Taking the First Step: Diagnosing and Treating Anxiety

Feeling constantly on edge, overwhelmed by worry, or plagued by panic attacks can be incredibly distressing. But you don't have to navigate these feelings alone. Understanding how anxiety is diagnosed and the effective treatment options available can be your first step towards finding calm and clarity.

How is Anxiety Diagnosed? A diagnosis is made by a healthcare provider, such as a doctor, nurse practitioner, or mental health professional, through a thorough process that includes:

• Clinical Interview: A detailed discussion about your symptoms, their duration, severity, and how they impact your daily life.

• Screening Tools: Questionnaires like the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) or Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) (if relevant to perinatal period) can help quantify your symptoms and guide the conversation.

• Differentiation from Normal Worry: Your provider will help distinguish between occasional, expected worries and persistent, uncontrollable fears that interfere with daily functioning.

Effective Treatment Options May Include:

• Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is highly effective, helping you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. Mindfulness-based approaches also teach valuable skills for managing anxiety.

• Medication: Certain anti-anxiety medications and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help manage symptoms. It's important to discuss safety, especially if pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Lifestyle Changes: Crucial for overall well-being, these include stress management techniques (like deep breathing, yoga), optimizing sleep hygiene, and building strong social support networks.

Important Considerations: Risks of Treatment vs. Risks of Non-Treatment

While there may be mild medication side effects or an adjustment period with therapy, the benefits of treatment often far outweigh the risks. Conversely, untreated anxiety can lead to:

• Increased risk of depression or panic disorder

• Chronic sleep disturbances and burnout

• Difficulty bonding with infants (for perinatal anxiety)

• Increased risk of substance use

• Significant impact on quality of life and relationships

The Bottom Line: Untreated mental health conditions pose significant risks. Seeking professional care leads to better long-term outcomes for the entire family. You are not alone, and help is available. If you’re scared, unsure, or worried about yourself or someone you love, let's chat. It costs nothing to ask for help, but that one conversation could change everything.

If this resonates with you, follow me for strategies to manage anxiety @achievemhw

Have questions? Visit https://achievemhw.intakeq.com/booking to schedule a FREE 30 min Clarity Call