The most updated statistics report an estimated 6.2% of the adult US population suffers from an anxiety disorder. This makes it one of the most common mental health concerns in the country.
More worryingly, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America details that only 43.2% of people with anxiety disorders are receiving treatment. People don’t know how to get the help they need, which usually causes them to seek the wrong ways of dealing with this problem. Anxiety is no joke, so it must be taken seriously. Anyone with an anxiety disorder is encouraged to consult a doctor as soon as possible. It will help with the following:
Receive An Accurate Diagnosis
Having anxiety means you could suffer from several anxiety disorders, such as:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Phobias
- Agoraphobia
- Social anxiety disorder
- Separation anxiety disorder
- Selective mutism
Each one can have similar symptoms but will often include a few symptoms unique to that disorder. They’ll also have different triggers, so treating each disorder is subtly different. Consulting a doctor helps you find a diagnosis for your specific type of anxiety disorder. This provides peace of mind as you know what’s wrong with you – and it’s the first step in receiving the right treatment.
Get Safe Prescription Anxiety Medication
The biggest mistake you can make in treating anxiety is obtaining medication on your own. Several online drugstores and pharmacies will sell anxiety medication, but it’s highly dangerous to take this without the right medical supervision.
Seeing a doctor will ensure you get a proper prescription for safe anxiety meds like Blue Xanax or Prozac. More importantly, the doctor can prescribe something that won’t interact with other medications you might take, reducing the risk of bad side effects. They’ll also explain the medication to you, so you understand how to take it, when to take it, the right dosage to take and so on.
Establish A Long-Term Treatment Plan
Anxiety medication is never a long-term solution. Doctors will prescribe it to give you some short-term relief from your symptoms. The goal is to ease your anxiety and then work on ways of keeping it at bay in the longer term. This can involve things like CBT or meditation; you’ll be given plenty of options as your doctor helps you construct a long-term treatment plan.
Following a proper treatment plan will enhance your health and ensure you prevent your anxiety disorder from ruining or controlling your life. You won’t get comprehensive treatment without seeing a doctor – they may not handle all of this themselves, either. They could refer you to different specialists where you get expert treatment to guide you along the path. Again, this is hard to come by unless you speak to your doctor!
Don’t feel embarrassed about going to your doctor about anxiety. It’s just as serious as any physical health concern you might talk to them about. Anxiety is dangerous when left alone to stew, and medical professionals are there to help. Reach out to yours today and begin the long path to feel a lot better.
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