Millions of people in the United States struggle with some form of anxiety. Anxiety disorders can cause disruptive, distressing symptoms that impact daily functioning and quality of life. However, comprehensive treatment can help people reduce or manage their symptoms.
Managing anxiety requires care for a person’s mind, body, relationships, and more. Treatment typically includes medication, lifestyle changes, holistic therapies, and talk therapy.
Therapy is a critical aspect of managing different types of anxiety disorders. This article will explore different types of therapy used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. You will learn:
- The symptoms of anxiety
- Different types of therapy used to treat addiction
- The benefits of using therapy to treat addiction
- Where to find therapy for anxiety
If you or someone you love struggles with anxiety or another mental health condition, you are not alone. Help is available at Agape Behavioral Health. Contact our mental health professionals now to learn more about our treatment and support programs. Contact us with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Anxiety?
Most people experience feelings of anxiety each day. People may feel anxious about an upcoming deadline at work, public speaking, interpersonal difficulties, and other situations. In most cases, people can manage short-term anxiety and continue to function normally. However, some people experience chronic or intense stress that impacts functioning and quality of life.
People with anxiety disorders may have long-lasting anxiety without a clear cause. Others may experience panic attacks. Others feel intensely frightened or distressed in certain situations or when exposed to specific triggers.
There are many types of anxiety disorders, including:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Panic disorder
- Phobias
- Social anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Comprehensive treatment plans for anxiety include medications, therapy, lifestyle changes, and holistic therapies. These interventions can help people reduce their symptoms and improve their daily functioning.
Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety can have physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Racing thoughts
- Fast heart rate
- Quicker breathing
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- A feeling of choking or being strangled
- Dizziness
- Excessive sweating
- Tingling in the hands, face, or limbs
- Excessive worrying
- A feeling of dread
- Avoiding things that cause anxiety
People may experience these and other symptoms of anxiety related to future events, current situations, or other triggers. In some cases, people may not know what is making them feel anxious.
The symptoms of anxiety can disrupt functioning and cause chronic distress. Some people may need treatment to manage anxiety symptoms.
Agape Behavioral Center accepts many private insurance plans
Therapies Used to Treat Anxiety
Working with a therapist can help people explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in new ways. Therapy can give people the tools to manage anxiety and other mental health symptoms.
There are many types of therapy used to treat anxiety. Here is an overview of some of the therapies used to treat anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people explore the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. People may participate in CBT in individual counseling sessions or group therapy. During sessions, people work with a therapist to identify and work toward goals.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can help to reduce destructive or dangerous behaviors, including self-harm and substance abuse. It focuses on increasing distress tolerance, mindfulness, and other skills to reduce stress, anxiety, and impulsiveness.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) helps people face emotions and challenges head-on instead of avoiding them. People explore their willingness to change, values, and behaviors.
Relaxation therapies
Relaxation therapies are practices that can calm the mind and body. These include:
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Deep breathing
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Tai chi
- Creative therapies (art, music, dance, drama)
Learning and using these therapies can help people manage short-term anxiety symptoms and reduce overall stress.
Exposure therapy
Exposure therapy is an evidence-based approach used to treat phobias. This therapy involves gradual exposure to the situations, objects, or other things that trigger anxiety and panic symptoms.
Interpersonal therapy
Interpersonal therapy is a short-term therapy that can help people improve their relationships with others. During this therapy, people explore their relationships and how they impact their anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety is a complex condition that requires comprehensive treatment. Therapy is a critical aspect of managing anxiety disorders. Therapy can help people explore and address the physical, behavioral, and emotional roots of their mental health symptoms.
Contact the mental health professionals at Agape Behavioral Health to learn more about the therapies used to treat anxiety.
Find Anxiety Treatment Now
If you or a loved one struggles with anxiety or another mental health condition, you are not alone. Contact the Agape Behavioral Health specialists to explore our treatment and support programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
