Can Anxiety Disorder Be Treated Without Medication?
Anxiety disorders can be treated with medications, therapy, or both, but according to the National Institute on Mental Health, “Treatment choices depend on the type of disorder, the person’s preference, and the expertise of the clinician.” But there are ways in which your anxiety disorder can be treated without pharmacological methods.
Build a Strong Relationship with Your Therapist
If you are hoping to begin a treatment regimen that does not involve medication for your anxiety disorder, you must understand that the majority of your treatment will be based in therapeutic methods. The NIMH emphasizes the importance of building a safe, beneficial relationship with your therapist or counselor so that you are able to feel at ease. “You should feel comfortable talking with the mental health professional you choose. If you do not, you should seek help elsewhere.”
Once you are able to find someone you feel comfortable with, it is important to build a strong relationship by
- Developing trust between the two of you
- Attending meetings regularly and not skipping treatment, barring some emergency
- Discussing any former treatments attended, especially those that were therapy-related, and how they helped or did not help
- Be open to possible options and/or suggestions made by the counselor
Some of these responsibilities lie in the hands of the counselor as well to help create a strong, beneficial relationship. It is very important that you find a therapist or counselor you trust if you have a desire to begin a medication-free treatment regimen for your anxiety.
Other Treatments and Remedies for Anxiety
Meditation relieves anxiety.
While the majority of your treatment will likely be based in talk-therapy, there are other methods you can utilize as a part of your regimen that can help provide you with certain benefits that you may still require. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “Exercise and relaxation techniques such as meditation can be useful for people with this disorder because they help to lower stress and to manage severe worry.” These methods can be learned through treatment programs or you can seek them out on your own, and they can often be very helpful to certain individuals in the absence of medication-based treatments.
In addition, having your friends and family to support you can also make a wonderful difference in your recovery. This aspect of your life will help to “reinforce” your treatment, and the choice to not use medication can often be easier if you have a large support network behind you.
When Is Medication Necessary?
In certain cases, medication may be necessary. It depends on how serious your anxiety is and whether or not you can overcome it without the help of pharmacological intervention. It is very important for you to talk to your doctor or counselor about your choice to be treated without the use of medication and to ask whether or not it is possible, given your current state.
Are You Looking for Anxiety Treatment?
Call 888-647-0051 (Who Answers?) today. We can help you find a treatment center or counselor who can help you overcome your anxiety disorder and begin to live the life you’ve been longing for.
