Three-Factor Approach to Treating Anxiety

by | Jan 16, 2023 | Anxiety, Coping, Mental Health, Skills, Support

When I talk with clients about coping with their anxiety symptoms, they often know methods of treating anxiety symptoms in the moment. Or, at the very least, they know about practices like deep breathing. These techniques are useful for situations like panic attacks. But anxiety disorder often requires more varied treatment for overall balance of emotions and symptoms.

Treating anxiety in the moment

When anxiety has a specific trigger or you experience a panic attack, you should immediately try to calm the symptoms. For example, you can take deep breaths, holding something cold to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, or try in a grounding technique. 

When you feel intense anxiety symptoms, these techniques are important to pull the body out of immediate fight-or-flight mode. They should give you some relief, but they aren’t strong enough to deal with anxiety that exists over a longer period of time. For symptoms that happen every day or for long periods of time, you should find a more consistent approach.

Coping with anxious symptoms every day

If a professional has diagnosed you with an anxiety disorder, you probably know that it requires more consistent attention. You need to focus on triggers, challenges, and coping with overthinking. Dealing with anxiety every day might mean you need to challenge anxious thoughts, use mindfulness techniques, and focusing on self-care activities that help keep symptoms at bay.

It often feels like a lot of work to establish a routine and lifestyle for coping with anxiety. But the changes you make in your daily life will help you to manage symptoms rather than let them take over your life. I often tell my clients that once they start understanding their anxiety and making changes, they’ll never start over from the exact same place again.

Treating anxiety with medication 

For some clients who are struggling, treating anxiety with medication may be useful, or even necessary. If anxiety symptoms are intense, a clinician may recommend that you meet with a qualified physician to determine if medication is the right fit. If so, they can direct you to the right medication. Many people also have fears about taking medication for anxiety. Doctors can help put at you at ease with their expertise.

I encourage clients who choose to take medication to continue the therapeutic process. While medication may resolve some symptoms, it’s important to understand your own experience with anxiety. Learn how to manage and prevent it, if possible. Engaging in therapy while taking anxiety medication can help you further resolve it.

Learn more about the author of this post: About Therapist Samantha Nolan, MA, LPC, ATR- Barnum Counseling

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