Managing Anxiety: Why Professional Help Is Important

In 2017, it was reported that approximately 44.9 million people in India were living with anxiety disorders in India. After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, surveys revealed that approximately 88% of the respondents reported experiencing anxiety.

It is easy to see that anxiety disorders seem common among Indians. Yet, most people are unsure of how to seek help for their conditions. Often, the stigma that comes with having the label of a mental health diagnosis keeps many from reaching out to professionals and opting for self-help methods. 

While self-care techniques and lifestyle management are helpful, seeking help for persistent or severe symptoms is crucial.

Also read: How can Anxiety Affect You in the Long Run?

Recognising when anxiety requires professional help

While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, if your feelings of worry and dread don't go away, it can be a cause of concern. Anxiety can affect many aspects of an individual's life, such as their ability to perform in school or at work. 

Hence, understanding when to seek help is crucial. With professional support, anxiety is a treatable condition. But, when untreated, anxiety disorders can put individuals at an increased risk for experiencing symptoms of other common mental health disorders.

You should seek professional help if:

• you feel that your worry is upsetting and difficult to control.

• you feel that your anxiety may be linked to a physical health issue.

• you are living with other mental health conditions, or struggle with drug and alcohol use.

• you feel that your anxiety is overwhelming and interfering with your relationships, work, or any other aspects of your daily life.

With professional support, anxiety disorders are treatable. Effective treatment and early intervention can go a long way in helping you feel better.

What types of professional help are available for anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders are a broad category of mental health conditions, and only a licensed mental health professional can help you arrive at a correct diagnosis. Getting a diagnosis can involve physical and psychological evaluations to understand your condition better. Hence, to get a diagnosis and understand your condition better, you must seek professional help.

Receiving a diagnosis makes it easier to explore possible treatment options for your condition. Effective treatment makes it possible to manage your daily activities, which can go a long way in making you feel better.

Also read: How Does Anxiety Affect Your Physical Health?

Psychotherapy for anxiety disorders

Talk therapy or psychotherapy is the most common treatment approach for anxiety disorders. Out of the various techniques, studies have found that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) seems to be the most effective. Other approaches that stem from CBT, such as exposure therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy, have also shown promising results.

Psychotherapy is the preferred treatment approach for many as it can be tailored to one's needs and symptoms. With therapy, individuals are not only able to discover new skills and strategies to manage their symptoms better, but also learn the underlying causes of their anxious thoughts and feelings. 

It is important to remember that therapy is not a quick fix, and feeling better can take time. Sometimes, discussing anxiety-provoking situations during a session can feel unpleasant, but it is important to stick to your treatment plan to see long-term results.

Medication for anxiety disorders

Depending on your diagnosis and physical evaluation, a licensed psychiatrist may prescribe medication for your condition, if necessary. Typically, a brief course of medication is prescribed to help with short-term relief of symptoms.

Research suggests that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the most effective when treating anxiety. A licensed psychiatrist will prescribe medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antidepressants, and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, which can help create a calming effect.

Also read: Can Anxiety Disorders Be Cured?

A variety of treatment options are available for anxiety disorders, including self-care measures, that help you tackle your daily symptoms better. But, working with a professional helps you create a personalised treatment plan that effectively addresses your symptoms. With expert guidance, you can not only learn how to manage your symptoms but also work on diminishing them in the long run.

Sources:

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(19)30475-4/fulltext

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/indians-stress-anxiety-mental-health-study-7101237/

https://web.ccsu.edu/counselingandwellnesscenter/information/anxiety.asp

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350967

https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety#natural-remedies