If
you, or someone you know, has symptoms of anxiety, a visit
to the family physician is usually
the best place to start. A physician can help determine whether
the symptoms are due to an anxiety disorder, some other medical
condition, or both. Frequently, the next step in getting
treatment for an anxiety disorder is a referral to a mental
health professional.
Among the professionals who can help are psychiatrists,
psychologists, social workers, and counselors.
However, it's best to look for a professional who has
specialized training in cognitive-behavioral therapy
and/or behavioral
therapy, as appropriate, and who is open to the use
of medications, should they be needed.
There
are many places and resources now
available for people who suffer from anxiety disorder
to get help.
Depending on how severe your symptoms are, your doctor may
put you on some type of medication. Make
it your goal to get off the medication, if prescribed,
as soon as possible! The medication is to lessen the severity
of your symptoms
while you learn about anxiety and find the resources,
and treatment, to get better. There are several
different treatment
options used in treating anxiety disorder.
-
Call to Speak to a Specialist
Call 1-888-439-4499 any time to discuss treatment options if you or a loved one has a problem with anxiety.
Where and how to get help after diagnosis:
- Psychologist: Consult a good psychologist. Ask your doctor to provide
you with one or find one on your own. A good psychologist
will be against the medication and will
want you to get off
of it as soon as possible. However, if you've
been taking medication, it's important not to discontinue
it abruptly. Certain drugs have to
be tapered off under the supervision of your physician.
Although, in some cases, medication may be the only
solution for some sufferers.
- Treatment Options: Learn
of several different treatment options available to
you.
- Resources: Many
people with anxiety disorders benefit from joining
a self-help group and sharing their problems and
achievements with others. Talking with trusted friends
or a trusted member of the clergy can also be very
helpful, although not a substitute for mental health
care. I
recommend the resources on my site. Learn
more about the resources on livingwithanxiety.com
- Information: Books, Workbooks, Audio
Books, Self-help
materials, You
want to find as much information as you can
about the type
of
anxiety disorder you may suffer from. Search,
search, search, read, read, read.
- Support: Find
as much support from your family and friends
as you can, and let them know you
have been diagnosed with a
anxiety disorder.
It is a very important part of your healing process.
The family is of great importance in the recovery of
a person
with an anxiety disorder. Ideally, the family should
be supportive without helping to perpetuate the person's
symptoms. If the family tends to trivialize the disorder
or demand improvement without treatment, the affected
person will suffer even more.
You
may wish to tell your family about livingwithanxiety.com
and enlist their help as
educated allies in your journey to eliminate
your anxiety disorder.
- Learn how to relax: Even though it's hard to do
right now, learning some techniques to use
will be very
soothing
on the mind and body. It will also help with
your symptoms. Click
here to learn more about relaxation.
I'm still learning today and there is always
more for me to learn about. You can never get
enough information. Eventually
you will find what works to bring you to your comfort level.
Lastly, do not give up! It seems now
that it is impossible for you to
become your old self again, but with
a little time, knowledge and support, you can. Good Luck!
Of course, any advice you receive here or otherwise, should
not be taken in place of a professional
opinion.
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