ANXIETY DISORDERS: TREATMENT & THERAPY
Get Therapeutic Support to Manage Anxiety
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a standard reaction to various types of situations that may alert us to danger or threats. Our body is hard-wired to respond with a fight, flight, or freeze response — when appropriate. A little bit of anxiety is completely normal and can help motivate you if you are preparing for a test, competition, or big milestone. However, you should reach out to a professional if anxious thoughts and feelings become frequent, overwhelming, and begin to interfere with your daily life. If left untreated, an anxiety disorder can worsen over time.
There’s hope — we can help. Through the therapeutic journey, you can better understand the causes of anxious thoughts and discover healthy ways to manage them. Bhatia Psychology Group can help you overcome the following symptoms:
Nervousness or restlessness
Feelings of impending danger, doom, or panic
Rapid breathing (also known as hyperventilation)
Increased heart rate
Sweating and/or trembling
Feelings of weakness or fatigue
Difficulties sleeping
Trouble focusing or concentrating
Avoiding situations or events that trigger anxiety
Types of Anxiety Disorders
There are many different types of anxiety disorders. The most common types include:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
A person feels anxious on most days, worrying about various things, for a period of six months or more.
Social Anxiety
An individual may avoid any social activities due to a persistent fear that they are being judged or watched.
Specific Phobia
A person feels an overwhelming fear of objects or set situations where there is no real danger or threat.
Panic Disorder
A panic disorder involves sudden episodes of terror and intense fear that happens suddenly and without there being a real danger or threat present.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
The individual has recurring and intrusive thoughts or fears (obsessions) that lead to repetitive actions (compulsions).
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
This is caused by a specific event that is witnessed or experienced, and it may include flashbacks, nightmares, and/or debilitating anxiety.
Treatment for Anxiety
There are various treatment strategies that can help you reduce and manage feelings of anxiety. Through evidence-based methods, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), you can learn how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours interact, and how they can impact your perception or interpretation of the world around you.
Although you may be struggling with anxiety right now, individual therapy can help you learn to manage it. In some situations, your family physician or psychiatrist may prescribe anti-anxiety medication to help you through this time. If that is the case, Bhatia Psychology Group provides therapy that complements any medical treatment plan currently underway. Allow us to be your guide when it comes to finding a balanced and healthier state of mind. With effort and time, it’s entirely possible to manage anxious thoughts and feelings. Our team can provide the emotional support you need to get there.
Our Clinic Locations
Richmond Hill
Calgary
FAQs – Anxiety Disorders
What causes anxiety?
There are various factors that play a role in the development of anxiety. These include, but aren’t limited to, health conditions, serious illnesses, emotional stress, work stress, a death in the family, and financial worry.
How can I reduce my anxiety?
For some individuals, they may be able to calm their anxiety through proper nutrition, reducing alcohol or caffeine intake, getting enough sleep, exercise, and deep breathing. Sometimes, a combination of these and psychotherapy, such as CBT, can also help an individual overcome anxiety and move forward in their life.
Who is prone to anxiety?
Statistics show that anxiety disorders are more common in women than in men. However, you may also be more at risk if you are an adult under the age of 35 or if you have been diagnosed with a chronic disease.
Can anxiety go away with time?
Many individuals experience anxiety at some point in their life, and these symptoms often do go away with time or after the anxiety-causing event. However, if you’re experiencing persistent and chronic feelings of anxiety, you may benefit from talking with a trained psychotherapist. CBT, cognitive behavioural therapy, has shown to help many individuals overcome anxiety.
Will my anxiety reduce right away with treatment?
Every person is unique and different. Some individuals will respond to treatment right away, while for others, it may take more time. We encourage you to be patient with the process.
How often will I have to meet with my therapist?
Most therapists, including those at the Bhatia Psychology Group, recommend weekly or bi-weekly sessions. However, the frequency of your sessions may depend on the severity of your anxiety.
What level of participation is expected of me?
Participation is required from both the participant and the therapist in order to make progress. At the Bhatia Psychology Group, we encourage you to be as open and honest as you can be with your therapist. Further, you will often be given homework that can help you integrate what you learn in therapy into your daily life.
Why work with Bhatia Psychology Group?
Finding the right therapist can help you make necessary changes, while supporting you through your journey toward better mental health.
At Bhatia Psychology Group, we have a team of registered social workers, clinical psychologists and registered psychotherapists. They are trained in treating stress, anxiety, depression and many other mental health conditions.
Contact us today to book an appointment and get on your way to managing anxiety.
