How to Get Support When You Have Anxiety

Finding support for anxiety can be challenging for several reasons, the biggest one being that the condition itself makes finding support hard. You may feel like there's no point in seeking anxiety treatment, or the very act of seeking it may trigger your anxiety. Fortunately, there is help.

The information below provides an overview that can help you start getting treatment for your anxiety. Don't get too overwhelmed or bogged down in detail. You don't need to become an expert on different therapeutic approaches, for example, before you can get started. Just take one step at a time.

First Steps

Your first steps for finding help should involve reaching out to someone. If contacting mental health professionals seems too overwhelming right now, you can start small. Try calling a helpline, looking for support online, and talking to family and friends. Any of these actions might connect you with people who can help you start to look for resources.

Don't try to solve everything at once. Instead, break things down into small, manageable steps. You don't have to get cured today; maybe you just have to pick up the phone and make one call.

Types of Help

Think about what kind of help you feel most comfortable seeking right now. There are basically two categories of options. One is deciding whether you would rather seek help in person or via email, video chat or text. The other is deciding whether you are more comfortable with a group or one-on-one options.

Whatever you choose, remember that you can change it at any time, so don't worry about being locked in to whatever decision you make.

Dealing With Costs

For many people, one of the biggest barriers to seeking help is the cost of therapy or medication. However, some providers offer therapy for anxiety on a sliding scale basis.

There are several other options as well, including city and county health clinics and other federally funded clinics that may offer mental health services. If there is a university near you, they may offer low-cost counseling. There might also be an employee assistance program through your workplace. When you contact providers, do not be afraid to be up front about your budget concerns.

As for medication, there are patient assistance programs that may be able to help you obtain prescriptions you need at no cost or for a low cost. Your anxiety therapist should have more information about this.

Choosing a Therapist

"Therapist" is a broad word that could mean that someone is a psychologist, a social worker or has another type of training. Licensing requirements vary from state to state. What is most important is that you find someone with whom you are comfortable and who is helping you.

It's generally a good idea to contact several therapists and talk to them before you settle on one. Of course, you will ideally build a rapport over time, but you can ask some questions initially that can increase the likelihood that you will be compatible with your anxiety therapist.

Some of those questions are very practical in nature. If you have insurance, you'll need to find out if the therapist takes your insurance. You can also ask a therapist about their experience and credentials.

You should also ask questions that will give you a better sense of your compatibility. You will have your own set of questions and concerns, but among the things you might ask is how they will help you and how long they expect your treatment to ask. This is also the time to ask about other things you might be worried about, such as what they will do if you don't experience the anxiety relief they expect.

You can also ask about their approaches to anxiety therapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy. Some of these approaches may sound more appealing to you than others, so it can help to read up on brief descriptions of the approaches the therapist you are considering uses. You can also talk to them about those anxiety disorder treatments and what that actually looks like during a session.

Taking It Slow

The thought of seeking therapy for anxiety can feel overwhelming but going through the process slowly and methodically can make it manageable. It can also help to practice some self-care as you go. Give yourself small breaks and rewards for each call or other step you take.

Don't be discouraged if there are setbacks. Have patience, but if your first anxiety therapist is not right for you, you can try another. Most importantly, keep in mind that there is support out there for you, and that support can give you the tools you need to better manage your anxiety.

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