Anxiety disorders affect nearly one-fifth of all Americans. And despite the availability of effective medicines, only around one-third of those suffering from the disease seek treatment. Now, assess yourself and ask if you are a part of one or both of these demographics. If you suffer from anxiety, you can learn more about the condition here and take note as we discuss the importance of getting professional help.
Understanding Anxiety
While countless people suffer from anxiety, it’s important to know that there are primarily three “general†classifications of this disorder. They are, namely, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and agoraphobia. These are examples of generalized anxiety disorders (GAD).
GAD, the most common type of anxiety, is a disorder that keeps your body in a fight or flight mode. When presented with a stressful scenario, the fight-or-flight reaction triggers a surge in the release of stress hormones into the bloodstream. These stress hormones constrict blood vessels, driving blood to the center of the body and raising blood pressure in addition to increasing your heart rate and respiration rate.
These physiological responses were created to help you cope with stressful situations, such as increasing your speed to run or your strength to ward off a threat. When you have GAD, your body spends an inordinate amount of time on high alert.
Treatment for GAD
Psychiatrists and counselors can treat GAD in a variety of ways. To manage symptoms or episodes, a patient may require treatment, medication, or both.
Nowadays, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is commonly used in GAD psychotherapy. CBT teaches patients how to respond differently to stimuli, which aids in anxiety reduction.
Mental health providers also offer individuals certain coping strategies. Psychiatrists can treat GAD using antidepressants, buspirone, and benzodiazepines. Antidepressants are also divided into subcategories. Each type of drug targets different brain chemicals and systems.
Advantages of Telehealth
In the age of social distancing and advanced technology, the popular virtual medical sessions–Telehealth–have become popular in diagnosing and treating people suffering from GAD. With this method, individuals can conquer anxiety on their own time using online counseling and psychiatry.
Online mental health appointments have been demonstrated to be just as beneficial as in-person appointments. Furthermore, telemedicine appointments are required to follow HIPAA guidelines.
Seeking a Therapist
This type of “invisible†condition can confine you in a world of irrational fear, empty of hope, and rife with impending calamity. While everyone experiences stress and anxiety, it is vital to seek professional help when relationships are tarnished, sleeping problems persist, it hampers your attention and reduces your enjoyment of life, it encourages self-loathing or feelings of worthlessness, and suicidal thoughts are encountered.
Conclusion
Anxiety disorders can manifest in a myriad of ways, such as digestive issues, migraines, or chronic discomfort, as well as emotionally and mentally. Seeking treatment is even more important if your anxiety is affecting your physical health. Additionally, anxiety chooses no time, so predictability can be tough. Thus, if you feel trapped by your condition and are continually disturbed by excessive fear or worry, seek the help of an expert.
Are you looking for telepsychiatric services in New Hampshire? The mission of Amodeus Healthcare is to improve the quality of life for everyone. As advanced nurse practitioners, we recognize that life’s challenges and demands can sometimes get in the way. In effect, we provide compassionate medical and mental health care. Get in touch with us today!