Other effective treatments for anxiety and panic disorder include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and psychodynamic therapy.
ANXIETY AND PANIC DISORDER TREATMENT
Understanding Anxiety and Panic Disorders and Their Impact on Life
Anxiety is a normal and necessary reaction to a perceived danger, but in today’s “alway on” environment, this natural response can hijack our minds and bodies. In disordered anxiety, what once sought to warn us of a need to take action can leave us exhausted, overwhelmed, and easily provoked. While some degree of anxiety is necessary to achieve our goals and perform at our best, excessive anxiety can rob us of joy and hinder functioning. Extreme bouts of anxiety can lead to panic disorder, where the body overreacts to a nonexistent threat or a false alarm. Anxiety disorders and panic attacks are generally characterized by feelings of tension and worry, intrusive thoughts, increased blood pressure, heart rate, sweating, trembling, and dizziness. When anxiety becomes excessive or disruptive, our therapists can help.
What are the Major Symptoms of Anxiety and Panic Disorders?
Anxiety and Panic Disorders can manifest in a variety of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. Here are the major signs of anxiety and panic disorders:
Excessive Worrying
A constant feeling of unease or fear about everyday situations, often with exaggerated thoughts of potential problems or dangers.
Restlessness
A sense of being “on edge,” which can make it difficult to relax or stay still, often accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heart or tension.
Physical Symptoms
These can include rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, and muscle tension, which are often present during periods of heightened anxiety.
How Can Counseling Help with Anxiety and Panic Disorders?
Living with anxiety or panic disorder can make even routine activities feel overwhelming. Therapy provides a structured, supportive environment where individuals can explore the root causes of their anxiety and develop coping strategies. Working with a therapist, individuals can learn to identify triggers, challenge distorted thought patterns, and build skills for managing emotional responses.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective approach for treating anxiety and panic disorders. CBT helps individuals understand the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, empowering them to make positive changes. Through CBT, people can challenge irrational thoughts, confront their fears in a controlled manner (known as exposure therapy), and learn new ways to cope with anxiety-provoking situations.
Therapists can also help individuals develop relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness and deep breathing, to reduce the immediate physical symptoms of anxiety and promote overall emotional regulation.
What If I Am Treating My Anxiety With Medication?
Treating anxiety disorder or panic with medication can be very effective in providing immediate relief of acute symptoms, and adding psychotherapy to your treatment plan can empower you to regain control over your symptoms in the long term. Our therapists can work collaboratively with your prescribing clinician to understand your individual needs, allowing you to overcome your anxiety without losing your sense of control.
Tips for Managing Anxiety and Panic Disorders and Improving Daily Life
Managing anxiety and panic disorders often requires a blend of self-care practices, emotional support, and coping strategies to reduce its impact on daily life. Here are some tips that can help individuals with anxiety manage their symptoms and enhance their overall well-being:
Physical Well-Being and Self-Care
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Practice Relaxation Techniques: Engage in mindfulness, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises to calm the body and mind, reducing the physiological effects of anxiety.
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Exercise Regularly: Physical activity helps release endorphins and reduce stress hormones, providing a natural outlet for anxiety and improving overall mood.
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Sleep Well: Adequate rest is essential for managing anxiety. Poor sleep can exacerbate anxiety, so developing healthy sleep habits is crucial in maintaining emotional balance.
Social Support and Connection
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Therapeutic Support: Working with a therapist who specializes in anxiety can provide a safe space to explore your feelings, gain insights into your triggers, and learn effective coping strategies.
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Support Groups: Connecting with others who are experiencing similar challenges can offer a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation. Group therapy or peer support groups can be particularly beneficial in fostering understanding and connection.
Emotional Regulation and Stress Management
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Learn to Manage Worry: Developing techniques to manage worry, such as journaling, deep breathing, or mindfulness, can help prevent anxiety from spiraling.
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Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and recognize that anxiety is a common human experience. Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend in a similar situation.
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Engage in Supportive Relationships: Strong, supportive relationships can offer emotional comfort and a sense of stability. Surround yourself with people who understand your struggles and offer encouragement.
Build Resilience Through Therapeutic Support
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Understand the Roots of Your Anxiety: Exploring your personal and psychosocial history in a supportive environment can help you recognize patterns that shape today’s fears and responses.
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Develop Healthier Responses: Identifying triggers and accepting anxiety as your body’s natural response to stimuli empowers you to overcome its debilitating effects.
- Build Confidence by Developing New Skills: Learning practical coping tools, such as ACT, CBT, and DBT will help you manage anxious moments and step into daily life with self-assurance.
Contact Us Today!
At Stuart J. Nathan, Ph.D. and Associates, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals seeking support with their mental health. Whether you’re looking for professional guidance, interested in collaboration opportunities, or hoping to join our experienced team, we’re here to help. Connect with us today and take the first step toward lasting wellness and growth.