Therapy for Anxiety in Person and Online
Transform Your Story: Overcome
Feelings of Anxiety
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease. It is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. Having some anxiety is actually helpful. Anxiety is our innate alarm system that helps us recognize danger, improve our performance, and make more careful decisions; it stimulates us to act in our best interest. For example, if you are anxious about a presentation you have tomorrow, you may be more likely to go over our notes carefully and make sure that you are prepared. Despite its protective purposes, anxiety doesn’t necessarily feel all that great to have and our natural desire is to get rid of it. Nevertheless, ignoring our body’s alarm system can inevitably worsen our anxiety. For the most part, if we acknowledge our anxiety and manage it effectively, it will lessen and help us move closer to resolution.
The level of anxiety experienced depends on our life circumstances and ability to cope with it. Some of the common signs of anxiety include:
- Worrying excessively: People with anxiety often worry about things that are out of their control or that are unlikely to happen.
- Feeling restless or tense: It’s common to feel restless or tense and have difficulty sitting still when you have anxiety.
- Having physical symptoms: Anxiety can cause a variety of physical symptoms, such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea.
- Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety: People with anxiety may avoid situations that trigger their anxiety, such as social situations or public places.
- Having trouble concentrating: Worrying can interfere with concentrating on tasks or work.
- Having trouble sleeping: People with anxiety may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
There are times when anxiety can be so intense and overwhelming that it interferes with our daily lives. If left unchecked and unmanaged, anxiety can significantly impact our relationships, work and well-being. Many people struggle with anxiety, and there are effective treatments available. If you are struggling, please reach out for help.
Why do High Achievers Have Anxiety?
High-achieving people may be more prone to overwhelming anxiety because they often set high standards for themselves, and they may be more likely to experience stress. They may also avoid seeking help for the anxiety they feel because they may be afraid of being seen as weak or incompetent. It is important to note that not all successful people experience anxiety. However, for those who do, it can be a significant challenge. Here are some matters high achievers may worry about:
- Status: This is a common fear among high achievers, as they may worry about losing their status or security.
- Who to trust: They may worry about being disappointed, hurt or let down by others, so they may keep people at a distance, which can worsen their feelings of alienation and isolation.
- Fear of being judged by others: They may worry about being judged by others for their status, or they may worry about not being able to live up to the expectations of others.
- Fear of failure: High achievers may worry about failing to maintain their status, or they may worry about making a mistake that could cost them their security and status.
- Imposterism: They may doubt their abilities from time to time and feel like they aren’t as competent or intelligent as others might think. They fear that soon enough people will discover that they are a phony, despite being well-accomplished.
Types of Anxiety Successful People Have
Performance anxiety
This type of anxiety is a common experience that we all face. It's the feeling of nervousness or fear that you won't perform well in a specific situation such as giving a speech, playing a musical instrument, competing in an athletic arena or having high-level responsibilities. People with performance anxiety worry about making mistakes, being criticized, or disappointing others. If the anxiety is too intense, it can impact their level of performance or they may avoid the performance altogether.
Social anxiety
This type of anxiety is experienced in social situations. People with social anxiety worry about being judged or evaluated by others. The worries are so intense that they can end up avoiding social situations altogether.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
GAD is characterized by constant and excessive worry and anxiety over many things in life. People with GAD worry about all different types of events and activities that oftentimes are difficult to pinpoint, and they struggle to stop worrying. The overwhelming experience creates pervasive physical symptoms of anxiety, such as restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, irritability and difficulty concentrating. GAD leads to so much emotional and physical distress that it hinders people from engaging and enjoying activities and experiences in life.
Perfectionism
Perfectionism can be a type of anxiety, as it can lead people to set unrealistic standards for themselves and constantly worry about making mistakes. As a result, they may be reluctant to share their vulnerabilities and let people in.
Imposter syndrome
People with imposter syndrome are often well accomplished and are held in high esteem or status, but they constantly worry about being found that they are not as intelligent or competent as others may think.
If you are a high-achieving person who is struggling with anxiety and it is impacting your life, it is important to seek professional help. There are a variety of effective treatments available for anxiety that can help ease your mind and life.
Tips for Managing Anxiety
Here are some tips for managing anxiety in a healthy way:
Practice self-care
Taking care of yourself physically and mentally can help to reduce anxiety. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.
- Sleep hygiene: When you're well-rested, you're better able to cope with stress and anxiety. Qualty sleep also flushes away waste materials and regenerates parts of your brain, helping your brain stay healthier.
- Eating well: Eating a healthy diet can help to improve your overall mood and well-being, which can make it easier to manage anxiety.
- Regular exercise: Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. It also releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
Identify your triggers
What are the things that make you feel anxious? Once you know your triggers, you can mange them and develop coping mechanisms for dealing with them.
Learn stress management
While there are varying techniques that can be used to reduce your overall level of anxiety and stress, here are a few that can be helpful.
- Set realistic goals: Setting realistic goals can help to reduce anxiety, as it will help you to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Practice relaxation techniques: When you’re relaxed you are not stressed; when you’re stressed you are not relaxed. When you engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditating or other similar exercises, you send a signal to your brain to relax, which can help to reduce anxiety symptoms.
- Be self-compassionate: Everyone has flaws, and it is important to learn to be okay with it. This can help to reduce anxiety, as you will no longer be constantly worrying about what others think and refocusing your need to be perfect.
Talk to someone you trust
Talking about your anxiety can help you release built-up tension and angst. You can talk to a friend, family member, therapist, or other trusted folks in your life to gain support and perspective, brainstorm solutions and help you cope.
Seek professional help
If your anxiety is severe or is interfering with your life, it's important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you to understand your anxiety and develop adaptive coping mechanisms for dealing with it.
Get Counseling for Anxiety in Fort Lauderdale Florida and Online
Thank you for reading this resource about getting counseling for anxiety. With over two decades of experience as a licensed psychologist, I've developed a deep understanding of the human mind, encompassing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects. This extensive background equips me to effectively address a wide range of challenges people face. By combining research-based approaches with personalized care, I help clients achieve meaningful and lasting change. My priority for you is to create a kind of space where you feel at ease, understood and connected so that you can be yourself and work on the matters most important to you. I will help you cultivate self-compassion, curiosity, courage along with effective strategies to create the type of life you want.
My clients are remarkable individuals. It is a privilege to earn their trust and share in their most personal experiences. I see my clients as heroes in their life story, and I am inspired by their courage, strength and resilience. 
I am Donna Hillier, a licensed clinical psychologist serving high-achieving clients in Florida. I provide discreet services uniquely customized for high-profile personalities, public figures and elite individuals who desire genuine connection and help from a professional who truly understands.  
Ready to Transform Your Story?
Donna is here to help you transform your story. Reach out to schedule a time to discuss how we can work together.
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Who Donna Treats
I am Donna Hillier, a licensed clinical psychologist serving high-achieving clients in Florida. I provide discreet services uniquely customized for high-profiled personalities, public figures and elite individuals who desire genuine connection and help from a professional who truly understands.
Where Donna Serves Clients
Donna provides services to clients globally online, as well as in person in the Fort Lauderdale and South Florida areas. Here are some of the great cities Donna serves in Florida:
Treatment techniques Donna Uses
Donna provides therapy for high achievers using a variety of evidence-based treatment techniques including the following: