Anxiety

Anxiety is common. In fact, it is these most common mental health conditions in the United States. Anxiety can be helpful at certain times (i.e., getting ready for a test, a big game, or being focused on an important task). However, it becomes a problem when it gets in the way of you achieving your goals at school, work, or in relationships. One of the biggest challenges with anxiety disorders is the cycle it tries to put you into. You are in a situation that triggers anxiety, causing you to worry, fear, or have physical symptoms. These feelings make you leave or avoid the situation. You feel some relief after leaving, but if you come across the trigger again, those situations do not go well, and so you experience more anxiety and avoidance.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety can be experienced as both a mental (worry, poor concentrating, repetitive thoughts) and physical (sweating, nausea, rapid heart rate). More often than not, its commonly experienced as both.

Types of Anxiety

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• ‍Panic Disorder
• Phobias
• Separation Anxiety Disorder

Treatment

Several treatments for anxiety disorders have been well documented - including both psychotherapy and medication.

• Education:  At times, education and supportive counseling are all that is needed to relieve anxiety. Normalizing a person’s thoughts and behaviors are an important first step in treatment. Talking about the brain and the body’s natural response to anxiety is helpful.
• Psychotherapy: The most studied and effective psychotherapy is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT core foundation rest on the idea that if you change your thoughts and behaviors, your feelings will also change. CBT involves helping an individual develop effective ways of relaxing their bodies, recognize negative thought patterns, and then apply the new strategies they’ve learn where anxiety effects them the most - whether at home, school, work, or relationships. Other types of therapy that have shown some effectiveness include psychodynamic therapy and play therapy for children.
• Medications: Medications are a common component of anxiety disorders - especially when symptoms are significantly impacting a person’s ability to function. Medications help to relieve the physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety. However, without therapy, you may never learn how to manage anxiety on your own. The most common medications used for anxiety disorders are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These have been the most studied and are safer than other medications.

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