Do You Have Anxiety? Get support from BetterHelp
According to the AADA, 40 million adults in the United States suffer from an anxiety disorder per year. Even so, some people don’t have a diagnosis, whether that’s due to financial barriers to diagnosis or not recognizing the signs that they could have an anxiety disorder. How wouldn’t you know, you might ask? Anxiety symptoms go beyond worrying, though excessive worry is one of the most major characteristics of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Sometimes, those symptoms are confusing or even scary, and since some of them are physical or have the potential to mirror other conditions, they don’t always register as something that has to do with mental health.
Symptoms Of Anxiety
Since not all symptoms of anxiety disorders are obvious, you might be wondering what to look for if you think you have anxiety. Symptoms of anxiety may include:
- Excessive worry
- Panic attacks
- Sweating or shaking
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- A sensation of impending doom
- GI issues
- Nausea
- Heart palpitations or a rapid heartbeat
- Hypervigilance
- Trouble sleeping or insomnia
Types Of Anxiety
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is not the only anxiety disorder there is, though it is common, and if you have it, you are not alone. In addition to Generalized Anxiety Disorder or GAD, someone might struggle with panic disorder, specific phobias, or social anxiety, for example. It is possible to be diagnosed with more than one mental health condition. For example, someone might struggle with both depression and anxiety. The good news is that anxiety is highly treatable. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most well-researched and effective treatments for anxiety disorders like GAD. CBT is a non-invasive treatment. It’s often short-term, and it can be conducted both online and in person.
Do I Have Anxiety?
Anxiety is a very common condition. It can impact your ability to function or engage in daily life activities, and though some hide it well, it is still painful and difficult to live with if left untreated. For a diagnosis, you must see a medical doctor such as a psychiatrist or primary care physician. A psychiatrist is not the same as a therapist or counselor; they are able to provide a proper evaluation for a mental health condition and prescribe medication if needed. Many people choose to see a psychiatrist and a therapist or counselor, but you don’t have to. If you notice any of the symptoms of anxiety in yourself or believe that you may have an anxiety disorder, reach out to your general doctor or primary care physician for a referral to a mental health professional.
Helping Someone You Love With Anxiety
Perhaps you don’t have anxiety, but a friend or family member does. If that’s the case, it’s natural that you want to know how to support them. If they speak openly about anxiety and have asked you for support, one of the best things that you can do is to ask. Anxiety affects everyone differently, and different things work for different people, both in terms of social support and otherwise. When someone’s mid-panic, it’s generally best to ask easy-to-answer questions such as yes or no questions like, “would you like a glass of water?” or questions that require a single-word answer such as, “do you want me to sit with you, or do you prefer to be alone?” Letting your loved one know that you’re there to listen is often the best thing that you can do. It may seem simple, but it’s a great way to show that you care, and the chances are that they’ll appreciate it tremendously.
Balancing Mental Health And Family Life
For those with a family, it can be challenging to make the time to prioritize mental health care. Online therapy is an excellent option for those with busy schedules or who have families and are unable to commute to sessions at times. Some people simply prefer it. After all, online counseling is typically more affordable than traditional face to face counseling, and often, it’s easier to get paired with a therapist, counselor, psychologist, or social worker faster. Many therapists who have private practice businesses offer remote sessions as well as face to face sessions, and online therapy websites like BetterHelp are an excellent option, too. No matter what route you choose, the important thing is that you get the support that you need. Your mental health matters, and you are worth it.
Try Online Counseling
Whether you see a counselor therapist in person or online, the proper mental health support can change your life. People see counselors for a variety of concerns. You don’t need to be diagnosed with a mental illness to see a counselor or therapist. People also seek therapy for stress, situational anxiety, difficulties with interpersonal relationships, familial issues, or trouble with life obligations like work or school. Online therapy and online counseling are often less expensive than traditional in-person counseling, and an added bonus is the fact that you can connect with your provider at any time from anywhere with a reliable internet connection. If you’re interested in trying online counseling through BetterHelp, head to the BetterHelp website or app to learn more and get started.
Today’s post is a guest post by Marie Miguel. Marie has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.