be so strong, and are so real to us, that it can mask the truth of how free we can really be with the right help and tools to champion us forwards.

If you are wondering if you are having “normal” worrying experiences or if you are experiencing something more debilitating like generalized anxiety disorder, ask yourself if your thoughts or fears seem to be:

• excessive
• intrusive
• persistent
• disruptive

Not everyone with generalized anxiety disorder has the same symptoms, but most people experience a combination of emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms that often fluctuate, becoming worse at times of stress.
Here are some indicators to help you determine if you are experiencing some of the common behavioral symptoms that accompany generalized anxiety:

• Not able to relax, refresh from quiet time, or be physically alone comfortably
• Difficulty paying attention or focusing
• Stalling or avoiding things because you feel overwhelmed
• Avoiding situations that make you anxious

These physical indicators can also be telling you that general anxiety is present for you:

• Having tense muscle tightness or body aches
• Struggles falling asleep or staying asleep (constantly busy mind)
• Feeling edgy, restless, or jumpy
• Stomach problems, nausea, diarrhea

Support from other people is vital to overcoming general anxiety. Social interaction with someone who cares about you is the most effective way to calm your nervous system and diffuse anxiety, so it is important to find someone you can connect with face to face on a regular basis.

There is help, for everyone, at any age or any stage of anxiety – you deserve to thrive and move beyond the boundaries that anxiety has led you to create.

Call or message below and have a conversation with Kristina Sohol from Metro Counselling to learn about how they can help you co-create a new normal that works for the life you desire: