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Anxiety conditions are marked by persistent worry, fear, or unease that doesn’t fade when a stressful situation ends. Building resilience against anxiety often involves a combination of approaches, from therapy and medication to specialized options for symptoms that persist. Symptoms can be physical and emotional, including a rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, restlessness, trouble sleeping, and difficulty concentrating, and they interfere with work performance, relationships, and routine tasks. Here’s more information on how to manage anxiety effectively:
Working With a Therapist
A licensed therapist can help you understand the patterns behind your anxiety. Many therapists use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and practicing more balanced responses. Therapy sessions also give you space to develop coping skills, such as breathing techniques, problem-solving strategies, and routines that support better sleep. Progress often depends on consistent attendance, so many people meet with a therapist weekly at the start of treatment.
Depression and anxiety frequently appear together, with nearly half of people diagnosed with depression also receiving an anxiety diagnosis. Overlapping symptoms can include fatigue, irritability, sleep changes, and trouble focusing. A therapist can assess both conditions and build a treatment plan that addresses each one.
Trying Medication Management
Medication may be an option for people whose symptoms continue to affect daily functioning, but a psychiatrist or other prescribing provider is needed. These specialists evaluate your symptoms, health history, and current medications before recommending a plan. While medication may help reduce the intensity of symptoms, therapy focuses on building skills to manage triggers. Lifestyle changes can support both approaches. This is why many mental health providers discuss lifestyle factors like regular physical activity, consistent sleep habits, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and setting aside time for relaxation.
Finding the appropriate medication and dose can take several weeks, so regular follow-up appointments are necessary. Your provider can monitor side effects and adjust your prescription as needed. Some common options for anxiety include:
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin-norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Buspirone
Discuss Treatment-Resistant Options
Treatment-resistant anxiety describes symptoms that do not improve enough after a person tries two or more standard treatments at an adequate dose and duration. When conventional approaches haven’t provided sufficient relief, a provider may discuss alternative options, including ketamine therapy. Ketamine is an anesthetic that some clinics use off-label for mood and anxiety conditions. A provider may discuss using it for anxiety after reviewing your treatment history, current symptoms, and overall health. Certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure or a history of psychosis, may rule out candidacy.
In-Office IV Sessions
During an in-office IV session, a medical team delivers ketamine through a small catheter in your arm. Infusions often last about 40 minutes to an hour, while staff monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels throughout. Some people report feeling relaxed or detached from their surroundings during the infusion. These effects usually fade shortly after the session ends, but you will need someone to drive you home.
Take-Home Ketamine Treatments
Some providers offer at-home ketamine in the form of dissolvable tablets or lozenges. You follow specific dosing instructions and schedule regular check-ins with your care team. Many programs require a trusted adult to be present during each session. At-home treatment offers more flexibility, though it involves less direct medical monitoring than in-office care.
Manage Anxiety With a Specialist
If standard treatments haven’t provided mental health relief, a specialist can review your history and determine if medication or ketamine is appropriate for you. Contact a ketamine wellness center today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options. They can evaluate whether in-office IV sessions or take-home treatments are appropriate for you. Each mental health treatment works differently, so work with a medical specialist for effective care.
