5 Things You May Not Know About Anxiety, But You Should.

At Mental Health and Wellness Associates, our top psychiatrists often meet with patients who are struggling with anxiety. Our team of psychiatrists are often asked questions about the nature of anxiety and the best ways to treat it. In this article, we will discuss five things that may surprise you about anxiety and its treatment.

Anxiety is a natural response to stress.
Many people think of anxiety as a purely negative emotion, but in reality, anxiety is a natural response to stress. Some level of stress is important and normal. Anxiety can help us stay alert and focused in dangerous situations, and can motivate us to take action to address stressful situations. It pushes us to pay our bills on time, study to pass a test and show up to work on time. However, when anxiety becomes chronic or disproportionate to the actual threat, it can interfere with daily life and require treatment.

Medication is not the only treatment for anxiety.
While medication can be helpful for managing symptoms of anxiety, it is not the only effective treatment. Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is a highly effective treatment for anxiety. CBT can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that are contributing to their anxiety. 

A well trained and experienced psychiatrist can help both diagnose anxiety and help you to determine which treatment options are best for you. 

Anxiety disorders are highly treatable.
Anxiety disorders are among the most treatable mental health conditions. With the right treatment, most people with anxiety disorders can recover and lead fulfilling lives. A psychiatrist can help if you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety. It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible, as untreated anxiety can lead to more severe symptoms and complications.

Mindfulness can help reduce anxiety.
Mindfulness, or the practice of being present in the moment and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment, has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety. Mindfulness-based interventions, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), can be helpful for individuals with anxiety disorders.

Lifestyle changes can help manage anxiety.
In addition to medication and therapy, there are several lifestyle changes that can help manage symptoms of anxiety. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet can all contribute to better mental health. Avoiding alcohol, nicotine and caffeine, which can exacerbate anxiety symptoms, can also be helpful.

Now you know that anxiety is a natural response to stress. However, when it becomes chronic, disproportionate to the actual threat, negatively impacts your ability to function or enjoy your life, it is time to consider getting help. While medication can be helpful for managing symptoms of anxiety, therapy, mindfulness, and lifestyle changes can also be highly effective. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, we encourage you to consider meeting with a psychiatrist to receive an accurate diagnosis and evidence-based treatment. 

If you live in the state of California and are looking for help, we would be happy to speak with you. If you are interested in becoming a new patient, please schedule a time to speak with our practice manager (using the "book online" button above) or call our office today.

References:

American Psychological Association. (2017). Understanding anxiety disorders. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety

Hofmann, S. G., & Gómez, A. F. (2017). Mindfulness-based interventions for anxiety and depression. The Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 40(4), 739-749.

National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Anxiety disorders. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml