So you found out that you’re suffering from anxiety, or maybe you’re wondering if your anxiety is high enough to call for professional help. This article will explore common concerns related to anxiety and how therapy can help get you back on track with life.
Is my anxiety high enough to be clinically diagnosed?
According to the DMS-5, symptoms of anxiety include the followings:
- Daily worry and anxiety for at least six months in multiple settings.
- Difficulty controlling worry and anxiety.
- Experiencing at least 3 of the following symptoms (restlessness, being easily fatigued, concentration issues, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep issues).
- Having a general sense of anxiety about most areas of life.
- Your anxiety impacts relationships, work, and quality of life.
- Your anxiety is not related to substance use or other medical illnesses.
Now, of course, you need to be formally evaluated by a professional to determine whether you meet the criteria for the anxiety disorder, but reading the above symptoms might have answered your initial questions to get started.
Do I need therapy for anxiety?
If your anxiety interferes with your quality of life, you should seek professional help by reaching out to a therapist in your area. Your therapist can make further recommendations on whether you need to consult with a psychiatrist and other resources in the community.
What are the benefits of therapy for anxiety?
- As I mentioned, your therapist can collaborate with you to identify the root cause of your anxiety and formulate action plans that are hopeful and helpful to your situation.
- Therapy space can provide you with a safe and supportive environment to explore barriers and potential issues that cause your anxiety.
- Seeking therapy can help you regain self-confidence and deepen your relationship with yourself.
- Therapy can help reduce and eliminate your symptoms of symptoms.
- In therapy, you also gain tools and coping skills to manage life on life’s terms.
How to choose a therapist
Seeking therapy can seem like a daunting task. It is mainly because being vulnerable to another human being takes so much courage and risk. When choosing a therapist, consider doing a 15-minute phone call with the therapist and get a feel of how they work, and consider asking the following questions.
- Do you treat anxiety? If yes, how do you approach treating anxiety?
- Have you worked with anyone having similar circumstances to mine?
- How soon can I see you?
- Do you accept my insurance? If you are using an insurance plan.
- Do you provide in-person? Do you offer video sessions?
Common types of therapy approach used to treat anxiety
Presently, psychotherapy in the form of one-and-one or group therapy is the first line of treatment when treating anxiety. In addition, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is effective in treating anxiety disorder. In some cases, medication can help ease anxiety symptoms and is primarily used as a short-term intervention with psychotherapy. Here in Panahi Counseling, we also use EMDR therapy to treat anxiety disorder.
Get the therapy you need at Panahi Counseling, PC
Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions, our caring and committed therapists are here to work with you. Our therapists specialize in a wide range of therapeutic goals and are willing to provide you with a 15minutes consultation to answer your questions. Don’t let stigma keep you from reaching optimal mental health and well-being.
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