According to Dr. J. Paul Caldwell, a family practitioner for over 25 years, in his book "Anxiety Disorders: Everything You Need To Know," reasons for not seeking counseling for anxiety include fear of being labeled "mentally ill," not knowing where to get help, or the unawareness that treatment for anxiety symptoms exists. Caldwell stresses that anxiety is very treatable, the treatment does not usually rely solely on one approach, and treatment frequently includes counseling or therapy.
Significance
In "Anxiety Free: Unraveling Your Fears Before They Unravel You," Dr. Robert Leahy, an internationally known writer, speaker, and specialist in treating anxiety, asserts that anxiety can dramatically reduce your quality of life, damaging relationships, physical health, fostering depression and otherwise keep you from achieving your maximum effectiveness in life. Leahy says that studies show that up to 70 percent of people with anxiety do not seek or receive adequate treatment.
Left untreated, anxiety can persist for many years and lead to alcoholism and severe debilitation. Leahy writes that newer forms of cognitive behavioral treatment, a type of counseling or therapy, have repeatedly shown positive results in treating anxiety.
Time Frame
According to the National Institute for Mental Health, people who believe treatment does not work for them often were not in treatment long enough, or the treatment was poorly provided. A person may try several treatments or combinations of treatment before he finds the one most effective for treating his anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy lasts an average of 12 weeks, according to NIMH.
Features
According to Caldwell, CBT is based on the concept that our feelings and behavior directly link to the way we think or react to certain situations. Caldwell cites a Greek philosopher from 2,000 years ago, Epictetus, to illustrate that this is not a new idea: "It is not things themselves that disturb men, but their judgments about these things."
According to NIMH, the most appropriate time to seek CBT comes when you decide you are ready for it and motivated to put forth effort. The therapist must direct the therapy at your specific anxieties and personalize the intervention to your needs. While your anxiety may temporarily increase during the therapy, no other side effects typically result.
Types
According to the NIMH, several types of professionals exist who hold the necessary training to provide CBT, including a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or licensed counselor.
To achieve maximum effectiveness during counseling, it is important that you feel comfortable talking with the mental health professional you choose. If you do not feel comfortable, find a different clinician to work with you.
To find a therapist, you could ask friends for referrals, your doctor, or contact your insurance company to find out who the plan covers in network. Most insurance benefits include coverage for treatment of anxiety disorders.
If you don't have insurance, you could check with the Health and Human Services division of your county government. It may offer counseling at a public mental health clinic that charges people on a sliding-fee-scale.
If you receive public assistance, care may be available through your state Medicaid plan.
Considerations
According to the NIMH, adding in other tools to your counseling experience can make your treatment more effective. The NIMH suggests joining a self-help or support group, or talking with a trusted friend or member of the clergy. Family members can also play an important role in your recovery.
The NIMH suggests making lifestyle changes such as using stress management techniques and meditation or engaging in aerobic exercise, which provides a calming effect, and avoiding caffeine, certain illicit drugs, and even some over-the-counter cold medications, which can all rev up anxiety symptoms.
References
- "Anxiety Disorders Everything You Need To Know"; J. Paul Caldwell, MD; 2005
- NIMH: Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
- NIMH: How to Get Help for Anxiety Disorders
- "Anxiety Free Unravel Your Fears Before They Unravel You"; Robert L. Leahy, Ph.D.; 2009
