The last three blog entries I wrote about panic and anxiety have generated a lot of interest so I decided to write about additional resources available to panic and anxiety sufferers. It is not always easy to find relevant and credible information on these conditions so I hope this article will benefit those seeking more information and treatment options.
First of all, if you feel like you are suffering from anxiety, one of the first things you are probably trying to do is to find information about the condition. In fact, when it comes to panic disorder, reading about the symptoms and learning that they are not harmful at all is usually the first step in alleviating the intensity of the symptoms. The internet is full of information: some good, some bad and some misleading. It is unfortunate, but many sites about anxiety/panic offer information in an attempt to sell you some product promising to rid you of your anxiety. It has been my experience that the best sources of information are from non-profit organizations devoted to the study and treatment of anxiety disorders. Sites like the Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada the Anxiety Disorders Association of America are great places to start reading up on the different anxiety disorders.
If your condition is affecting your day to day life and/or other areas of your life (relationships, work, etc.), you may want to consider getting some professional help. Choosing the right professional is another area of concern. When suffering from an anxiety disorder, finding someone who is specialized in its treatment can sometimes be seemingly difficult. We sometimes go to the first resource we can find and can easily fall into the trap of receiving the wrong treatment. Whether you choose to consult with a psychologist or a life coach, make sure you feel right about the person you choose to get help from. The vibe you get from them is an important component of the road to well being. If you are looking for a psychologist, make sure (s)he has experience treating anxiety disorders and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). You can begin your search for a qualified psychologist using an online referral service from the American Psychological Association or, if you are from Canada, the Canadian Psychological Association (just click on your province). Looking for a qualified Life Coach might take a little more effort. The first thing you should do is to use the online referral service from the International Coaching Federation to find a qualified coach that is specialized in anxiety disorders. Many coaches offer a free coaching session before committing to a monthly contract. Use this session to interview the coach. Do you feel comfortable with this person? What is his experience/knowledge with anxiety disorders? If you are reassured after this free session, go ahead and hire them.
Along with the traditional CBT, there are other approaches to anxiety or stress management. I have written about the benefits of Mindfulness meditation in the past. This is definitely one avenue you don’t want to overlook. I found a rather lengthy, but very informative video on youtube about Jon Kabat-Zinn giving a lecture about Mindfulness. It really is worth looking at. If you are looking for free guided mindfulness meditations, I found some on UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center.
I hope this article has helped anyone searching for more information and/or treatment options for anxiety disorders. Feel free to contact me for further information or to inquire about my coaching services.