Anxiety is becoming more and more common in individuals throughout the United States as time progresses. For some, anxiety can come and go and doesn’t require treatment. For others, anxiety can be incredibly severe and stop them from doing their day-to-day tasks. Seeking treatment for people with anxiety can be complex and even a contributing factor to stress. Sometimes, searching “anxiety treatment program near me” online is not enough.
At Springfield Wellness Center, treatment doesn’t need to be stressful. Reach out to one of our mental health specialists today via 844.334.4727 to discuss your treatment options.
What Is the Best Treatment for Anxiety?
Discovering the best treatment for anxiety can be a complicated process. The two main types of treatments available for anxiety are psychotherapy and medications. Many individuals benefit from a combination of the two, and many undergo trial and error to discover which treatments are best for them.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, commonly known as talk therapy or psychological counseling, involves working with a trained mental health counselor to help reduce your anxiety symptoms. One common form of psychotherapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This therapeutic approach focuses on teaching you the necessary skills to improve your symptoms and help you return to activities you’ve avoided because of anxiety. CBT can also include exposure therapy, in which you will be asked to gradually encounter an object or situation that might trigger your anxiety. This helps patients build confidence so that they can manage the situation as well as the symptoms of anxiety.
Medications
Several common types of medications are used to help relieve anxiety symptoms. The type of medication prescribed to an individual can depend on whether or not other mental or physical health issues could benefit from being addressed simultaneously. In some circumstances, sedatives, benzodiazepines, or beta-blockers might be prescribed to relieve anxiety symptoms temporarily. They are not intended to be used long-term. You may also be prescribed the anti-anxiety medication called buspirone or certain antidepressants used to treat anxiety disorders.
Before considering medication, speak to your doctor about whether or not you’d benefit from medication, as well as the possible risks and side effects.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Lifestyle changes can also make a huge difference. Some examples of home remedies include:
- Staying physically active – Developing a routine that allows you to be physically active most days of the week can influence your progress. Exercise is a powerful stress reducer. Activity can improve your mood and also help you remain physically healthy.
- Avoiding alcohol and drugs – Substances have been known to increase anxiety. A doctor or support group can help you if it’s challenging to quit independently.
- Cutting back on smoking and caffeine – Both nicotine and caffeine have been proven to worsen anxiety.
- Practicing stress management and relaxation techniques – Meditation, yoga, and visualization techniques can ease anxiety.
- Prioritizing sleep – If you aren’t sleeping well, see your doctor.
- Eating healthily – Eating healthy is linked to reduced anxiety and higher self-esteem.
However, most people experiencing anxiety disorders require psychotherapy or medication to subdue anxiety symptoms.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Before your first appointment, make a list of the following:
- Your anxiety symptoms
- What causes you stress
- Family history of mental or physical health problems
- Other health problems you have
- All medications you’re taking
- Questions to ask your doctor
Having all of this laid out for you beforehand reduces the chance of getting overwhelmed and missing an important detail during your appointment. Planning is generally a good practice for those struggling with anxiety.
Find Anxiety Treatment in Louisiana at Springfield Wellness Center
Looking up “anxiety treatment near me” can sometimes make somebody even more anxious. Living with anxiety can make many responsibilities and tasks difficult to tackle. However, there is hope. Contact Springfield Wellness Center today at 844.334.4727 to discuss your options.