Aids to Understanding Mental Health Issues

Occasional anxiety is a common aspect of life. However, individuals with anxiety disorders often experience intense, excessive, and persistent worries and fears in daily situations. Anxiety disorders typically include repeated instances of sudden, intense anxiety and fear or terror that culminate in panic attacks within minutes. Feelings of anxiety and panic can disrupt daily activities, are often difficult to control, and may be disproportionate to the actual threat. They can persist for a long time, leading individuals to avoid places or situations to prevent these feelings. Symptoms might begin in childhood or adolescence and extend into adulthood. Anxiety disorders encompass a variety of conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and separation anxiety disorder. It is possible to experience multiple anxiety disorders simultaneously. Occasionally, anxiety may stem from a medical condition requiring treatment. No matter the type of anxiety, there are treatments available that can assist.

Symptoms

Common anxiety signs and symptoms include:

· Feeling nervous, restless or tense

· Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom

· Having an increased heart rate

· Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)

· Sweating

· Trembling

· Feeling weak or tired

· Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry

· Having trouble sleeping

· Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems

· Having difficulty controlling worry

· Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety

Several types of anxiety disorders exist:

- Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by an intense fear of being in situations or places that may cause panic, feeling trapped, helplessness, or embarrassment. 

- Anxiety disorder due to a medical condition includes symptoms of intense anxiety or panic that are directly caused by a physical health problem.

- Generalized anxiety disorder is marked by persistent and excessive worry about a variety of activities or events, often extending to everyday, routine issues. The level of worry often exceeds the reality of the situation and can be difficult to control, affecting physical health. It commonly occurs alongside other anxiety disorders or depression.

- Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of severe anxiety and fear or terror that escalate rapidly, often culminating in panic attacks within minutes. Symptoms may include a sense of impending doom, difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, or a rapid and irregular heartbeat. These episodes can result in persistent concern over future attacks or avoidance of places where they have occurred.

- Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder characterized by a child's consistent inability to speak in specific social settings, like school, despite being able to communicate in other scenarios, such as at home with family. This condition can significantly impact educational and occupational achievements, as well as social interactions.

- Separation anxiety disorder is a condition in children marked by excessive anxiety, beyond what is expected for their developmental stage, associated with separation from parents or individuals who fulfill parental roles.

- Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is characterized by significant anxiety, fear, and avoidance of social interactions stemming from a worry of embarrassment, self-consciousness, and the fear of being negatively judged by others.

- Specific phobias involve significant anxiety triggered by exposure to a particular object or situation, leading to an intense desire to avoid it. In some individuals, phobias can induce panic attacks.

- Substance-induced anxiety disorder is marked by severe anxiety or panic symptoms directly caused by drug misuse, medication intake, exposure to toxic substances, or drug withdrawal.

- Other specified anxiety disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder refer to anxiety or phobias that, while not meeting the strict criteria for other anxiety disorders, are sufficiently severe to cause distress and disruption.

When to seek help

Seek help if:

· You feel like you're worrying too much and it's interfering with your work, relationships or other parts of your life

· Your fear, worry or anxiety is upsetting to you and difficult to control

· You feel depressed, have trouble with alcohol or drug use, or have other mental health concerns along with anxiety

· You think your anxiety could be linked to a physical health problem

· You have suicidal thoughts or behaviors — if this is the case, seek emergency treatment immediately

If left unaddressed, concerns may persist or escalate. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional or mental health specialist before symptoms of anxiety intensify. Early intervention can facilitate a more straightforward treatment process.

Diagnosis

Beginning with your primary care provider is a good step to determine if your anxiety is connected to your physical health. They can examine you for symptoms of an underlying medical condition that might require treatment. However, if your anxiety is severe, it may be necessary to consult a mental health specialist. 

Psychiatrists, who are medical doctors specializing in mental health conditions, can diagnose, prescribe medication and treat such disorders. 

Psychologists and other mental health professionals are also qualified to diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy).

To help diagnose an anxiety disorder, your mental health provider may:

· Give you a psychological evaluation. This process entails discussing your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to assist in identifying a diagnosis and examining related complications. Anxiety disorders frequently co-occur with other mental health issues, such as depression or substance abuse, complicating the diagnostic process.

· Compare your symptoms to the criteria in the DSM-5. Mental health providers utilize the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), issued by the American Psychiatric Association, for diagnosing anxiety disorders.

Treatment

The primary treatments for anxiety disorders are psychotherapy and medication. Often, a combination of both yields the most benefit. Finding the most effective treatments may require some trial and error as each individual is genetically and perceptually unique.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, often referred to as talk therapy or psychological counseling, is a collaborative process with a therapist aimed at alleviating anxiety symptoms. It is recognized as a viable treatment option for anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) stands out as the most effective psychotherapeutic approach for treating anxiety disorders. Typically a short-term strategy, CBT concentrates on imparting specific skills to better manage symptoms and progressively reengage in activities previously avoided due to anxiety. A key component of CBT is exposure therapy, which involves a gradual approach to confronting the object or situation that induces anxiety, thereby fostering the confidence to handle the situation and control the symptoms of anxiety.

Medications

Various medications are prescribed to alleviate symptoms, tailored to the specific anxiety disorder and any concurrent mental or physical health conditions. 

For instance:

· Antidepressants may be utilized for anxiety disorders.

· Buspirone, an anti-anxiety medication, might be recommended.

· Under certain conditions, your physician might prescribe additional medications like sedatives, known as benzodiazepines, or beta blockers, which are meant for short-term management of anxiety symptoms and not for prolonged use.

It's important to discuss the advantages, risks, and potential side effects of medications with your doctor.

Overview

Psychotherapy is a method used to treat mental health conditions through conversations with a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professionals. It is also referred to as talk therapy, counseling, psychosocial therapy, or simply therapy. Psychotherapy involves understanding your conditions and learning how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence your mood. It equips you with the skills to manage your life and face challenges with effective coping mechanisms. Various forms of psychotherapy exist, and the appropriate type for an individual depends on their unique circumstances.

Why it's done

Psychotherapy is effective in treating a wide range of mental health issues, including:

· Anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

· Mood disorders, like depression or bipolar disorder.

· Addictions, including alcohol use disorder, drug dependence, or compulsive gambling.

· Eating disorders, like anorexia or bulimia.

· Personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder or dependent personality disorder.

· Schizophrenia and other disorders that cause detachment from reality.

Psychotherapy isn't only for those diagnosed with a mental illness; it can assist anyone dealing with life's stresses and conflicts.

For instance, psychotherapy can help you:

· Resolve conflicts with your partner or others.

· Alleviate anxiety or stress from work or other situations.

· Handle major life changes, like divorce, the death of a loved one, or job loss.

· Manage unhealthy reactions, like road rage or aggressive behavior.

· Accept and deal with a chronic or serious health condition, such as diabetes, cancer, or chronic pain.

· Heal from physical or sexual abuse or the trauma of witnessing violence.

· Address sexual problems, whether due to physical or psychological causes.

· Improve sleep if you struggle with falling or staying asleep. 

Sometimes, psychotherapy can be as effective as medication, such as antidepressants. However, depending on your situation, therapy alone might not be sufficient to alleviate the symptoms of a mental health condition, and you may also require medication or other treatments.

Risks

Psychotherapy typically carries minimal risk. However, it may involve exploring emotionally painful feelings and experiences, which can be uncomfortable. A competent therapist can help minimize any risks by meeting your needs. Learning coping skills can aid in managing and overcoming negative feelings.

Confidentiality

Conversations with your therapist are confidential, with few exceptions. A therapist might breach confidentiality if there is an immediate threat to safety or if laws mandate reporting certain concerns to authorities. For questions about confidentiality, your therapist is the best resource.

Length of psychotherapy

The number and frequency of psychotherapy sessions required vary based on several factors, including:

· The nature of your mental health issues.

· The intensity of your symptoms.

· The duration of your symptoms or the period you've been managing your mental health issues.

· Your rate of progress towards treatment objectives.

· The level of stress you are experiencing.

· The extent to which your mental health issues affect everyday life.

· The support you receive from family and others.

· Financial considerations and insurance coverage. 

Additionally, the length of psychotherapy sessions may vary according to the therapeutic approach utilized. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy typically involves a shorter treatment duration, whereas dialectical behavior therapy may require a more extended period. Your therapist will guide you on the expected duration of treatment.

Treatment could span only a few weeks for short-term issues, or it might extend over a year or more for long-term mental health challenges or other persistent problems.

Results

Psychotherapy might not resolve your condition or eliminate difficult situations. However, it can empower you to manage in a healthy manner and improve your self-perception and life quality.

Getting the most out of psychotherapy

To maximize the benefits of psychotherapy, consider these steps:

· Ensure you're comfortable with your therapist. If not, seek another therapist with whom you can be more at ease.

· Treat therapy as a collaborative effort. Psychotherapy works best when you're an active participant and involved in decision-making. Confirm that you and your therapist are aligned on the key issues and methods of addressing them. Set goals together and track progress over time.

· Be transparent and truthful. The success of therapy hinges on your readiness to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and your openness to new perspectives, ideas, and approaches. If discussing certain topics is difficult due to emotional distress, shame, or fear of your therapist's response, communicate this to your therapist.

· Adhere to your treatment plan. Feeling disheartened or unmotivated may lead you to miss sessions, but this can hinder your progress. Commit to attending all sessions and consider what you wish to discuss.

· Manage your expectations. Addressing emotional issues can be challenging and often requires considerable effort. Improvement may take multiple sessions.

· Complete assignments between sessions. If your therapist suggests writing in a journal or practicing coping strategies outside of sessions, make sure to do so. These tasks can enhance the application of what you learn in therapy.

· Discuss any lack of progress with your therapist. If you feel therapy isn't beneficial after several sessions, bring this up with your therapist. You both might agree to adjust your plan or try a new method that could be more effective.

Some simple techniques to reduce stress and combat your anxiety: 

Box breathing: How to do it, benefits, and tips (medicalnewstoday.com)  

50 Strategies to Beat Anxiety | Psychology Today  

Our depression counseling services can help you overcome feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair. Our experienced therapists can provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, gain insights into your behavior, and develop strategies to manage your depression.

Our trauma counseling services can help you overcome the effects of traumatic events. Our licensed therapists use evidence-based techniques to help you heal from the psychological impact of trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your experiences and develop strategies to move forward.

Our life coaching services can help you achieve your personal and professional goals. Our experienced coaches provide guidance, support, and motivation to help you identify your strengths, overcome obstacles, and achieve success in all areas of your life.

Our grief counseling services can help you cope with the loss of a loved one. Our licensed therapists provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your feelings of grief, gain insights into your behavior, and develop strategies to manage your grief and move forward.

Our anger management counseling services can help you manage and control your anger in healthy ways. Our experienced therapists provide guidance and support to help you identify the root causes of your anger, develop coping skills, and improve your relationships with others.