It's normal to feel anxiety occasionally. Many people feel anxious when visiting the dentist's office or giving an important presentation at work, for example. However, some people experience anxiety on a routine basis. If you're tired of living with anxiety, a counselor can help. Anxiety counseling is designed to help people who live with persistent anxiety. Some people are reluctant to begin talk therapy, but there's no need to fear. Here are four reasons to seek anxiety counseling services:

1. Reduce your stress levels.

Stress is bad for your body in large quantities. When you become stressed, your body releases cortisol. Cortisol can increase your appetite, leading to unhealthy eating habits and weight gain. Elevated cortisol levels can also make you more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, ulcers, or a heart attack. Reducing your stress levels is one way to protect your health. Anxiety counseling can allow you to confront your fears and develop coping mechanisms to reduce your stress levels.

2. Treat chronic pain.

Chronic pain can be devastating. Although chronic pain is a physical problem, it can be exacerbated by a person's psychological condition. Some people with anxiety disorders develop chronic pain as their bodies become oversensitized to negative stimuli. When left untreated, chronic pain can lead to depression and even dependence on pain medication. If you suffer from chronic pain, your doctor may suggest that you participate in anxiety counseling. A therapist can help you work through any repressed feelings, which can relieve tension in your body, allowing it to heal.

3. Live a fuller and happier life.

People with persistent anxiety can develop a condition called agoraphobia. At its most severe, agoraphobia can keep people housebound. Even mild agoraphobia can negatively affect a person's life, leading them to avoid certain places due to fear of experiencing an anxiety attack. An anxiety counselor can prescribe exposure therapy, which will help agoraphobic people face their fears in carefully controlled settings. With the help of a therapist, you can go beyond your comfort zone to reclaim your life from the restrictions of anxiety.

4. Revitalize your relationships.

Anxiety disorders can create difficulties in relationships. When a person is suffering from anxiety, they may be irritable and prone to lashing out due to fear. Anxiety counseling can help you manage your fear and channel your emotions in healthy, constructive ways. Participating in anxiety therapy can help you protect your relationships with your friends and loved ones.

For more information about anxiety counseling, contact a local therapy office, like Lehigh Valley Counselors.