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Anxiety Treatment Lehigh Valley, PA

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Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the U.S., with over 40 million people experiencing an anxiety disorder each year.

Here in Pennsylvania, 32.8% of adults reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder in February 2023. As common as anxiety is, less than half of people seek treatment. Without intervention, people with anxiety can go on to suffer indefinitely, causing unemployment, substance use, homelessness, poor quality of life, and suicide.

Recovery Cove in Easton, PA recognizes the burden that anxiety disorders place on individuals, and we are here to be part of the solution. Our Mental Health Program offers anxiety treatment in Lehigh Valley, PA for individuals who are experiencing anxiety and need to discover new ways to cope with their symptoms. If you or a loved one is feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, know that you are not alone. Support is available to help you regain control of your life.

What Is Anxiety? How Does It Differ From Anxiety Disorder?

Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. Many people worry about things like health, money, and family. In fact, anxiety is actually a useful response, as it protects you from threatening or stressful situations. It’s part of the body’s “fight or flight” response, which helps you prepare for potential danger. The symptoms of anxiety include worry, nervousness, restlessness, or physical reactions like sweating or increased heart rate.

With normal anxiety, symptoms typically subside once the stressor is removed or resolved. For example, if you have an upcoming deadline at work, it’s normal to feel stressed and anxious. But once you meet the deadline and turn in the work, the stress should dissipate. While uncomfortable, normal anxiety usually doesn’t interfere significantly with daily functioning or relationships.

Anxiety disorder, on the other hand, is a chronic condition characterized by excessive, persistent, and uncontrollable feelings of anxiety and fear, often with no clear trigger. Unlike the normal response, the worry that accompanies an anxiety disorder significantly disrupts daily life. Anxiety disorders also involve much more intense emotions, such as panic attacks, insomnia, and physical symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain. These symptoms may persist long after the stressor is removed.

Most Common Anxiety Disorders We Treat

Common anxiety disorders include several types, each with their own symptoms and triggers:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD is characterized by chronic, excessive worry about everyday activities and situations. This worry can feel uncontrollable and be accompanied by physical symptoms such as constant worry or dread, feeling “on edge,” fatigue, trouble concentrating, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD involves persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to relieve anxiety. Compulsive behaviors often disrupt daily functioning and cause significant stress. Examples include washing hands, checking things repeatedly, or avoiding germs.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as an accident, assault, or natural disaster. Individuals with PTSD may relive the event through flashbacks and nightmares that feel just as real as the event itself. They may also have trouble sleeping, avoid reminders of the event, and feel hypervigilant in their surroundings.

Panic Disorder

People with panic disorder experience recurrent and unexpected panic attacks—intense periods of fear that can peak within minutes. These attacks are sometimes confused for heart attacks or other physical conditions. Symptoms include rapid heart rate or palpitations, sweating or trembling, shortness of breath, chest pains, feeling detached from reality, and fear of losing control.

Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)

Social anxiety disorder involves an intense fear of social or performance situations. Individuals may fear being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated by others. Common symptoms include fear of social interactions, fear of performing, avoiding social situations, intense worry about upcoming events, and physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, or blushing.

Specific Phobias

A specific phobia is an intense, irrational fear of a particular object or situation, such as heights, flying, or spiders. People with phobias will go through great lengths to avoid the feared object or situation, disrupting their daily lives. The symptoms that accompany phobias include immediate anxiety or panic when encountering the object or situation, avoiding triggers, and physical symptoms like sweating, dizziness, or heart palpitations.

Effective Anxiety Treatment in Easton, PA

Just because anxiety disorders are common does not mean you have to live with constant worry or fear. Anxiety disorders are very treatable, and most people are able to reduce or eliminate symptoms after several months of therapy. Medications may also be used to treat the symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, though it is possible to treat anxiety with therapy and lifestyle modifications alone.

Here are the most effective ways to treat anxiety disorders:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most widely used therapies for treating anxiety. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to worry. For instance, during your CBT sessions, you will work with your therapist to break down the things that make you feel anxious, or scared. This helps problems become more manageable and improves the way you feel. You will also learn healthier ways to cope to reduce the impact that anxiety has on your life.

Couple in therapy

Medication

In some cases, medication can be a helpful tool for managing anxiety, especially if you have other co-occurring disorders as well. Commonly prescribed medications for anxiety disorders include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers. Due to the potential for dependence, Recovery Cove generally does not prescribe benzodiazepines to treat anxiety. However, it’s important to know that they may be used in acute cases.

Support Groups and Counseling

Talking to others who understand what you’re going through can provide emotional support and practical tips for managing anxiety. Individual and group counseling sessions can be an essential part of your treatment plan, even for the long-term. We find that many people continue on with these groups for months or years to build a strong support network around them.

Lifestyle Changes

Anxiety is usually not curable, but it is manageable. Therefore, it’s important to build a lifestyle that reduces anxiety symptoms. This includes regular exercise to boost feel-good endorphins, eating a healthy diet to get proper nutrition, sleeping well at night to feel rested, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen anxiety symptoms.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation, can help you stay present and reduce the intensity of anxious thoughts. Incorporating holistic practices into your daily routine can provide long-term benefits and promote a calm state of mind. These strategies may even reduce the need for medication, which can be beneficial for those who prefer a more natural approach.

Start Your Path to a More Peaceful Tomorrow

You don’t have to let anxiety dictate your life. With the right treatment, support, and resources, you can manage your symptoms and lead a more peaceful life. Our Mental Health Program for Anxiety Treatment in Lehigh Valley, PA is located in Easton, PA and offers various levels of care on an outpatient basis to help individuals manage their anxiety and lead fulfilling, productive lives. Start your journey toward recovery today by contacting Recovery Cove at 484-549-COVE.

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