Anxiety Therapy vs. Anxiety Medication

Anxiety can feel so limiting and overwhelming that it can be hard to begin looking for support, let alone even have an idea of what support might be best for you. Let’s explore two of the most popular forms of treatment: therapy for anxiety and anxiety medication. 

We all experience anxiety, and while it has its benefits, some of us deal with higher levels of anxiety that become detrimental. When the feeling is impacting us on a daily basis, keeping us from doing things we enjoy, or impacting our overall happiness, it might be time to look into different treatment options. We will never get rid of anxiety 100%, but don’t panic, that’s okay! Keep reading to learn more about your options. 

Therapy for Anxiety

There are different ways to address anxiety in therapy, but ultimately, meeting weekly with a therapist to explore the thoughts and anxieties you’re experiencing helps to decrease the physical symptoms. The goal is to understand the root cause of anxiety and learn long-term coping skills you can rely on. When we give ourselves space to explore our deeper thoughts and feelings, we are often met with personal growth and an increase in self-awareness. 

Anxiety therapy focuses on identifying problematic thoughts and challenging them in a meaningful way. Therapy can include mindfulness interventions, education around the cycle of anxiety and somatic practices. 

Even though I am a therapist, it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t acknowledge some of the difficult parts of therapy. It’s definitely challenging to sit with our anxiety and work on building tolerance for it. It can be uncomfortable, scary and sometimes we discover things we don’t like. Therapy can also be a slow process, meaning the time and financial commitment can add up. 

Anxiety Medication

If therapy isn’t feeling like the right option for you at this point, medications are available to help decrease the symptoms of anxiety. There are different classes of medications and they are used for different purposes. Some medications work within 30 minutes and are ideal for managing panic attacks while others are intended to be taken daily for general anxiety symptoms. 

It generally takes 4-6 weeks to start feeling the benefits of the medication. Over time, you will meet with your prescriber to discuss your adjustment, continued symptoms and appropriate dose. 

Just like therapy, medication has drawbacks to be aware of. Finding a provider who works with your insurance may be challenging, and psychiatrists often have long wait lists. There is a risk of dependency with certain medications and as with any drug, there are potential side effects. The internet offers a lot of information about the specifics of medications, but the best place to get reliable information is from your doctor or psychiatrist. 

Medication & Therapy Can Work Together

Oftentimes, medication and therapy work hand in hand to help the client achieve their therapeutic goals. If the anxiety feels overwhelming, it can be difficult to address in therapy. Medication may help the client feel more confident in managing their anxiety while working to build coping skills. Anxiety medications are generally not intended to be used forever, but rather a helpful stepping stone in the healing process. 

Get Help With Anxiety Today

If you have additional questions regarding medication, please reach out to your doctor. It’s important to feel confident in whichever direction you plan to go. Discussing your options further with a mental health professional is also a great step. If you’re ready to get started with therapy for anxiety, schedule your free 15 minute consultation to get started with anxiety therapy in Dublin, CA with me today.