Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treatment

Part of anxiety is the feeling that it will never stop, that this is just the way things are and there is no possibility of change.

Fortunately, GAD is treatable, and treatment of generalized anxiety disorder in adults frequently leads to significant reduction in worry, as well as promotes a sense of well-being and increased confidence.

In therapy sessions, you can learn skills for handling anxiety when it does arise. Armed with tools and strategies for responding to anxiety symptoms, you can handle the challenges that your mind (and the world) throws at you. Having the ability to cope with worry and stress creates a positive feedback loop—when you’re not worried about worrying, you are free to focus on living a life that is productive, joyful, and peaceful. 

For many people, a combination of medication such as antianxiety medication or antidepressants and talk therapy is the most helpful in reducing symptoms. While we do not prescribe medication to treat anxiety, we can provide a referral to a psychiatrist or your primary care physician who can discuss the types of medication helpful for generalized anxiety symptoms. 

Alternative treatments for anxiety such as relaxation techniques, yoga, mindfulness, exercise, massage and other techniques to reduce tension can also be helpful. Management of generalized anxiety symptoms involves mental, physical and emotional strategies. 

After a period of time, you may notice other improvements such as staying asleep through the night and waking up rested, which can have a profound impact on your daily life. 

Your friends and family have a hard time understanding your GAD. They may minimize your symptoms of anxiety, not understanding that the anxiety you struggle with is different than the everyday worry that most people experience. Perhaps you even downplay your symptoms yourself, trying to power through your day. And, if family members also struggle with untreated anxiety, your experience may seem normal to you.

All of this can make it seem unnecessary to seek help. But help is available, and there is no need to suffer alone. Our therapists can help you better understand the effects GAD has had on your mental health, life and work with you on ways to feel and function better. You deserve a life that’s not limited by anxiety, and treatment for GAD can help you achieve that.

Your therapist can provide you with skills to treat GAD and anxiety that you can put into practice immediately. You can take what you learn in therapy with you out into the world to cope better with your daily life. In addition to teaching coping skills, stress management and exploring emotional issues, your therapist can help you look at all the factors in your life that may be contributing to your anxiety.

For instance, many people who are prone to symptoms of generalized anxiety often have lifestyle habits that exacerbate their GAD. Your therapist may talk with you about lifestyle changes you can make, such as cutting back on caffeine, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. Therapy for anxiety is a small investment in time that can transform your life.