WHERE TO GET HELP
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.
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 will 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.
