Anxiety Treatment
Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects one in five adults every year. When anxiety becomes excessive and persistent, however, it can interfere with your daily activities and negatively impact your quality of life.
At MellaHealth, we provide research-validated therapy for anxiety that can help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being. Our therapy is designed to help you understand the underlying causes of your anxiety so that you can develop effective and lifelong coping strategies.
Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety can manifest in many different ways, and symptoms vary depending on the type of disorder. Some common symptoms of anxiety include:
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- Excessive worry and fear
- Restlessness or feeling on edge
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep disturbances
- Panic attacks
- Avoidance of certain types of situations
- Obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors
Anxiety can impact many different areas of life, including social relationships, work performance, and your overall well-being. In addition to the symptoms listed above, people with anxiety may also have physical symptoms like muscle tension, headaches, and gastrointestinal problems. If left untreated, anxiety has also been known to lead to depression and other mental health conditions. However, with the right treatment and professional support, you can learn how to manage your symptoms and gain a sense of empowerment over your life.
Benefits of Therapy for Anxiety
Treatment methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are effective in addressing the symptoms of anxiety. Working with a professional therapist can help you to better understand what triggers your anxiety and to develop effective coping strategies. Some of the benefits of therapy for anxiety may include:
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- Reduced anxiety symptoms: Therapy can help you reduce the frequency and intensity of anxiety symptoms like excessive worry or fear, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating.
- Increased ability to cope with stress: Life stressors often trigger anxiety symptoms, and therapy can help you develop effective coping strategies to manage stress and reduce anxiety symptoms.
- Improved relationships and social interactions: Feelings of anxiety can result in avoiding social situations, and you may find yourself isolating from others. Therapy can empower you to find the confidence to engage in social interactions, and build positive relationships with others.
- Reduced risk of relapse: Therapy can provide you the tools and support you need to manage your anxiety long-term. By developing and using effective coping strategies and learning to recognize your warning signs and triggers, you can maintain your progress and continue to improve your well-being.
- Improved mood and quality of life: Therapy for anxiety can help improve your mood by providing you with a safe and non-judgmental space to express your thoughts and feelings. You will identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to your anxiety, which can lead to a more positive outlook on life.
Why Choose MellaHealth? Our Approach to Anxiety Therapy
At MellaHealth, we have a team of dedicated and experienced therapists who specialize in the treatment of anxiety and associated disorders. We create a safe and supportive environment where you can feel comfortable discussing your anxiety symptoms, life experiences, and any concerns or worries you may have. Our therapists will work collaboratively with you to develop individualized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs and goals, while using evidence-based treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and relaxation techniques, to help you manage your anxiety symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in treating anxiety as it will help you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to your anxiety. By learning to challenge and reframe your negative thoughts, you will feel less anxious and improve your overall well-being.
Seeking therapy for anxiety is an important step, and we are here to support you. During your free consultation, our care coordinator will help you determine your best-fit therapist to address your anxiety.
Tips to Manage Your Anxiety
Strategies to manage your anxiety can come in many forms. Here are some of the top ways:
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- Practice mindfulness: Practicing a few minutes of meditation or mindfulness each day can help you stay present and calm throughout the day.
- Exercise regularly: Movement in a way that feels good for you is a natural anxiety-reducer and can help improve your mood.
- Get enough sleep: Sleep deprivation can amplify your anxiety, so getting sufficient quality sleep is important.
- Seek support: Talk to a trusted friend or family member or see a mental health professional for additional support.
- Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms: Avoid using drugs or alcohol to cope with anxiety, as they can worsen your symptoms.
Remember that everyone’s experience with anxiety is unique. It’s important to find the right combination of strategies that work for you including seeking the support of a licensed professional therapist.
Anxiety disorders we treat include:
GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER (GAD)
Those that suffer from GAD, or general worry, have persistent, ongoing anxiety that interferes with daily activities. Symptoms can include constant worry, restlessness, and trouble with concentration.
PANIC DISORDER
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is a mental health condition in which the individual fears social interactions and/or social judgement from others. For people with social anxiety disorder, everyday social interactions cause irrational anxiety, fear, self-consciousness, and embarrassment.
PHOBIA
OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)
How to Support Someone Living with Anxiety
Living with anxiety can be a difficult and overwhelming experience, and it’s important to offer support to those who are experiencing mental health conditions. Here are some ways you can support someone with anxiety:
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- Validate their feelings: Let them know that you understand their feelings and that their anxiety is real and valid.
- Be patient: Anxiety can be a chronic condition, so it’s important to be patient and understanding with the individual experiencing anxiety and associated symptoms.
- Encourage treatment: Working with a licensed therapist can help address anxiety by learning strategies to shift negative thought patterns and approach situations that may trigger symptoms.
- Offer practical help: Offer to help with everyday tasks that may feel overwhelming to show support as they address their condition.
- Educate yourself: Learn about anxiety and the different ways it can manifest so that you can better understand and support those experiencing anxiety.
Remember that support looks different for everyone, and it’s important to tailor your approach to each individual’s needs.
FAQs
What causes anxiety?
Anxiety disorders can develop from multiple factors. One contributing factor is genetics, which may cause some people to be more prone to developing anxiety symptoms. Brain chemistry plays a role, with imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine contributing to anxiety symptoms. Traumatic and stressful life experiences, like abuse, neglect, or loss, can also be underlying causes of anxiety disorders. Additionally, chronic stress and anxiety-provoking situations like work pressure and relationship issues can lead to the development of an anxiety disorder. Also, substance use or withdrawal can certainly trigger anxiety symptoms.
It’s important to remember that each person’s experience with anxiety is unique, and identifying the underlying causes of anxiety disorders is a very important aspect of effective treatment.
How do I know if therapy for anxiety is right for me?
If you are experiencing persistent and excessive worry, fear, or avoidance that is interfering with your daily activities, therapy for anxiety may be right for you. Our therapists can help you understand the origins of your anxiety, and develop effective coping strategies to manage your symptoms.
How long does therapy for anxiety take?
The length of therapy for anxiety varies depending on your unique needs. Your therapist will collaborate with you to develop a realistic treatment plan to address your concerns.
Will my therapy sessions be confidential?
Yes, all therapy sessions at MellaHealth are confidential. MellaHealth adheres to stringent, HIPAA compliant standards to ensure that our clients’ privacy is protected.
Can therapy for anxiety be done remotely?
Yes, we offer remote therapy options for individuals who prefer therapy from the comfort of their own homes. We use a secure, HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing platform to conduct remote therapy sessions. Clinical research demonstrates that treatment outcomes through virtual therapy are comparable to in-person therapy in most situations.
Will insurance cover therapy for anxiety?
We have partnered with most major insurance companies to offer treatment utilizing your in-network benefits. The cost for your sessions will depend on your insurance plan. Our insurance experts will explain your benefits so you can understand your costs prior to beginning treatment.