How to Find the Best Anxiety Disorders Treatment

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, you know the sense of unease that can crop up even when you don't have anything to worry about, let alone the times when you do have a concern and it balloons to epic proportions in your mind. Anxiety disorders are mentally and physically exhausting, they are a roadblock to the enjoyment of life, and they stand in the way of growth. The National Institute of Mental Health says anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and panic disorder) are among the most common mental-health disorders.

Residential Treatment Center May Be Best Choice

Anxiety disorders treatment is often a combination of self-care (fitness activities, meditation, mental exercises) and outpatient treatment (cognitive therapy, medication), but a third option is a therapeutic stay in a residential treatment center where you can benefit from full-time focus on your anxiety disorder. Inpatient treatment gives you daily access to individual and group therapy, trained staff you can turn to 24/7, and peers with whom you can develop bonds over your similar experiences and concerns.

Anxiety disorders treatment may be further complicated by co-occurring disorders such as substance abuse. A dual diagnosis may be best addressed in a residential facility where trained medical professionals can help you work toward recovery through an intensive program.

Treatment will depend on several factors, including the type of anxiety disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder, for example, involves persistent worrying whether worrisome issues are present or not, as well as fear of the potential of extremely unlikely negative events. Social anxiety disorder affects people who have extreme anxiety about interacting with others and panic disorders can strike without warning, leaving someone short of breath with an elevated heartbeat and feelings of desperation. Anxiety disorders can affect daily life, such as home, work, school, socialization, and relationships with family and friends, especially when complicated by the self-medication of substance abuse.

Insurance May Cover Residential Treatment

Your insurance company may pay most of the costs of anxiety disorders treatment at an inpatient treatment center. You may be required to go to a center in the insurance company's network, which may limit your choices. If you have the chance to choose among several centers, look for one that gives you a healing environment that's just right for you while providing quality therapy within a program that's geared for recovery.

Some centers are in idyllic settings that facilitate calm; some offer luxury accommodations, meals and activities; and some are extremely private facilities that provide anonymity. If you are paying your own way, or paying the portion insurance doesn't cover, some treatment centers may offer a payment plan to help you afford your inpatient treatment.

Whether outpatient or inpatient treatment is called for, the important thing is getting on the road to recovery and learning to let go of the anxiety that can keep you from experiencing the joys in your life.