Anxiety is almost considered normal in today’s society. However, if anxiety is interfering with your life and is causing frequent anguish, you can experience a more peaceful existence when implementing anxiety-management methods and/or receiving therapy.
There is a wide range of anxiety treatment options, as well as techniques to help you handle it. Varying types of anxiety express different symptomatology, so treatment for each person and each issue will be unique.
Let’s talk about some of the main types of anxiety, how they can be treated, and where you can go in Atlanta and Alpharetta to tamp down your anxiety for good.
Common Types of Anxiety
Some of the most common types of anxiety include the following:
- Social Phobia, or social anxiety, is when anxiety is related to fear of being judged negatively by others. For example, one could be irrationally worried about embarrassing themselves or offending someone when among a group of people.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a chronic state of worry characterized by anxiety related to a number of things. Symptoms include tension, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mind going blank, or problems sleeping.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears that lead to compulsive actions. With OCD, we see intrusive thoughts that create anxiety and repeated unwanted behaviors.
- Panic Disorder is when there are bouts of unexpected, intense anxiety or fear coinciding with physical symptoms, such as chest pain, heart palpitations, dizziness, or stomachache.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) occurs when an individual has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, and the person has internalized their feelings. Symptoms include nightmares, unwanted and persistent memories, anxiety, depression, avoidance of external reminders of the event, and heightened reactions to things.
Treatment Options and Help for Anxiety
There are several key things you can do to help reduce and control your anxiety, including the following:
- Mental Health Therapy: You can work with a therapist either in person or online. Therapy will equip you with methods of reducing anxiety as well as help you understand and overcome what is creating the anxiety. To find a mental health professional near you, you can ask a friend for recommendations, ask your doctor for referrals, or find one online using an online directory.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Journaling, exercise, breathwork, getting proper nutrition, vitamins, and getting fresh air and sunlight have all been proven to be excellent stress-management tools. Sticking to these daily rituals can be pivotal in preventing your anxiety from spiraling.
- Medication: Prescription anxiety medication can be very helpful in reducing anxiety, and it can sometimes improve the success of other treatments, such as talk therapy. The impact of medication varies by the individual. If you think it might benefit you, speak with your doctor and/or a mental health professional.
- Support Groups: These groups are filled with people who experience similar issues. Exchanging stories and fostering a community with people who understand your difficulties can be very healing.
- Self-Help Books, Apps, and Podcasts: These are convenient, inexpensive ways to combat anxiety and to learn information that can inspire you to construct a healthier mindset, as well as introduce you to anxiety-reducing practices. Just pop into one of your local bookstores or research different mental health apps.
Mental Health Counseling and Anxiety Treatment in Atlanta and Alpharetta
If you are dealing with anxiety, depression, or other issues that are getting in the way of enjoying your life, contact a professional counselor at Atlanta Specialized Care. Call us today at (770) 815-6853 or fill out our appointment request form online right now, while you’re thinking about it. We are here for you.
