Anxiety can be a normal feeling of short duration that you experience when you encounter a stressful situation, or it can last for a longer period of time, potentially developing into a mental disorder. Anxiety disorders, such generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder, interfere with your daily functioning. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, anxiety disorders may be caused by certain medications, chemicals in your brain or medical conditions. Among the possible symptoms you may experience are panic attacks, frequent or obsessive worrying, irritability, insomnia or feelings of restlessness.
See Your Doctor
If you think you have an anxiety disorder, your first stop should be at your doctor's office. You doctor will perform a physical examination to determine whether your anxiety is being caused by a physical problem or if you have underlying mental issues that need to be addressed. Once physical issues are ruled out, your doctor will most likely refer you for counseling with a licensed mental health professional, such as a clinical social worker, psychologist, counselor or psychiatrist. You may also receive a prescription for an anti-anxiety medication. Remember that anxiety medications will not cure anxiety, but they can provide temporary relief from its symptoms while you work in therapy to uncover its underlying causes.
Therapy
Several forms of therapy are potentially effective in managing and alleviating symptoms of anxiety. Many therapists adhere to the traditional psychodynamic psychotherapy model of treatment, which attempts to uncover unconscious and suppressed childhood issues manifesting in your current behavior. As an alternative, you may try a short-term form of therapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which usually lasts between 12 and 16 weeks. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, you work with a therapist trained in CBT techniques to help you to identify, understand and change distorted thought patterns that cause anxiety. You may also try interpersonal therapy, another form of short-term treatment, which focuses on addressing anxiety-causing issues in your relationships. You should speak to your therapist to see what form of therapy will be the most helpful to you.
Support Groups
Support groups can be a helpful way of getting information and support from others who are also experiencing an anxiety disorder. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America maintains a searchable database of support groups on their website. You may want to participate in an online forum as a way of reaching out to other people who are going through a similar situation. The ADAA also has an interactive forum on their website where you can participant anonymously to ask questions or receive support about your condition.
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