Although often used interchangeably, panic and anxiety are distinct conditions requiring specialized treatment approaches. These conditions, characterized by intense, overwhelming fear and worry, can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, making it crucial to understand and address them appropriately.

New Directions Mental Health offers an extensive range of treatment options tailored to confront these conditions. Our anxiety treatment is designed to equip individuals with the tools to manage their symptoms, regain control, and pave the way for a fulfilling, anxiety-free life. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 724.374.7414 to help you learn how to approach panic and anxiety.

How to Approach Anxiety and Panic

When the brain is implementing anxiety and panic in a non-life-threatening situation, it is essential to address this. There are multiple ways to alleviate anxiety and panic, but two effective strategies for reducing panic and anxiety can include:

1. Firm and Commanding

Fear often attempts to bully a person and provide solutions that build itself up while simultaneously keeping the person stagnant. An emotional response to fear can tear away your self-esteem and confident decision-making. One approach is to call out fear, be firm against its message, command it to step back, and even challenge its circular logic.

You may experience some pushback but continue with another firm commanding statement, and you will begin to see the difference between fear and reality. This approach is ineffective in every setting but may give you more cognitive room to make a better decision.

2. Accepting and Welcoming

Fear finds its power in your response. Often the less you respond, the more the power of its message lessens. This lessening of power makes its message less believable. Sometimes, you have to accept your predisposition to anxiety, welcome the oncoming symptoms, and then let those symptoms drift on.

Often, clients develop accepting statements like “Okay, I hear you. Just give me my heart palpitations and some sweating and be done with it.” This counterintuitive welcome message appears to deter anxiety and can often lessen the severity and duration of the anxious symptoms.

Finding Approaches to Anxiety That May Help

There’s hope for people with anxious thoughts and panic reactions. Many clients have come to our practice and found it helpful. Here are some ideas to get started:

• Build your instinct awareness – The more you realize your brain is going through typical survival responses, the more the sensations and experiences you are having will make sense. Start to tell yourself, “This is just my survival response system acting.”
• Reverse the message – The brain tightens everything up, including your chest and breath. Send it the reverse message by stretching, loosening up the shoulders and face, and then slowing your breathing.
• Replenish the body – Often, after a panic or an anxiety attack, you may want to sleep. It’s not a bad idea, but first, consider drinking at least 16 ounces of water and eating fresh food like fruit. This will be a great start to counter all the chemical releases during the episode.
• Allow for allies – Contact a professional counselor, psychologist, or therapist who will know how to walk alongside you during this time in your life. Their expertise and support can provide extra motivation and accountability to conquer your panic and anxiety.

Anxiety and panic approaches can be daunting initially, but hope exists. As you practice these approaches more and more, it will become a skill set that can be utilized in non-life-threatening situations. Many people have conquered their anxiety and panic and live an anxiety-less life. Anxiety treatment at New Directions Mental Health can help you write a new story for yourself. Schedule an appointment today at 724.374.7414.

How Can Anxiety Treatment Impact Your Mental Health?

Anxiety treatment can produce a profound positive impact on your mental health, leading to an overall improvement in your quality of life. The benefits of anxiety treatment may include:

• Reduced anxiety – Professional treatment helps individuals understand and manage their anxiety triggers, significantly reducing the severity and frequency of anxiety attacks.
• Improved sleep – Anxiety often leads to sleep issues such as insomnia. Managing anxiety can lead to better sleep, which is crucial for overall mental health.
• Better focus – Chronic anxiety can make focusing on tasks difficult. The constant background noise of worry can be diminished with treatment, improving concentration.
• Enhanced relationships – Anxiety can strain relationships. Treatment can help you navigate social situations more confidently, improving interpersonal relationships.
• Improved self-esteem – Overcoming anxiety can boost self-confidence and encourage a positive self-image.

Remember, seeking help is okay when anxiety and panic are too much to handle. Find a professional counselor, psychologist, or therapist who can support you on your journey to managing these conditions.

Call New Directions Mental Health for Anxiety Treatment in Monroeville, Pennsylvania

Don’t let anxiety and panic control your life. You have the strength to regain control and rewrite your story, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Our professionals are committed to providing you with the tools and support you need to manage anxiety and panic. Remember, a fulfilling, anxiety-free life is possible, and it starts with a simple phone call. Call New Directions Mental Health today at 724.374.7414 or message us on our online contact form to learn more about anxiety treatment and how it can help you or a loved one.