Healing Through Forgiveness

Myths About Anxiety Therapy And Treatment

15 September 2017 by Kurt Garrett

Making the choice to go to therapy for a suspected anxiety disorder can bring up a raft of new reasons to be anxious: all the rumors you've heard about therapy. You may have an image in mind that is very different from what you'd actually go through once you're in a session. Anxiety therapy is meant to help you, not trap you, so take a look at these common myths, and see if any of those were stopping you from attending therapy.

Meds, Meds, Meds

There is a very common myth that anyone attending any sort of therapy needs to go on medication that could mess with your appetite and other aspects of your life. This is not the case. Certainly, there are people with very severe cases of mental illness (such as severe bipolar disorder or schizophrenia) who do need medication, but many others have much milder conditions and are able to use non-medication forms of therapy. Traditional talking therapy, art therapy, and other variations allow you to work through your issues without resorting to medication. When you first start attending therapy or meet with a counselor for the first time, make your wishes to avoid medication known.

Just Calm Down and Stop Overreacting

Another myth that pesters those with anxiety is that somehow they just aren't calming down, and that they're overreacting to whatever it is they're worried about. There's not much you can do about someone who thinks this, but you can remind yourself that you're not just "overreacting." Maybe the situation isn't as bad as your brain is making you think, but you have a condition that makes your body react the way it does. Therapy can help you devise strategies to counter the anxiety in a constructive manner.

You're Just Whining, Realize How Good You Have It

No, you're not just whining. Like the overreaction myth, it's easy for those who don't have anxiety to dismiss your reactions as trivial. There's something that's truly making you feel uncomfortable, and scolding yourself sure isn't going to help. With therapy, you can learn to suss out whether a situation really is as difficult or nerve wracking as your brain thinks, and you learn how to detach yourself from the problem.

It's vital that you find a therapist with whom you get along, such as one from Toby Beach Therapy. Set up initial appointments or consultations and discuss your wishes (such as medication or no medication) and how the therapist approaches treatment. You will find someone who can help you eventually.

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