Anxiety Disorder and Anxiety Treatment
We’ve all been there – not looking, we step off the curb and into the street and nearly get hit by a unforeseen speeding car. That chilling immediate feeling – racing heart, fear, trembling – is what people who have anxiety disorder experience on a regular basis.
But with anxiety disorder, however, the chilling feeling is triggered by specific thoughts or events. Often trauma from earlier life experiences shows up later in life as anxiety. And when events occur that are similar to the trauma experience, a chilling anxiety attack can be triggered.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States affecting 40 million adults age18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of those suffering from anxiety disorder receive anxiety treatment. (https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics).
If you or someone you know suffers from anxiety disorder, anxiety treatment is available and can be easily managed in one or more of the following ways:
- Anxiety treatment through Cognitive Behavior Therapy Anxiety disorder can be treated through Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Considered a “solutions-oriented” form of talk therapy, CBT rests on the idea that thoughts and perceptions influence behavior. The goal of CBT is to identify harmful thoughts then create strategies to challenge and overcome those thoughts. Therapy is conducted by a licensed clinician and can occur once per year, month, week or as often as the clinician deems appropriate.
- Anxiety Treatment through medication Anxiety disorder can be treated through medication. Often, anxiety disorder is so intense that medication is needed. Several types of medication can be administered to help control some of the physical and mental symptoms of anxiety. Medications should be administered through a licensed physician and monitored on a regular basis.
- Anxiety treatment through self-care Anxiety disorder can be managed through self-care. Avoiding alcohol, reducing caffeine intake and quitting smoking can all lessen the frequency and intensity of anxiety. Additionally, increasing physical exercise and eating a healthy diet, rich in vitamins and minerals can help bring balance.
If you or someone you know suffers from anxiety disorder, there is anxiety treatment help. Water Gap Wellness, located in East Stroudsburg PA, offers a Partial Hospitalization Program to help individuals manage their anxiety disorder. The PHP is a program that meets five days per week and offers an on-site psychiatrist each day to help clients identify the disorder and help administer and monitor medications. Additionally, seasoned masters-level counselors provide exceptional private counseling sessions twice weekly and a NOLS-certified recreational therapist leads outdoor activities up the Appalachian Trail or on the 130 acres of manicured property.
With preferred housing at the Water Gap Wellness Inn, clients can experience well-balanced, nutrient-dense farm-to-table meals that will complete their experience and offer a full wellness opportunity.
Water Gap Wellness treats the person, not the diagnosis.
Water Gap Wellness PHP is located at 100 Plaza Court in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Call 1-833-WGW-HOPE or visit www.watergapwellness.com for more information.
written by Annette Kaiser
