There are many destructive myths about anxiety still floating through the minds of people of all ages. Unfortunately, misconceptions and stigma surrounding mental illness remain among many educated people. Anxiety is the most common mental health condition and is surprisingly misunderstood and underestimated. Therefore, people who hold these beliefs to be genuine and are experiencing anxiety are fearful to speak out and ask for help. It is imperative to receive an education about anxiety disorder and learn the facts to leave the misconceptions, myths, and stigma behind.
The Impact of Anxiety on Daily Life
Anxiety disorder is the most common mental condition and is often present with depression. Exploring the common myths about anxiety and comparing them with the facts will help to dissolve misconceptions and build an understanding of the true nature of anxiety. Worry is a normal function in life, but when the worry does not go away, and the anxiety begins to impact daily life and your job, cause money problems, and dysfunction in relationships, it could be a disorder. Speaking out, asking for help from a healthcare professional, and ignoring the myths can lead to relief.
What are common myths about anxiety disorder? The following myths about anxiety are the most common ones people believe.
Myth 1: Anxiety is Just Stress and Can Be Overcome with Willpower
The fact is that the symptoms of anxiety disorder are uncomfortable, persistent, and often require treatment, including medication, to subside. Overcoming these symptoms requires professional help, not willpower. Therapy can offer ways to identify triggers and new positive coping mechanisms to relieve symptoms. Common triggers include personal or professional conflicts, social situations, phobias, and fears.
Myth 2: Only Weak People Experience Anxiety
The fact is that anxiety disorder is an actual complex condition that can happen to anyone regardless of their strength, character, or background. Many factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, life events, family history, environmental stressors, use of substances, and health issues, are common causes of the development of this disorder. Anxiety disorders involve changes in brain functioning and structure.
Myth 3: Medication is the Only Treatment for Anxiety
The fact is that there are many options for treating an anxiety disorder. Medication may be an option, but cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective. Anxiety management strategies can include lifestyle changes in diet and exercise. Individual and group therapies can offer beneficial new problem-solving strategies.
Myth 4: Anxiety Disorders are Rare
Perhaps the most common mental disorder, the National Institute on Mental Health states that 31.1% of American adults experience an anxiety disorder sometime in their lives. Despite these myths about anxiety, people of any age can develop an anxiety disorder, with the most common linked to specific phobias and social phobias. Most people do not understand what is happening when they develop this disorder and are too embarrassed to seek treatment.
Myth 5: Avoiding Triggers is the Best Way to Manage Anxiety
The fact is that stress and unavoidable situations trigger symptoms of anxiety, and this can be uncomfortable. People can not avoid everything, which makes them feel anxious. Managing an anxiety disorder does not include avoiding stress or participating in life. Therapy can offer coping mechanisms, and medication may relieve the intensity of the symptoms.
The Truth: What Anxiety Really Is
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a diagnosable psychiatric condition. Feeling continual worry or anxiety for at least 6 months is a sign there could be a disorder. An assessment from a mental health professional determines how many of a list of symptoms are present to assign a diagnosis. Beyond occasional worry, an anxiety disorder can be debilitating and cause discomfort from the symptoms.
The following are symptoms of an anxiety disorder:
- Tightness in the chest or chest pain
- Racing heartbeat
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating
- Extreme fear of dying or losing control
- Disruptions in sleep because of worry
Effective Strategies for Healing and Managing Anxiety
Disregarding all myths about anxiety and learning effective strategies for healthy and managing anxiety can lead to positive outcomes. After a professional assessment, a treatment plan may include medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, individual and group therapy, meditation, and relaxation techniques. Furthermore, diet, exercise, and establishing a regular sleep schedule can reduce symptoms. A combination of all these strategies will be beneficial for managing anxiety.
Therapeutic Approaches for Anxiety
Evidence-based therapies like CBT and individual and group therapies are practical tools for treating anxiety disorder. Fortunately, there are holistic therapeutic approaches that people who are experiencing anxiety can practice for relief of the symptoms. Meditation and staying mindful, or in the present moment, can help maintain control. Relaxation breathing, slowly taking a deep breath and then slowly releasing the breath, can calm the nervous system and relieve anxiety.
The Role of Support Networks in Anxiety Healing
People seeking treatment for anxiety disorder need a safe environment to recover and learn how to manage and treat their mental condition. Choosing a comprehensive treatment facility with evidence-based therapies, holistic options, and medication options is paramount in healing. Dissolving the myths about anxiety and resolving misconceptions and stigma will leave room for positive and healthy treatment. It is possible to live a productive, happy, and healthy life with an anxiety disorder after treatment.
Receive Education, Therapy, and Medications to Treat Anxiety in Tennessee
Those with a dual diagnosis or a mental health diagnosis of anxiety disorder can learn how to leave their misconceptions behind through a professionally trained staff. Tennessee Valley Recovery in Tennessee offers comprehensive treatment options to resolve severe symptoms of anxiety disorder while learning how to treat and manage the condition. Receive empathy and understanding from healthcare professionals who are eager to help others. Contact Tennessee Valley Recovery to speak to an admissions counselor about the available options for treating an anxiety disorder.