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The Importance of Therapy for Anxiety

The Importance of Therapy for Anxiety

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Feelings of anxiety here and there are expected in typical day-to-day life. Financial concerns or worries at work are common triggers of standard anxiousness. However, anxiety disorders are much more than these temporary concerns. Individuals facing such disorders endure more severe and more persistent feelings of anxiety. These feelings do not simply fade away. When left untreated, they tend to worsen.

Without seeking proper guidance and care, anxiety can lead to other more severe mental health conditions. These include depression, substance use disorder (SUD), chronic illness, and suicidal thoughts or attempts.

A Glance Into Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety affects more than 264 million individuals worldwide and nearly one in five American adults each year. It is considered to be one of the top leading mental health disorders in the world. Anxiety comes in many types, and symptoms vary depending on the different types.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD is an anxiety disorder involving recurring anxiety and excessive worry or stress. Additionally, feeling tense and on edge even when stressful situations do not arise is a hallmark of this kind of anxiety disorder.

Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)

Having social anxiety disorder involves overwhelming anxiety and extreme self-consciousness during social situations. It can be triggered by one specific kind of event or multiple. In more severe cases, it may be triggered by simply being around other people at any time.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

This disorder involves recurrent, unwanted thoughts or obsessions. It may also include repetitive behaviors, which are referred to as compulsions. Compulsions may consist of repetitive hand washing, counting, or cleaning. Compulsions are performed to alleviate persistent and unwanted obsessions. However, this only allows temporary relief.

Panic Disorder

Individuals with panic disorder have sudden and recurring episodes of intense fear. These are often paired with physical symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

This anxiety disorder can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event involving severe physical and emotional harm or the threat of harm. These events may include physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, serious car accidents, or military-related combat.

Regardless of the type of anxiety an individual might face, treatment is available. Proper diagnosis is the first step in seeking to overcome an anxiety disorder.

How Treatment Can Help

As with any mental health condition, professional treatment is the most effective method for managing anxiety. When dealing with anxiety, much focus goes into how a person thinks. These disorders attack an individual’s mind and create excessive worry and stress.

With some anxiety disorders, there may be no obvious trigger that surfaces anxious feelings. In others, there are clear triggers that spur heightened levels of anxiety. Treatment varies from case to case and fully depends on the type of disorder and the individual’s personal circumstances. In all cases, treatment has proven to be effective.

Inpatient Programs

In some cases, residential-style anxiety treatment may be needed. Conditions such as panic disorder and PTSD can sometimes be debilitating and these individuals can benefit greatly from an inpatient treatment plan.

In these programs, there is a plethora of benefits provided. They take place in a cozy home-like environment where participants have 24-hour access to a healthcare team. Participants can focus solely on their mental health recovery without the distractions of daily life. Camaraderie is also an excellent aspect of these programs as people with similar challenges can interact and bond over their journeys.

Outpatient Programs

Most anxiety disorders are treated through outpatient programs. These are very beneficial to the working adult or family caretaker. Flexible scheduling is a primary advantage of outpatient treatment. Individuals can fully customize their treatment plan to work around the many responsibilities of life.

Access to exceptional care and treatment is consistent with both inpatient and outpatient programs and both are effective methods. Which option an individual requires is dependent upon their diagnosis and severity of symptoms. Additionally, if camaraderie is particularly appealing but an inpatient program isn’t necessary, support groups are an excellent supplement.

Therapy and Anxiety

Regardless of which level of care an individual chooses, therapy is the primary rock-solid foundation for any anxiety disorder. Multiple forms of therapy are found in both programs.

Due to the nature of anxiety and its effects on an individual’s mind, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often the most beneficial and effective form of treatment. CBT focuses on the way a person thinks in a problem-solving style. Individuals learn to identify triggers or problems and gradually retrain their thought processes for more positivity and productivity.

In addition to therapy, one’s care team may prescribe anti-anxiety medication. Common medications associated with anxiety include antidepressants and prescriptions for sleep. Additionally, because anxiety can lead to depression or other issues, treating these co-occurring conditions can greatly improve anxiety and overall mental health. Depression and anxiety both can disrupt sleep duration and quality. Without proper rest, symptoms can worsen, so treating sleep-related issues can improve anxiety and depression symptoms.

Everyone is different and not all require the same treatment. Seeking a proper diagnosis and thorough assessment can help you to determine what path is best for each individual. Being proactive and reaching out is a phenomenal step to be proud of. Through a journey of self-discovery and positive mental health steps, anyone can live the life they deserve, free of anxiety.

It can be challenging to manage life when you’re in the grips of anxiety. Every day can feel like a struggle but there is a life to be lived outside of the symptoms of anxiety. You don’t have to face this alone. Let Alter Behavioral Health walk with you down this path and shoulder the burden so you don’t have to. With proper treatment, you can live again, brighter and healthier, the way you deserve. Call Alter Behavioral Health today at (866) 691-4386 for more information and to get started on the first step to the rest of your life. You deserve the best. Let us help you get there. 

The Four Borderline Personality Disorders

The Four Borderline Personality Disorders

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When a person hears the term “borderline personality disorder (BPD),” confusion often follows. This term represents numerous disorders, each of which varies in severity and symptoms. Understanding the complexities of and distinctions between such mental health conditions can often be perplexing.

Prevalence of Borderline Personality Disorder

The National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorders (NEA BPD) defines BPD as “a serious mental illness that centers on the inability to manage emotions effectively.” They also mention that “it typically starts during adolescence or early adulthood.”

According to the NEA BPD, the prevalence of BPD affects:

  • 5.9% of adults (about 14 million Americans) at some time in their life
  • 50% more people than Alzheimer’s disease and nearly as many as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder combined (2.25%).
  • 20% of patients admitted to psychiatric hospitals
  • 10% of people in outpatient mental health treatment

BPDs affect a person’s mental health primarily through emotions and result in an array of symptoms depending on the type.

An In-Depth View of Borderline Personality Disorders

According to the NIH and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual on Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), there are two different categories found in personality disorders: personality disorders and borderline personality disorders. Being able to distinguish one from the other can help when seeking diagnosis and treatment.

Personality disorders portray an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations of the individual’s culture. These patterns are typically consistent regardless of varying situations and lead to distress and even impairment.

Borderline personality disorders are considered to be serious mental disorders characterized by a pattern of instability in moods, behavior, self-image, and functioning. These instabilities often lead to unstable/chaotic relationships and can result in impulsive decisions and behavior. Additionally, individuals with borderline personality disorders may undergo episodes of intense anger, depression, and anxiety. These episodes can last only a few hours or multiple days.

Misdiagnosis often occurs among individuals facing BPDs. It is commonly misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder since both involve mood instability. However, the primary difference between the two consists of the duration of these mood changes. With bipolar disorder, mood changes can exist for weeks or even months. Mood changes in BPDs are significantly shorter and can even occur within a single day.

The DSM-5 recognizes 10 personality disorders in total, categorizing them into three clusters: Cluster A, Cluster B, and Cluster C. Borderline personality disorder falls under Cluster B, along with three others. Disorders in this cluster are understood to be severe and dramatic, emotional, or erratic in appearance.

Subtypes of Borderline Personality Disorder

While the DSM-5 doesn’t currently recognize subtypes of borderline personality disorder, Theodore Millon, a personality expert, believes there to be four types: discouraged, self-disruptive, impulsive, and petulant.

Discouraged

Individuals with this subtype of BPD display extreme emotional dependency on other people. They typically appear very needy and clingy. Regardless of the amount of attention they receive, they cannot be satiated. Passive behavior is also common among these individuals unless they perceive themselves as abandoned. Once this happens, problems with anger management and emotional stability will present themselves.

Self-Disruptive

Extreme bitterness and self-hatred typically occur in individuals with the self-disruptive subtype. They exhibit a strong need for attention from others as a way to cope with their negative self-talk. This need can only be satisfied for a short time. When the attention wears off, or the need is ignored by others, these individuals may result to drastic attention-seeking measures, like dangerous adrenaline-seeking and substance abuse. Attempted suicide or suicidal threats are also common.

Impulsive

The trademark featured among individuals with the impulsive subtype is the inability to control one’s impulses. People with this condition tend to seek adrenaline rushes by any means necessary. This dangerous behavior can greatly increase the risk of self-harm and even result in suicidal thoughts or attempts. Untreated impulsive borderline personality disorder can result in poor life decisions, serious injuries or death, and greatly interrupt day-to-day life.

Petulant

The petulant subtype is categorized by emotional eruptions of tumultuous anger and extreme feelings of unworthiness. A strong need to manipulate or control other people usually accompanies this disorder. These individuals tend to be very possessive and in charge of their personal lives which often leads to unstable relationships and general dissatisfaction with their partners. This behavior also often results in substance use or other unhealthy and destructive life choices.

Cause and Risk Factors

While the exact cause of BPD is unknown, there are a few factors that can contribute to an individual’s risk of developing it:

  • Genetic Factors: Those with a family history of borderline personality disorder have an increased chance of developing it than those who do not.
  • Biological Factors: Brain chemical issues and problems with brain development can also result in the development of this disorder.
  • Environmental Factors: Experiencing abuse (sexual, physical, or emotional), long-term childhood stress, or parental neglect are also contributing risk factors.

Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder

The severity of borderline personality disorder when ignored or left untreated can have serious effects on a person’s mental health and daily life. Seeking treatment like psychotherapy is essential for one’s overall mental health and has been found to be effective in most cases. There are both in- and outpatient programs for the treatment of this disorder.

Inpatient treatment programs have been very successful in treating BPD. In these programs, individuals will receive 24-hour care from healthcare professionals. There are many benefits to in-patient programs. These include a positive and comfortable home-like environment, full-time access to the best help, and camaraderie. Clients are able to interact with and enjoy the company of other people who face similar challenges as them.

Alternatively, outpatient programs are also available. These programs are more flexible with individuals’ schedules and are still considered very effective in the treatment process. Whatever route an individual chooses, help is available and there is a brighter and happier future ahead.

Borderline personality disorder can take over your life and make you feel like there’s no hope left. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Let us be the hope you need and the light that lights your path. At Alter Behavioral Health, we care about your happiness and the brighter days you deserve. Your future matters to us. Let us help you achieve happiness and stability in your everyday life from this moment forward. With our customized treatment programs, you can attain the life you want that is free of the difficulties of borderline personality disorder. Call us today at  (866) 691-4386  for more information and to get started. 

Which Type of Schizophrenia Do I Have?

Which Type of Schizophrenia Do I Have?

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When facing an unknown mental health disorder, life can be a burdening uphill battle. Gathering the right information and seeking proper care can erase the challenges that not knowing can cause in your life. If you believe you or a loved one may have schizophrenia, this information may be of value to you. Reaching out for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan is an essential step to living life free of the burdens of schizophrenia.

What Is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a mental illness in which you struggle to differentiate between reality and false perceptions of reality. This challenge can make life particularly difficult. Schizophrenia has been known to be so severe that it interferes with daily activities. This can result in you being unable to complete day-to-day tasks and function properly.

Schizophrenia affects 24 million people worldwide (one in 300 individuals or 32%). It is one of the most misunderstood and complicated mental health disorders recognized today. While the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) now considers schizophrenia to be a mental illness on a spectrum, it has previously been categorized into five different subtypes. These include:

#1. Paranoid Schizophrenia

This subtype has been characterized by high levels of suspicion without cause and distorted normal function. If you struggle with paranoid schizophrenia, you may experience hallucinations and hear voices that are not there. You may also either be preoccupied with a single delusion or experience frequent auditory hallucinations.

#2. Residual Schizophrenia

If you struggle with residual schizophrenia, you do not experience frequent hallucinations, disorganized speech, delusions, or catatonic behaviors. Instead, you will experience two or more of the aforementioned symptoms on a smaller scale than more extensive sub-types. Despite the lesser severity level, residual schizophrenia should be taken seriously. If left untreated, it can worsen or progress.

#3. Disorganized Schizophrenia

The disorganized symptoms of this subtype include disorganized speech and behavior. When severely disorganized speech is involved, it can be challenging to follow as you may be incoherent.

Additionally, inappropriate affect is involved. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines inappropriate affect as an emotional response that is not in keeping with the situation or is incompatible with expressed thoughts or wishes. For example, you may smile when told about the death of a friend.

#4. Catatonic Schizophrenia

As mentioned in residual schizophrenia, when left untreated, this disorder can progress. Catatonic schizophrenia has been believed to be the result of untreated schizophrenia. Symptoms of this disorder include refusal to move, change position, and extensive immobility.

Alternatively, you may experience excessive, unnecessary movement for no reason, echolalia, and echopraxia. Echolalia is the meaningless repetition of words or phrases heard by someone else. Echopraxia is the meaningless repetition of movements seen by someone else.

#5. Undifferentiated Schizophrenia

If you don’t meet the criteria for the previous four subtypes, you may fall into the undifferentiated category. When you experience this sub-type, you will experience hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, or catatonic behavior. However, these symptoms are not consistent nor similar enough in pattern/severity level to be considered one of the subtypes mentioned above.

What Does Treatment for Schizophrenia Look Like?

Treatment for schizophrenia looks similar across all subtypes and includes the following options:

Medication

Antipsychotic drugs are a primary treatment form for treating this mental health disorder. These medications alter the brain’s chemistry to assist in reducing psychotic symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking. However, antipsychotics may have side effects. Trial and error will help determine the best prescription for your personal needs for optimal treatment.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Medication is generally paired with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). While medication is the primary treatment option, coping with schizophrenia is still challenging and difficult to navigate without guidance.

Through CBT, you will receive help from trained therapists to assist in understanding your mental health. You will learn coping mechanisms that can help reduce stress and improve thought processes. These tools can ultimately help you live a much happier and less stressful life.

Continued Education

In addition to CBT and medication, you also have a lot to gain from continued education on your mental health disorder. Through psychoeducation, both individually and in a group setting, you and your loved ones are able to learn all there is to know about this widely misunderstood disorder. You will be well equipped with the knowledge and understanding needed to cope with schizophrenia. Both parties will learn that this mental health disorder is not to be stigmatized as dangerous.

Find Schizophrenia Treatment Today

It is important to reach out as soon as possible if you or a loved one may be struggling with schizophrenia. Your life can be wonderful and full of happiness with the right guidance and care. You need only to reach out, and someone will be there to take your hand. Your life matters. You matter. Don’t wait to put yourself first. You deserve happiness, and proper treatment can bring just that.

At Alter Behavioral Health, we understand how difficult life must be with the questions of not knowing. Facing schizophrenia can be extremely challenging when you aren’t sure what type you have or what to do about it. However, schizophrenia of any type is treatable. You can get help today so that tomorrow and each day going forward are days of happiness. You deserve all that life has to offer, just like everyone else does. Don’t let your schizophrenia hold you under. Rise above it and live your life the way you deserve to. Call us today at (866) 691-4386, and let us guide you to a happy life free of the burdens of schizophrenia. 

Can Pets Help With Anxiety?

Can Pets Help With Anxiety?

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Life brings on a multitude of feelings. Happiness from good remarks at work, excitement over a new baby, or joy from sweet puppy kisses and cuddly kittens. However, with these wonderful emotions, life also brings complications. Unexpected bills come up, crowded birthday parties are inevitable, and sudden changes in life can spur one negative feeling: anxiety. Affecting more than 264 million individuals worldwide and nearly one in five American adults each year, anxiety is one of the leading mental health disorders in the world.

What Is Anxiety?

Experiencing anxiety from time to time is expected in the average day-to-day life. However, anxiety disorders are more than fleeting feelings of worry or stress. People who struggle with an anxiety disorder undergo persistent feelings of anxiety. These feelings do not go away and generally worsen as time passes when left untreated.

Without seeking proper guidance and care, anxiety can lead to more severe health concerns. These may include depression, substance use disorders (SUDs), chronic illness, and suicidal thoughts or attempts.

Anxiety comes in many forms which varying symptoms, which are as follows:

  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): An anxiety disorder involving recurring anxiety and excessive worry or stress. Additionally, feelings of being tense and on edge occur even when stressful situations do not arise.
  • Social anxiety disorder (social phobia): An anxiety disorder involving overwhelming anxiety and extreme self-consciousness when encountering social situations. It can be triggered by just one specific kind of event or multiple. In more severe cases, it may be triggered by simply being around other people at any time.
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): An anxiety disorder involving recurrent, unwanted thoughts or obsessions. It may also include repetitive behaviors, which are referred to as compulsions. These compulsions may consist of repetitive hand washing, counting, or cleaning. Compulsions are completed to alleviate the persistent and unwanted obsessions. However, this only allows temporary relief.

In addition to the above disorders, the following are also recognized as anxiety disorders

  • Panic disorder: An anxiety disorder characterized by sudden and recurring episodes of intense fear. These are often paired with physical symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): An anxiety disorder that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event involving severe physical harm or danger. These events may include physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, serious car accidents, or military-related combat.

Pets and Anxiety

Studies have shown that pets can significantly assist in the treatment and management of any anxiety disorder that an individual may face. Those fuzzy paws and goofy grins bring so much unconditional love and joy. How could they not help you with the challenges of anxiety? The mental health benefits of having a pet have been so effective that the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) recognized emotional support animals (ESA) and service animals in 2010.

Service Animals

As defined by the ADA, a service animal means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. These may include a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Service animals are generally allowed in most public places and stores.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

Also referred to as “comfort animals,” the ADA states these pets are often used as part of a medical treatment plan as therapy animals. However, they are not considered service animals under the ADA. As a result, their public access rights differ significantly.

How Can Pets Help With Anxiety?

In 2020, an estimated 70% of households in the United States had one or more pets. Besides lots of cuddly kisses and unlimited, unconditional love, pets provide a plethora of emotional support and service to their handlers and family members. This kind of care is something that these pets naturally give without ever being asked.

Some of the many benefits that pets provide include:

  • Increased physical activity: Pet owners are far more likely to be active in order to keep their fur-family members happy. Whether taking the dog for a walk or playing with an energetic kitten, increased exercise is an excellent benefit to managing anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins in the body, which result in better moods and positive feelings.
  • Self-esteem boost: The love and support provided by pets result in a significant boost to overall confidence, which can help reduce anxiety symptoms.
  • Routine building: Having a pet requires specific responsibilities that ultimately create a routine for the day. A structure can help lessen anxiety.
  • Ease loneliness: The companionship found with beloved pets ensures that individuals have a loved one to come home to every day and wake up to every morning. This can help people feel less lonely and have a sense of belonging.

With all of these benefits, a common theme persists – less anxiety.

Treatment or Pets?

Individuals can have both! When pairing the emotional support of a loved fur family with proper treatment, people end up with an even more well-rounded management plan for anxiety. Joining an all-encompassing anxiety treatment program can help individuals successfully control the anxiety that has been trying to control them.

A therapist can help individuals find the right medication to stay on top of their anxiety. They can also help individuals come up with more enjoyable tasks that include pets to combat anxiety. By combining treatment with the many benefits that pets provide, people can achieve brighter, better days for a joyful future to come.

Facing anxiety can make you miss the things you love the most. It can complicate your life and hold your happiness away from you. You deserve more than that. At Alter Behavioral Health, we care about you and your well-being. We understand the challenges that come with anxiety, and we want nothing more than to help you overcome these difficulties to find peace once more. You don’t have to let anxiety control you. You can control it instead. Let us help you achieve your goals and show you what life can really be. Call Alter Behavioral Health today at (866) 691-4386 for the next steps in reaching an anxiety-free life. 

The Signs and Symptoms of GAD

What Is GAD?

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Do you know what generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is? Have you been abnormally moody or frantic for no apparent reason? Are you constantly waiting for a disaster to strike? Do you find yourself excessively worrying about everyday things, some of which are entirely out of your control? Are you frequently stressed even when there is nothing to stress about?

Have you found falling asleep, concentrating, keeping your composure, and maintaining healthy, long-lasting relationships increasingly difficult? Would you say that you encounter more bad days than good? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you might be experiencing symptoms of GAD.

Signs and Symptoms of GAD

Truth be told, occasional anxiety is a normal and very natural part of life that affects everyone in different ways. Many people may find themselves worrying about everyday situations or things, such as their health, finances, career, school, or family issues. However, if you have ever been diagnosed with GAD, you’re well aware that these problems are a lot more extensive than people may realize.

Unlike occasional anxiety, GAD is a mental health disorder that is typically generated by anxiety, fear, apprehension, and dread that can last up to months, sometimes years on end. If you have not yet spoken to a medical professional, you should do so; because these feelings can immensely interfere with your daily life, physical health, and emotional well-being and can be shown through:

  • Hyper-vigilant or persistent worry
  • Feeling restless, wound up, or on-edge
  • Extreme irritability
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Being easily fatigued or started
  • Loss of concentration or joy in everyday activities
  • Frequent head, stomach, or unexplainable body aches
  • High blood pressure or increased heart rate
  • Shallow or uneven breathing
  • Heightened sensitivity toward people, places, or things
  • Muscle tension or frequent movements of the body, including trembling of the hands, legs, or feet
  • Inability to relax
  • Disorientation from family members and friends
  • Dark, demented, or disorganized thoughts that are out of the norm
  • Indecisiveness
  • Overthinking
  • Loss of self or self-control
  • Lack of consistency
  • Second-guessing yourself
  • Questioning your ability to make informed decisions.

Treatment for GAD

The good news is GAD is one of the most common and readily treatable mental health conditions. Its symptoms can be alleviated with psychotherapy, medication, or both. Psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a research-supported type of “talk therapy” that is referred to as the gold standard for treating GAD. CBT teaches struggling individuals different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to situations to help them feel less anxious or worried.

Another treatment for GAD is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). ACT takes a different approach to negative and seemingly unwanted thoughts by utilizing strategies such as mindfulness supported in the hopes of reducing discomfort, nervousness, and anxiety. Compared to CBT, this is a newer type of psychotherapy, so, unfortunately, there is fewer data available regarding its effectiveness.

However, everyone is different, so what might work for one patient might not work as we compared it to another. That’s why it’s essential to be proactive, weigh out all your options, and consider speaking to a medical professional to find the right treatment plan for you.

Possible Medications for GAD

Although therapeutic treatment methods like psychotherapy can often help, depending on an individual’s brain chemistry, it is also possible that symptoms may persist even with therapy. So, if you feel as though you might need a little extra help, a medical professional may recommend or prescribe medications, including:

  • Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
  • Anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines.

Yes, SSRIs and SNRIs are commonly used to treat depression. However, they can also. However, alleviate the symptoms of GAD. They may take several weeks to start working. At the same time, like GAD, as well as other mental health disorders, these medications can also cause side effects, such as headaches, nausea, or trouble sleeping. Depending on the individual, these side effects are typically not severe, especially if a psychiatrist or clinician starts a patient off on a low dose before deciding to slowly increase it over time.

Like antidepressants, benzodiazepines, or anti-anxiety sedative medications may also be used to treat severe forms of GAD. These medications can be very effective in rapidly decreasing anxiety. However, some people can build up a higher tolerance to and may need to up their dosage more frequently than those who take other, much less invasive anxiety medications. With this particular medication, because it is a sedative, some people can become dependent on them and, thus, start to abuse their power. Therefore, a medical professional may only prescribe benzodiazepines for brief periods of time if and when a patient needs them.

Other Helpful Resources and Tips for GAD

If you or a loved one are struggling with GAD, here are some helpful habits to help you along the way, such as:

  • Show up/show support
  • Be patient
  • Communicate
  • Know when to ask for help
  • Educate yourself
  • Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
  • Cut out or moderate your caffeine and sugar intake
  • Exercise
  • Set daily goals
  • Become more active within your community
  • Join a support group
  • Journal
  • Talk to someone you trust, i.e., a therapist, family member, friend, or significant other.

Managing the symptoms of GAD is, without question, a difficult and complex process and an uphill battle, but no one ever said you had to attempt the challenge alone. Here at Alter Behavioral Health, we are committed to helping you find a treatment plan that works best for you in this new journey toward living a much happier and healthier lifestyle. We make it our mission to address all your mental health needs by providing you with the care and attention you deserve. Through CBT and ACT, as well as other methods such as mindful meditation, group family, and family therapy, we offer what you need. For more information, call us today at (866) 691-4386. 

Managing Symptoms of OCD

Managing Symptoms of OCD

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Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can interfere with and hinder the quality of your lifestyle. However, if your OCD symptoms have been prevalent for the majority of your life, you may not even recognize all of the symptoms. You also might not understand the complexity of this disorder and that additional moods and behaviors can be a result of OCD. Further, your friends and loved ones might have pointed out your symptoms. However, you may have dismissed them.

Additionally, your friends and family may not understand the complexity of this disorder and might be using a limited understanding of OCD and applying it to your lifestyle. Therefore, education is the most important thing when it comes to you and your family understanding this disorder. Education comes from seeking appropriate resources to help you and your family in this journey. If you suspect that you are experiencing symptoms of OCD, then it is time to consider professional care and learn more about this disorder.

What Is OCD?

According to Medline Plus 2021, OCD is a mental health disorder where an individual has recurring obsessive thoughts and rituals. The symptoms can interfere with a person’s life. Depending on the severity of the condition, OCD can make it almost impossible to take control of the compulsions and put them to an end.

OCD can affect people of all ages, children, and adults. It most commonly begins in teens or early adulthood. The conditions can persist throughout a person’s lifetime unless treatment takes place. Males develop OCD at a younger age than females. The root of the problem is unfortunately unknown. Certain factors such as brain biology, genetics, and your living or working environment play a role in the cause of the condition.

Signs and Symptoms of OCD

Obsessions can be overemphasized concerns, worries, and euphoric thoughts that a majority of people may experience. These repetitious thoughts and urges can cause anxiety and even relate to symptoms typical of other anxiety disorders. If you experience symptoms of OCD, you may become consumed with these obsessions and compulsions that it can be difficult to recognize the signs and symptoms associated with the mental disorder.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health 2022, routine obsessions may include:

  • Fear of unsanitary environments and contamination
  • Panicking thoughts of accidents or death
  • Unwanted and intrusive sexual thoughts
  • Concerns about religion
  • Needing to remember things at all times

Compulsions are when you have the urge to perform ritualistic actions such as:

  • Excessive cleaning or showering
  • Extreme urges to check locks, gas, or electrical appliances for reassurance
  • Arranging things in a particular way
  • Counting movements such as steps or taps
  • Repetitively asking someone for reassurance

The Effects the Condition Has on a Person’s Life

OCD can interfere with your life. Obsessive thoughts can be distracting, and the compulsions can take up a lot of time in your day. This can cause stress and anxiety when much-needed tasks and everyday activities are not being met. OCD can impede relationships. Instead of spending time with family and friends, obsessive thoughts and compulsions bleed into free time. Schoolwork and education as a whole can be impacted. Grades can slip due to a lack of concentration. Disruption in work performance can lead to frustration and feelings of embarrassment. Mental illness can completely consume a person’s life; therefore, treatment is imperative to find peace throughout each day

Self-Help Tips and Professional Treatment

There are holistic ways to personally manage OCD. Redirection is key to breaking away from fixations. Start reassuring yourself that your house is safe after checking hazards a couple of times. Meditation can help ease your mind, and journaling can be highly therapeutic for obsessive thoughts and compulsions. Although there are natural ways to cope with OCD, the condition can interfere with your life to a point where there is no other option but to seek professional treatment. Confirming your diagnosis through a psychiatrist, taking medications, seeking help from a therapist, and considering psychotherapy can be very beneficial.

According to the same NIH study, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be just as effective for individuals as certain medications. For those that do not respond well to CBT or medication alone, exposure and response prevention (EX/RP) can be another option to attempt. This is where a patient is placed in a situation that usually triggers a ritualistic response but is prevented from taking action.

Taking the first step towards treatment can change your life for the better. Professional treatment can also set you up for lasting success and recovery. Having a proper diagnosis, guided therapy, and being among peers who experience similar symptoms creates a fantastic support network that will continue to provide resources and opportunities.

It can be especially hard for an individual with OCD to abandon specific rituals and give in treatment, but the results can greatly improve a person’s quality of life. Treatment can grant more time in each day given, improve relationships with family and friends, and benefit a person’s professional life. Here with Alter Behavioral Health, we can help. Our facility provides you or a loved one with an opportunity to find great relief. Our goal is to help you find the right professionals to develop an organized treatment plan. We welcome you with full support to make your transition easy and successful. If you need professional assistance, there is help. To get more information about our services, call (866) 691-4386.

Do I Have Social Anxiety and What Do I Do About It?

Recognizing Social Anxiety and What to Do About It

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Living life with social anxiety can be difficult and stressful. How do you know if you have social anxiety, and what can you do about it? Understanding your anxiety is the first step to a happier, stress-free lifestyle.

What Does Social Anxiety Look Like?

Feeling nervous and shy are common feelings in children and adults alike and don’t necessarily indicate social anxiety. When an individual has social anxiety, they experience genuine fear and anxiety that lead to avoiding interaction with other people and public spaces. This avoidance can result in poor relationships, missed time at work, and interruption in daily routines and activities.

Some signs and symptoms of social anxiety include but are not limited to the following:

  • Fear of being judged publically
  • Constant worry of humiliation and embarrassment
  • Fear of interacting with strangers
  • Physical symptoms such as blushing, sweating, and a shaky voice
  • Expecting worst-case scenarios in public interactions
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Nauseous or upset stomach
  • Heart racing
  • Muscle tension

Social anxiety can be found anywhere from mid-teens through adulthood. A National Comorbidity Survey showed that an estimated 12.1% of U.S. adults had experienced social anxiety at some point in their lives. There are many forms of anxiety besides social anxiety. If the before-mentioned symptoms do not sound familiar, it is important to determine what form of anxiety you may have.

More Forms of Anxiety

While there are several forms of anxiety, the most common forms are:

  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Chronic anxiety and tension with or without provocation
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions)
  • Panic disorder: Repetitive episodes of intense panic accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain and dizziness
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Severe anxiety disorder that is the result of a terrifying event in which extreme physical harm either occurred or was threatened

Anxiety in any capacity can be hard to cope with but identifying which anxiety you might have is important in taking the proper steps to manage and treat your anxiety,

How Can I Manage My Social Anxiety?

There are many methods you can try yourself prior to professional treatment. Developing a strong sense of self will help you to understand what circumstances may bring on your social anxiety. Break down the more difficult circumstances into smaller parts and work through them one step at a time.

Keeping a journal of your daily routine and activities is a great method that provides a written record to show any possible patterns in your social anxiety. Another at-home method for managing your social anxiety is utilizing breathing exercises. Practicing these calming breaths can aid in stress, anxiety, and panic, and these exercises can be done anywhere at any time.

When Do I Need to Seek Treatment?

If your social anxiety strongly impacts your day-to-day life, it may be time to contact your doctor for treatment. The good news is social anxiety is a widely known and acknowledged condition with several treatment options. Asking for help can be scary, but you are not alone, and your doctor is here to help you on this journey. Your doctor can guide you in the right direction and suggest the best treatment options to help you achieve a happier, stress-free life.

Treatment Options for Social Anxiety

While there are many treatment plans available, some options include:

Talk to your doctor to see which treatment option is the right one for you. Sometimes a combination of treatments is needed depending on the severity of your social anxiety.

Group Therapy for Social Anxiety: How Can It Help?

Once you have begun treatment, your doctor might suggest group therapy for your social anxiety. The addition of group therapy is effective in the overall treatment process of social anxiety. Group therapy is widely used for many conditions and provides its participants with many benefits. These benefits include but are not limited to the following:

  • Camaraderie:  Learning that you are not alone and that there are others with the same struggles as you can help eliminate isolation in managing your social anxiety.
  • Building confidence: With your new-found camaraderie, you can begin to feel more confident, knowing you’ve got people to lean on if you fall
  • Broaden perspective: Because of the group setting of group therapy, you will hear input from all participants and learn how they cope with their challenges.

As with any therapy session or treatment plan, group therapy is private, safe, and confidential for all participants, creating a positive and safe environment for managing and treating your social anxiety.

Achieve A Happier, Stress-Free Life

If your social anxiety is preventing you from doing the things you want to do and impacting your life, then reaching out for treatment is an important next step in your recovery journey. With the proper treatment and support, you can enjoy a life without being held back by your social anxiety.

Seeking professional help has been shown to drastically improve social anxiety cases, and Alter Behavioral Health can help. Our individual and group therapy programs provide a wonderful opportunity for growth and healing. Throughout the process, you will learn how to interpret your anxiety and what affects you. You have the chance to learn other perspectives and talk through the things that bother you. If you or a loved one struggles with social anxiety or another form of anxiety, it’s important to reach out for help. You are not alone. We care, and we want to help you. If you or a loved one is currently in need of help, then reach out today by calling us at (866) 691-4386.