Anxiety is a common phenomenon, affecting one in four people in the United States every year. But what is the best treatment for anxiety disorders—medication, counseling, or something else entirely? If you’re in Louisiana, and you or someone you love is struggling with anxiety, you don’t have to rely on searching “treatment for anxiety near me” online. Instead, call 844.334.4727 to speak with someone from the knowledgeable and compassionate staff at Springfield Wellness Center about anxiety disorders and how we treat them.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of fear or worry about something that may happen in the future. It’s normal to feel anxious sometimes—it’s a natural emotion that helps us prepare for potential threats or events. The main difference between regular anxiety and an anxiety disorder is that regular anxiety is short-lived, while an anxiety disorder can last for months or years if left untreated.
If your worry and fear are so severe they are preventing you from doing everyday tasks like going to work or school, you may have an anxiety disorder.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
There are several different types of anxiety disorders, including:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Panic disorder
- Social phobia or social anxiety disorder
- Selective mutism
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Specific phobias
Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all involve excessive fear and worrying about everyday situations. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was previously classified as an anxiety disorder. The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) now classifies it as a separate disorder.
Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
Generally speaking, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found to be the most effective form of treatment for anxiety disorders. CBT focuses on changing patterns of thought and behavior that can lead to anxious feelings so that those patterns can be replaced with more positive ones. Therapy can also help people identify triggers for their anxious thoughts and teach them how to manage their emotions better. Additionally, depending on each individual’s needs, medication may be prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Benefits of Undergoing Anxiety Treatment
Learning Coping Mechanisms
Therapy provides patients with tools they can use to cope with anxious thoughts and feelings in a healthy way rather than turning to unhealthy behaviors such as drinking alcohol or using drugs. Proper coping mechanisms also help alleviate the physical symptoms of anxiety.
Understanding Triggers
Therapy also helps people identify triggers for their anxious thoughts and behaviors so that they can avoid them in the future. Typical triggers include stressful situations such as job interviews, test taking, or public speaking.
Improved Quality of Life
With proper treatment for their condition, patients often find that their quality of life improves significantly since they no longer feel overwhelmed by fear or worry all day long. This is the primary benefit of seeking professional help to treat and manage anxiety disorder.
Find the Best Treatment for Anxiety in Louisiana at Springfield Wellness Center
Living with an untreated mental health condition like an anxiety disorder can make it difficult to live normally due to intense feelings of fear or worry that prevent you from engaging in activities you would normally enjoy. Fortunately, there are treatments available specifically designed to help people manage their symptoms so they can live happier lives free from constant fear or worry. CBT has been shown to be particularly effective at treating some forms of anxiety disorders, but medication may also be prescribed depending on each person’s unique needs. If you feel like your worries are getting out of control, don’t hesitate to contact Springfield Wellness Center today at 844.334.4727 to learn more about our treatment for anxiety.