Anxiety disorders are considered the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 18% of the adult population. Despite the high prevalence of this condition, only one-third of people suffering from anxiety ever receive treatment. Whether you have recently been diagnosed with anxiety or you have started to experience some of the signs of anxiety disorder, there are a number of treatment options available for you. In the guide below, we will discuss different treatments for anxiety disorder and how they can help you get to a better quality of life.

Different Types Of Anxiety Disorders

In order to determine how to treat anxiety disorder, a professional must first determine what type of anxiety disorder you have. Some clients suffer from more than one form of anxiety, depression, or other mental condition, while others may only need treatment for a single disorder. Common forms of anxiety and depression include:

• Social Anxiety Disorder: Affects 15 million U.S. adults
• General Anxiety Disorder: Affects 6.8 million U.S adults
• Panic Disorder: Affects 6 million U.S. adults
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Affects 7.7 million U.S. adults
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Affects 2.2 million U.S. adults
• Personal Phobias: Affects 19 million U.S. adults

The statistics above are courtesy of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

The goal in any anxiety diagnosis is to determine what the cause of the condition is. Do you suffer from anxiety because of abuse as a child, or are you experiencing a chemical imbalance in your body? Did you recently go through a traumatic experience, or has your anxiety been triggered by a health condition? Answering these questions will help your counselor, therapist, or doctor determine what the best form of anxiety treatment is for you.

Anxiety Disorder Treatment Through Therapy

Many clients can learn to control their anxiety disorder symptoms through counseling. The goal here is to determine what triggers the onset of anxiety and what can be done to eliminate or minimize those triggers moving forward. Some clients respond well to breathing exercises or mental strategizing, while others learn how to reevaluate the events going on in their environment so they feel less anxious from day to day.

Anxiety therapy may be coupled with other forms of counseling, such as depression therapy, child counseling, OCD counseling, and more. Every client has different circumstances leading to their anxiety, so your counseling needs may be entirely different than someone else’s. Here at In-Home Counseling Services, we work closely with each of our clients to ensure they get the best possible care for their unique situation. When you are matched with a counselor who specializes in anxiety treatment, you can learn the tools and solutions best fit for you.

In order to figure out the best anxiety treatment for you, work with a mental health expert to better understand your current condition. With proper guidance and evaluation, you will be on track to a better quality of life.

Caregivers face a great deal of stress in their line of work. In fact, they often refer to this as “caregiver stress” because the experience is so common and unique. If you have felt the pressure of this lifestyle lately, the team at In-Home Counseling Services is here to help. Here are some stress management tips for caregivers, specifically designed to address your needs.

Don’t Be Ashamed to Ask for Help (Or Accept It)

Caregivers often think they have to do everything on their own, but that simply isn’t the case. If someone offers to help you, do not be afraid to accept that help. It’s not a handout – it’s a hand-up. We all need those from time to time.

If you know you need help, don’t hesitate to ask. If you work with a caregiver agency, talk to them about getting coverage for a mental health day, or ask for an adjustment in your hours. If you care for a friend or family member, ask a trusted companion to handle a certain task for you. Something as simple as having a second set of hands to fold laundry or run errands will make a big difference in your stress levels.

Keep Your Commitments to a Minimum Outside of Work

You may feel like you have to do as much as possible on your days off because your caregiving shifts are so long. The stress of those commitments can quickly bleed into your work. You can spend time with friends or enjoy your favorite hobbies, but schedule some down time as well. You shouldn’t feel like every minute of the day is filled to the max.

Know What You Can Realistically Handle, and Set Goals to Match

The goals set by your employer or your client may not fit the reality of the situation. You know what you can handle, how long each task takes, and how much you can realistically achieve in a day/week. Set goals to match your capabilities. Explain issues you experience that may cause delays, such as unexpected errands or additional tasks you’ve had to take on. As long as you’re honest with yourself and everyone involved, you can find a setup that won’t strain your mental health.

Get Plenty of Rest on Your Days off

Caregiving requires a series of physical and mental tasks. Even if you are not moving around much during one shift, your brain is probably in overdrive. You need to be able to recharge during your days off. This aligns with a tip above: don’t pack your days too full. Instead, allow time for rest and relaxation. You’re allowed to spend a day doing absolutely nothing. In fact, we encourage it! When you go back to work, you will feel revitalized and ready to take on the day.

Talk to Someone about the Stress

You don’t have to carry this stress alone. There are many caregiver support groups to participate in, or you can speak to a therapist about your stress. At In-Home Counseling Services, we provide confidential counseling solutions when and where you need it most. Our therapists come to you, and we can work around your busy schedule. Discuss your stress in a confidential session and get personalized care for you.