For the eight million Australians who experience an anxiety disorder, it can have a huge impact on their physical health, work, relationships and emotional well-being. The good news is that anxiety disorder treatments are available and highly accessible.
This article may be helpful for you if you are:
- Seeking anxiety disorder treatments for yourself or a loved one.
- Wanting to learn more about therapies for anxiety.
- Learning more about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, medication or residential rehabs as a treatment to anxiety.
Treatment to Assist Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural part of life, but it can become problematic when the feelings are ongoing, intense, or interfere with your everyday life. An anxiety disorder is more than just feeling nervous before a big exam or the first day of a new job – it’s an intense, often chronic experience that can leave people unable to engage in normal tasks.
Seeking out therapies for anxiety can be daunting, especially if you haven’t previously sought help for a mental health condition. But there are many great reasons why you should seek appropriate and timely anxiety disorder treatment
Why You Should Seek Treatment for Anxiety
If left untreated, anxiety disorders may become more intense and obtrusive. What may be manageable now can become debilitating, robbing you of your health and happiness. Severe anxiety can have implications on your sleep, physical health and emotional well-being – all resulting in an increased risk of injury or harm. Seeking anxiety disorder treatment is the best way to protect yourself and begin living a healthy, safe life. Anxiety disorders can hold you back from pursuing your goals and aspirations. Fear of failure, embarrassment or the situation itself may keep you from engaging in your favourite activities or social events. Seeking therapy for anxiety and learning to cope with it can free you to live a fulfilling life with confidence.
Related: Signs and symptoms of an anxiety disorder
Anxiety Disorder Treatment: Recovery is Possible
An anxiety disorder magnifies our natural protective response to danger or fear. As such, there are options for recovery and management of anxiety. Life doesn’t have to be characterised by unreasonable anxiety and nervousness. You can live a fulfilling and enjoyable life, free from the debilitating feelings caused by anxiety disorders. You may question whether you should seek treatment for anxiety. Anxiety disorders can have devastating effects on our daily functioning and can make it exhausting to live our lives.
It may be time to seek treatment for anxiety if you:
- Avoid situations that previously brought you enjoyment because of your symptoms.
- Need to miss days off work or other commitments.
- Feel overwhelmed or exhausted by the intensity and regularity of your anxiety symptoms.
- Don’t want to let your anxiety get worse.
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Four Therapies for Anxiety
There are many options for treatment for anxiety disorders. It is most important that you partner with degree-qualified health professionals who can educate and equip you with the tools you need to receive thorough treatment and long-lasting freedom.
Below we outline four treatments for therapy that a professional may use to help you learn how to better manage anxiety in your life:
1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Seeking professional, talk-based therapy from a psychologist is the most popular treatment for anxiety. Many psychologists will employ a therapy framework called cognitive behavioural therapy when treating anxiety.
What is cognitive behavioural therapy?
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a psychological framework that focuses on the connection between our thoughts, emotions and behaviours. CBT aims to recognise the “triggers” of anxious feelings and works to help restructure negative thoughts and perceptions to cope with or manage anxiety. Helping identify the root cause of our anxiety disorder is often a powerful tool in treating and managing it. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective framework to do this.
How do I access CBT?
Accessing cognitive behavioural therapy is best achieved through a qualified psychologist who is trained in offering treatment for anxiety. The first step is to visit your general practitioner for a mental health care plan. This entitles you to ten subsidised sessions with your psychologist, where you can begin treating anxiety with CBT. Cognitive behaviour therapy is also offered via The Banyans programs which offer treatment for anxiety. Read more about the types of psychological and emotional therapy offered at The Banyans.
What are the benefits of cognitive behavioural therapy?
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) offers numerous advantages and is a popular treatment for anxiety.
Some of its recognised benefits include:
- Talking therapies like CBT are natural, drug-free treatments that can be partnered with medication and management strategies for a holistic approach;
- Identification and restructuring of the root issue, allowing long-lasting relief and treatment for anxiety;
- Support from a therapist can help with enacting behavioural change and sustainable improvements.
Some of the disadvantages of CBT include:
- It can be difficult for those who struggle to vocalise their difficulties, as it is reliant on the working therapist-client relationship;
- Requires commitment and motivation to make changes, which can at times be challenging when experiencing severe anxiety;
- It may take some time before you begin to see the effects and improvements of CBT in your life.
In summary: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a powerful and effective tool in treating anxiety disorders. Although CBT comes with challenges and can feel difficult to implement at times, holistic talking therapies can help you address the root of you concern and gain a life free from anxiety disorders.
2. Psychiatrist-Prescribed Medication
Medication can be helpful in relieving symptoms of anxiety. It is important that medications for anxiety are prescribed by a Psychiatrist. A Psychiatrist is a clinical doctor who has specialised in medication and treatment of mental health conditions, such as anxiety. It’s normal to be apprehensive about taking prescription medication as a method of treating anxiety. Dr Anja Kriegskotten, the Lead Psychiatrist at The Banyans, urges people not to rely on medication as the only treatment for anxiety. Rather, Dr Anja encourages individuals to observe a holistic approach, utilising the ability of the medication to make us more receptive to other complementary therapies like CBT, exercise and anxiety-management strategies.
What can I expect when I visit a Psychiatrist?
Visiting a psychiatrist is just like visiting your general practitioner. They will ask you questions about your health and experience, and you will be given the opportunity to express your questions or concerns. Your psychiatrist may provide a recommendation for appropriate medication or even prescribe it themselves. Your Psychiatrist may also provide some talking therapies, similar to your psychologist. They may ask you to book a follow-up appointment to ensure your medication is working effectively and to manage any possible side effects that may arise. In some instances, appointments with your Psychiatrist may be covered by Medicare or private health insurance. However, it is important to ask about the cost of an appointment with your Psychiatrist prior to attending.
Related: Medical support in recovery – the role of a Psychiatrist
Natural medications for treating anxiety
Some people may feel uncomfortable with taking prescription medication for anxiety and may prefer to try natural-based medicines first. Some things to remember before taking any new medications:
- Seek professional guidance from a general practitioner before taking any concurrent medications. Medication interference can have dangerous side effects, so ensure that it is safe to take your medications together;
- Only take natural medicines that have been prescribed to you by a registered, degree-qualified practitioner. This may be a nutritionist or naturopath.
- Research the benefits and side effects of your natural medicines prior to using them to ensure you are aware of any factors of concern.
In summary: Medication can be an effective tool in treating anxiety. It is important that medication is not the only method employed but is in conjunction with other therapy and management strategies.
3. Anxiety Management Strategies
Anxiety management strategies are a useful and effective way to treat anxiety in your everyday life. Many of these strategies will be taught by your therapist.
Some common anxiety management strategies include:
- Yoga;
- Regulated breathing exercises
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Physical exercise
- Journalling
4. An Anxiety Rehab Program at The Banyans
If you are experiencing severe anxiety, you may have significant difficulty implementing the previous treatments on your own. Your anxiety may have you stuck in an inescapable place, robbing you of your purpose and passion in life. The Banyans Health and Wellness offers an intensive treatment solution. Based in Brisbane, our all-inclusive, integrated residential programs help you find your feet, and offer the pace and power required to break the cycle of anxiety. Our degree-qualified team of medical and allied health professionals are here to help you get your life back on track with resilience and confidence.
The Banyans residential program or day program offers an intensive opportunity for anxiety treatment. Offering comprehensive programs incorporating CBT, Psychiatry, emotional therapies, nutritional support and exercise, a program at The Banyans is the Australia’s best option for thorough treatment and recovery from anxiety disorder.
Begin rebuilding your life without anxiety
We understand how difficult it can be to seek help for anxiety and co-occurring conditions. The first step is to make an enquiry. Our friendly team will listen to your story, and help you develop a plan for recovery. Freedom from anxiety is always possible with The Banyans. Don’t let anxiety rob you of life’s purpose and passion. Call our expert team 24/7 on 1300 226 926 or make an enquiry below.
