Per the Mayo Clinic, “experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. However, people with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Often, anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks).
These feelings of anxiety and panic interfere with daily activities, are difficult to control, are out of proportion to the actual danger and can last a long time. You may avoid places or situations to prevent these feelings. Symptoms may start during childhood or the teen years and continue into adulthood.
Examples of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), specific phobias and separation anxiety disorder. You can have more than one anxiety disorder. Sometimes anxiety results from a medical condition that needs treatment.
Whatever form of anxiety you have, treatment can help.”
Promising Outlook often treats anxiety disorders with a personalized multi-pronged approach to treatment utilizing an intensive outpatient program (IOP) when once-a-week therapy isn’t enough.
Per the Mayo Clinic, see your doctor if:
Your worries may not go away on their own, and they may get worse over time if you don’t seek help. See your doctor or a mental health provider before your anxiety gets worse. It’s easier to treat if you get help early.
There are several different types of anxiety, including:
GAD is the most commonly diagnosed form of anxiety disorders. It’s characterized by frequent, intense feelings of worry, fear, and stress.
OCD is a type of anxiety disorder that’s defined by frequent, unwanted thoughts (also known as obsessions) that cause people to engage in repetitive behaviors, or compulsions, that interfere with daily life.
Panic disorder is a specific form of anxiety. The official diagnosis requires that you’ve had at least two panic attacks and then spent at least a month afterwards worrying about having another one.
A phobia is an extreme fear of something. Read more about the dozens of different types of phobias and how they are related to anxiety disorders here.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event.” A PTSD diagnosis requires that symptoms related to the event last for longer than three months.
Separation anxiety disorder is primarily associated with younger children, though it can affect teens and young adults as well. This type of anxiety disorder shows up when excess anxiety is induced when separated from a loved one (usually a parent). This anxiety is usually debilitating and seriously affects the person’s ability to function or socialize.
Some common social settings that may trigger social anxiety are restaurants or cafeterias, parties, public gyms, or public restrooms.
A combination of psychotherapy and medication is usually the most effective way to treat anxiety. While every person is different, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used form of therapy to help people navigate their anxiety. CBT helps young adults and teens recognize the thoughts and patterns that may be contributing to their mental health issues, including feelings of anxiety and/or panic. Once you can recognize the thoughts and behaviors that might be holding you back, your therapist can help you shift and reframe them.
There are a series of cognitive distortions that can exacerbate anxiety such as “should” thoughts (“I should be able to do everything on my to do list in one day no matter what”) or black and white thinking (“If I don’t finish everything on my to do list today, I am a failure.”) CBT directly addresses these distortions, among other issues that might be contributing to your anxiety.
Medication for anxiety depends on your unique circumstances but may include antidepressants (SSRIs) or anti-anxiety medication (benzodiazepines). It’s important to talk to your primary care provider and other mental healthcare specialists to figure out which option works best for you. iHealth’s dedicated staff of clinicians and mental healthcare providers can help you find the right treatment option for your unique needs.
Promising Outlook’s online “recover-from-home” Intensive Outpatient Program helps empower adults 18+ in understanding and successfully overcoming their mental health struggles with the unique strength of an unparalleled, multi-pronged approach to mental health care.
Our experienced clinicians are equipped to handle a wide variety of conditions. Have a question? Give us a call at 951.783.2487. It’s confidential and free. We care, and are here to help you on your recovery journey.
Our experienced clinicians specialize in treating Anxiety Disorders, Trauma, Behavioral Issues, Gender Identity & Dysphoria, Addiction, Depression and more.
Promising Outlook’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is curated for those in need of more support than once-weekly therapy.
We offer uniquely personalized comprehensive care solution that includes multiple weekly sessions of supported groups, family therapy, and individual therapy for 9 to 12 weeks. Clients engage in intensive care around 10 hours a week in various support capacities.
The first, and hardest step, is just picking up the phone right now or filling out an instant form to our admissions team.
No waitlists. Get support in minutes.
Call 951.783.2487
Next you'll meet with our clinical team and share about your mental health history and your unique story.
Our team will also handle your insurance agency, helping with all the paperwork. We are accredited to accept most PPO employer insurance.
You'll be matched to a Promising Outlook licensed clinician, an IOP Support Group, engage in multiple 1 on 1 sessions weekly, family therapy and more. You'll receive a diverse set of science-backed therapeutic modalities to aid in your recovery over the next 9-12 weeks.
We know that asking for help takes bravery. Reaching out is the first step, and the hardest. Our compassionate admissions team really does care about you. So take a deep breath, and pick up the phone right now. You can do it. And we can’t wait to hear your unique story.
Our expert team operates at the highest level of HIPAA privacy practices, and your call is completely confidential.
Promising Outlook strongly believes in the urgency of care. Not waitlists. And a real person will pick up your call every time.
Our team understands conditions don't just affect you 9-5, so we work overtime for you. Give us a call night or day, rain or shine. Take the next step, you can do this.
Our admissions team can help navigate your insurance policy and do our best to mitigate costs for you based on your plan.
Please note, we do not accept medicare, Covered California, uninsured or HMOs at this time.
Promising Outlook is here for you. It takes courage. You can do this, and we can help.
*If this is a life-threatening emergency, immediately call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988