Anxiety is a common mental health disorder that can manifest in different ways, affecting people from various backgrounds and causing them to experience negative feelings of worry, fear, apprehension, and uncertainty. There is a wide range of causes of anxiety, including genetic predispositions, life events, and environmental stressors. Some anxiety is experienced at such a high level of severity that quality of life and ability to function are impacted, while other forms of anxiety are low-level and manageable.
The most important thing to know about anxiety is that you’re not alone in experiencing anxiety. Millions across the globe face anxiety on a daily basis and there is help available! It may take some time and effort to identify the best treatment plan for your specific anxiety but you can find much-needed relief! Let’s explore some of the most common types of anxiety and the best anxiety treatments, as well as where you can get help and support in Mississippi.
Most Common Anxiety Disorders & Treatment Options
It’s important to note that the information below is only general information. If you are suffering from any mental health disorder, please contact your doctor immediately. The best treatment plan for any mental health disorder is individualized to meet your specific needs and prescribed by your mental health team.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): A chronic disorder characterized by excessive and sometimes irrational worry that can interfere with daily functioning. Those experiencing GAD vary in what they worry about, from daily responsibilities to world events and natural disasters. GAD may cause stress and constant concern over money, relationships, health, work, or other everyday activities. Treatment for GAD typically includes therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common form of therapy used with those suffering from GAD to help identify and manage triggers of anxiety. Some medications can help alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety, enabling the person to find some relief.
Panic Disorder: Involves sudden and intense and recurrent episodes of fear or stress resulting in panic attacks. Panic attacks have various causes (such as enclosed spaces or crowds) and are intense episodes characterized by heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, and trembling. Those with panic disorder can develop an intense fear of having a panic attack, which can contribute to more panic attacks. The best treatment for panic attacks includes therapy, medication, and learning to apply self-help strategies such as deep breathing, grounding techniques, and progressive muscle relaxation.
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): People with social anxiety disorder feel extreme self-consciousness and anxiety in social situations such as social events, meetings, classes, public speaking, or meeting new people. Many people facing SAD fear feeling embarrassed, humiliated, or judged by others, even when there is no rational reason for these feelings or any actual experience to support this fear. A social anxiety disorder may cause physical symptoms, such as sweating, trembling, blushing, and stammering. Those who face SAD often avoid social situations which leads to isolation and loneliness.
The most effective treatments for social anxiety are therapies to retrain the mind, like CBT, and medications (beta-blockers or antidepressants). Assertiveness training, exposure practices, mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can also help with symptom reduction.
Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD): Another common type of anxiety disorder that causes recurring thoughts and repetitive behaviors that feel uncontrollable and unavoidable. People with OCD feel the need to check and recheck things repeatedly and often experience unwanted and intrusive thoughts and images that cause anxiety and severe distress. Those with OCD often spend huge amounts of time on compulsive behavior like counting, checking and rechecking, or cleaning which greatly interrupts daily life and normal functioning. The most effective treatments for OCD often involve cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors – SSRIs), response prevention and exposure therapies, and more.
Best Treatment for Anxiety Mississippi
Living with anxiety can be scary and overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that there are solutions for you! If you’re suffering from any anxiety disorder, contact your doctor. They can best direct your treatment plan to ensure your mental health needs are being met comprehensively. One of the most effective anxiety treatment facilities in Mississippi is Psycamore. We always create a tailored treatment plan to address your specific health concerns to improve the quality of your life, utilizing a variety of therapies and possibly, medication management. Our team of qualified mental health professionals offers group therapy, individual therapy, intensive outpatient programs, and more, all designed specifically to address anxiety. Ask your doctor today if Psycamore may be a good fit for you, or reach out to our licensed clinicians to learn more! You are not alone and seeking help is a positive and courageous step towards a happier, healthier life.
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