Anxiety is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be triggered by many factors, including genetics and environmental influences. Many people with anxiety also have other co-occurring disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, or substance use disorder. Mental health treatment programs can help you reclaim your health and happiness from symptoms of anxiety and co-occurring disorders. Reach out to Promises Brazos Valley at 979.426.0086 to discuss our treatment options for anxiety disorders.
How Does an Anxiety Treatment Program Work?
An anxiety treatment program aims to help you learn how to manage your symptoms, cope with triggers, and live your life more healthily. While there are many types of anxiety therapy programs available, most will include some combination of the following elements:
Medication
Medication is often the first line of treatment for anxiety. It can help you manage symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. Some medications may be prescribed for short-term use, like Xanax, while others are intended for long-term use, like Paxil. Medication is not the only solution for managing anxiety, though. It is one tool that can be used with other therapies and self-care strategies.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is especially effective for generalized anxiety disorder and social phobia because it helps you identify the negative thoughts and behaviors contributing to your anxiety. It then teaches you how to replace these thoughts with more helpful ones so you can reduce the severity or frequency of your symptoms.
Anxiety Management Strategies
Anxiety management strategies can involve breathing exercises, mindfulness exercises, meditation, and other methods of calming your fight, flight, or freeze response.
Who Can Anxiety Counseling Help?
There are several types of anxiety disorders, so it is important to get a proper diagnosis for the most appropriate treatment plan. Anxiety counseling can be life-changing for people with the following:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Social phobia
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety can also be correlated with other medical conditions and substance use disorders, so you should reach out for help to get an accurate diagnosis.
Signs That You Need an Anxiety Therapy Program
Anxiety is a natural response to stressful or dangerous situations. Still, it can also be experienced as a chronic disorder or complication of other medical conditions like asthma or heart disease. To help identify whether you need an anxiety treatment program, here are some signs that you may be struggling with anxiety:
- You worry all the time – While worrying is a natural reaction to stress, it is essential to distinguish between productive and unproductive worrying. Unproductive worrying happens when you obsess over something that has not happened and may never happen. It keeps you focused on things that have not happened instead of what is within your control.
- You are constantly stressed out – Stress is a normal part of life, but it can affect your physical and mental health when it becomes chronic. If you often feel overwhelmed by stress, you may need help developing strong coping skills to reduce its effect on you.
- Your anxiety leads to depression – Anxiety and depression are different mental health conditions, but they can often coexist. If you have felt anxious for at least several weeks and have been feeling sad or apathetic most of the time, you may have an anxiety disorder with co-occurring depression.
Anxiety disorders can also impact your ability to sleep soundly at night. They can also lead to physical aches and pains, including chronic muscle tension, nausea, dizziness, and headaches. Enrolling in an anxiety treatment program can help you learn how to manage your symptoms and reduce their impact on your life.
Find an Anxiety Therapy Program at Promises Brazos Valley
Anxiety disorders are common, although many people never receive the proper treatment. Promises Brazos Valley’s anxiety treatment program can teach you the tools you need to keep anxiety from running your life. If you or someone in your life is struggling with anxiety symptoms, reach out to Promises Brazos Valley at 979.426.0086.