Don’t go it alone if you suffer from anxiety

Published 1:30 am Sunday, August 14, 2016

Worry is on the rise in our country.

Social scientists are able to measure interest in a particular subject by examining Google search rates. And, in the last eight years, according to economist Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, the rate of Google searches for anxiety has doubled. Interestingly, Stephens-Davidowitz did not find that search rates for anxiety related topics increased after terrorist events. But unsurprisingly, economic downturn and unemployment was strongly correlated with queries on anxiety. Hard economic times increase our apprehension.

Anxiety disorders cover a wide range of problems, including individuals who experience panic, phobias, social anxiety, excessive worry and nervousness that persists throughout the day. In order for worry to be diagnosed as a mental health problem, it has to significantly interfere with our day-to-day functioning. Some anxiety and worry is totally normal.

These conditions impact a large number of adults. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 18 percent of U.S. adults will suffer from an anxiety disorder, with 4.1 percent having severe symptoms in a 12-month period. Women are 60 percent more likely to experience one of these conditions. The incidence is highest in 30-44-year-olds, and lowest among adults over 60. But, of the millions of Americans who suffer from anxiety, only 37 percent are receiving some kind of help.

Risk factors include having biological relatives who suffer from anxiety disorders, shyness in childhood, having few economic resources, being divorced or widowed, exposure to stressful life events in childhood or adulthood, or parental history of mental disorders.

In my family, my father suffered from anxiety, and so did my brother and I. In college, I experienced panic attacks, which are episodes of severe anxiety that can come out of nowhere. Fortunately, at the time, I did seek out counseling and medication, which when combined can be especially helpful. I recognized then, that my over-active nervous system required regular exercise, meditation and relaxation in order to be in a healthy state. Over the last 30 years, I continued to practice meditation, and later, aikido (a mind-body martial art), yoga and tai chi on a regular basis. Most people today would be surprised to know that I used to be so anxious. These practices have made an enormous difference in my life. And if you suffer from anxiety, they can help you too.

That’s the good news.

Today, we have evidence-based effective treatments for anxiety conditions including cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation skills training and effective, safe medications. But sadly, the majority of adults either don’t seek help or don’t realize that help is available.

Common medications include anti-depressants which are particularly effective for anxiety. They reduce the tendency for an adult’s nervous system to go into overdrive in response to minor concerns. These medications can work quickly or take several weeks to kick in.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps adults re-work the mind/body connection which results in our flight or fight response. Individuals learn skills and techniques for changing the way they interpret their body’s signals. They also develop greater awareness of how their thoughts effect their body. It takes a little time to learn — but it works.

Relaxation training, mindfulness meditation, and mind-body practices such as aikido, tai chi and Yoga teach adults how to calm their bodies. It takes practice to learn these skills (it also takes time and practice to become a good tennis player!) but they are very helpful in learning how to reduce the discomfort of anxiety.

If you have a problem with anxiety or worry, talk to your primary care provider who can steer you in the direction that is best for you.

Dr. Paul Schoenfeld is director of The Everett Clinic’s Center for Behavioral Health. His Family Talk Blog can be found at www.everettclinic.com/family-talk-blog.