If you believe you have an anxiety disorder, the first person you should see is your family doctor to determine whether your symptoms are due to an anxiety disorder, another medical condition, or both. In preparation for this visit its a good idea to do some online research. Make a list of your symptoms and see what you can find out about them. Youtube.com is a good place to start. Or find a chat room where you can talk to people one on one about their symptoms as well as treatments that have worked for them. The more information you have the better prepared you will be when you talk to your doctor.
If he believes you may indeed be suffering from an anxiety disorder, the next step is usually to see a mental health professional. Most insurance plans, including health maintenance organizations (HMOs), will cover treatment for anxiety disorders. Check with your insurance company and find out. If you don’t have insurance, the Health and Human Services division of your county government may offer mental health care at a public mental health center that charges people according to how much they are able to pay. If you are on public assistance, you may be able to get care through your state Medicaid plan.
In general practitioners who are most helpful in aiding with anxiety disorders are those who have training in cognitive-behavioral therapy and/or behavioral therapy, and can prescribe medication as it is needed. It is always helpful if they have some personal experience with anxiety. The more familiar they are with the symptoms of anxiety. The better off you will be.
Starting your treatment is a difficult undertaking especially at the beginning. But it is “your” treatment and you know what works best for you. So if you’re not comfortable with the professional you start your treatment with ask for another counselor, or change doctors. It is very important; if not critical that you be at ease with the health professional you choose. The two of you will need to work as a team to create a plan to treat your anxiety disorder. You must find someone you can trust and speak with openly. Then when you find someone stick with them. Almost as important as it is to find the right professional, is staying with them once you have. It is beneficial to have someone that has been with you from the beginning. Someone that knows what you are like when you’re down as well as up and knows what changes to watch for.
Lonnie Smith 8-30-09