Therapy For Anxiety
What is Anxiety?Anxiety comes in many forms, and is a component of several mental disorders. Anxiety can come in the form of worrisome thoughts, physical symptoms, avoidance of specific things or places, or even overpowering compulsive behaviors that severely interfere with a person's life. Some of the mental disorders that are based on Anxiety are:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Panic Disorder
- Social Phobia
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety is complex, and involves an interaction between the brain and the body. Hormones and mechanisms in the body (such as the "fight or flight" response) can trigger thought patterns that are experienced as anxiety. In turn, the way that we think and interpret our surroundings can also trigger responses in the body that make us experience physical symptoms. This interaction between the brain and the body sometimes results in a cycle that is very difficult to break without help.
People that experience frequent or chronic anxiety are often predisposed to an anxiety disorder based on their family genetics. If the right circumstances arise in life, the condition can be debilitating.
What are the signs and symptoms of Anxiety?
They vary widely, but can include some of the following:
- Physical symptoms such as rapid heart rate, trembling and sweating
- Repetitive thoughts that involve worry or fear
- Insomnia (inability to sleep)
- Fear of dying
- Avoidance of people or places due to fear
- Chronic worry over several areas of one's life
How is Anxiety treated?
Anxiety is treated through medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. Medications can often provide rapid relief, while therapy can build the tools that help reduce symptoms and prevent a relapse in the long run. Psychotherapy often focuses on helping people reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety through behavioral techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, muscle relaxation and mindfulness training. Therapy also helps identify and change thought patterns that contribute to Anxiety. The combination of these techniques is called Cognitive Behavior Therapy, or "CBT", and is one of the most effective treatments available for Anxiety Disorders. CBT is the primary therapy approach at Meridian Behavioral Health.Anxiety & Stress Counseling
How do I get started?The best place to start is to participate in an evaluation by a mental health professional. They can help diagnose anxiety disorders, recommend a specific intervention (therapy, medications, or both), and answer questions about the process.
If you have questions, and would like to speak to one of our mental health professionals, call or email today.
