Therapy for Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns people experience, and is often a normal response to stress. It’s the body’s natural way of alerting us that something is wrong and we need to pay attention. But sometimes this internal warning system doesn’t switch off. When anxiety is persistent and excessive, it can become overwhelming and cause harm to our emotional and physical wellbeing. It even sometimes gets in the way of us living our daily lives, making the smallest tasks seem impossible.
The National Institute of Mental Health reports that approximately one third of the population will experience an anxiety disorder within their lifetime.
Some common anxiety symptoms include:
- Persistent and excessive worry
- Overthinking and racing thoughts
- Difficulty sleeping
- Changes in appetite such as overeating or undereating
- Irritability
- Concentration and memory problems
- Feeling a sense of dread or impending doom
- Increased heart rate, muscle tension, and headaches
- Feelings of restlessness or inability to relax
- Fatigue
- Digestion problems
Some types of anxiety disorders include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder – persistent state of excessive worry and tension
- Panic Disorder – recurrent panic attacks with intense fear and physical symptoms
- Social Anxiety Disorder – excessive self-consciousness and fear of being judged
- Phobias – intense and irrational fears of objects or situations (for example, fear of heights)
- Health Anxiety – excessive worry about having or developing a serious illness
A closely related condition is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This is characterized by unwanted and recurrent thoughts, followed by repetitive behaviors aimed at easing these distressing thoughts.
Treating Anxiety
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is sometimes referred to as counseling or talk-therapy. Types of psychotherapy for anxiety that are evidenced-based and considered best practice include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Psychoeducation is a significant part of therapy too. This helps us clearly understand what causes our own anxiety and the specific ways to manage symptoms and effectively problem-solve.
Psychotherapy helps individuals regain a greater sense of control and build resilience to manage hard times.
Lifestyle Changes
Medication
In some cases, medication can help significantly improve symptoms of anxiety by rebalancing chemicals in the brain. This is often with the use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), but can also include other types of medications. These medications are prescribed by family physicians or psychiatrists.
In my practice, I may consult with these medical professionals to ensure comprehensive care for my clients and if they request it. There is no extra fee for this collaborative care.