We Effectively Treat Anxiety Disorders

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Anxiety and Panic Disorders

Anxiety disorders are a very real thing. Just ask someone who has one. While most of us experience some form of anxiety at one time or another (like waiting for a test result, driving through severe weather or the first day at a new school or job), people who suffer from severe anxiety do not face those situations the same way as healthier people do by responding with normal, healthy reactions. They often work themselves up and imagine the absolute worst-case (and often impossible) scenario multiplied many times over. The palpable and sometimes physical symptoms may not be visible to an observer, but it inhibits the person who suffers from anxiety from taking any action because the imagined outcomes take over the critical thinking process and almost paralyzes them from moving beyond their all-consuming fears.

Signs of an Anxiety Disorder

Characterized by persistent fears that are often unfounded, anxiety can make even the simplest tasks appear insurmountable (answering a phone call, responding to a text; finishing a work assignment or simply saying, “hello’) and interfere with social activities, work and personal relationships (including, but not limited to friends, family, and significant others). The symptoms can wreak physical and psychology havoc and require a multidisciplinary if not an integrative approach to treatment.

Those who suffer from anxiety disorders often self-medicate with alcohol or drugs to cope with their myriad ruminations, invasive, negative thoughts or feelings of doom. But alcohol and drugs are temporary fixes and the false sense of relief can lead to a cycle of usage and dependency in an effort to stave off the thoughts and feelings that consume the individual’s life. When fear is diminished, so too are inhibitions, which can cause impaired judgment and risky behavior that can lead to substance misuse. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, (National Institute on Drug Abuse) individuals with anxiety are twice as prone to suffer from substance misuse as the population in general. Anxiety is a very real problem that can (and should) be treated.

Common Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are several types of anxiety disorders that take over people and control much of their lives. From a looming, distant sense of non-specific dread to an all-consuming fear, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by constant worries over numerous situations, scenarios or topics that are neither connected to one another nor founded in reality. The fear is gripping and powerful and much greater than the ideas in which it is rooted.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a common form of anxiety that affects nearly 15 million people according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. People with this disorder (which is also referred to as social phobia) are fearful of crowded places, speaking to an audience, meeting new people or having public interactions. SAD may also be accompanied by other anxiety disorders that include agoraphobia and panic disorders. These reduce social activity considerably as both limit the desire to experience new people, places, and situations and the person who suffers from it feels powerless over the ability to control.

Panic Disorder is distinguished by a sense of uncontrollable terror that may be accompanied by physical symptoms that include rapid heartbeat, dizziness, hyperventilation, sweating, nausea, and vomiting. The actual fear of having one of these ‘attacks’ is directly related to its probable occurrence, as the fear seems to trigger the outcome.

Physical Effects of Anxiety

Because anxiety can cause both physical and visceral reactions, it can have a profound impact on the body. Shortness of breath, trembling, stomach pain, digestive issues, chest pain, choking sensations, and insomnia are other common symptoms. Those who exhibit any of these symptoms most days of the week for six months or more meet the diagnostic criteria for a panic disorder. A person can experience one or several anxiety disorders at a time and may also be diagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression, as it is not uncommon for an anxiety disorder to be accompanied by another mental health condition.

While it’s easy for someone who doesn’t suffer from an anxiety disorder to wonder why a person who does cannot ‘get a grip’ or ignore the pervasive thoughts, it’s more important for the observer to realize that anxiety can be treated with therapy and, if required, medication. Showing compassion to anxiety sufferers is important and helping them get the help they need to get treated for these treatable conditions is worth the results.

The 1MC Approach to Treating Anxiety Disorders

Mental health wellness is like physical fitness. Each requires dedication and exercise to be achieved. In order to be maintained, they both require vigilance and fine-tuning. Specific anxiety conditions require specific treatment. That said, the most important element of successful treatment is to make sure that each person is treated individually and not as a set of symptoms. Proven treatments such as psychiatric care, targeted medications, 1-on-1 therapy, and neurological protocols are part of the approach at 1 Method Center as well as cutting-edge holistic measures, healthy food, and our renowned health and fitness program.

Mental health is an ongoing work in progress as much as you are. At 1 Method, we are committed to providing the right care in the right way at the right time. You are an individual and not a number. You are not alone. Our peaceful, tranquil environment and acclaimed, supportive staff will be there with you every step of the way.

A Tailor-Made Anxiety Treatment Plan

1 Method Center offers only tailor-made treatment (no cookie cutter programs) in a calm, intimate, therapeutic setting that boasts unsurpassed amenities. From our diverse range of 1-on-1 strategies and customized treatment approach to our superb, caring staff, your program will be unique, just like you. No two days, no two patients and no two anxiety treatment protocols are alike. You will see and feel the difference the moment you become a part of our family and find yourself being treated like a person and not like a number. You matter.

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Brooke Gilbertsen

Brooke Gilbertsen

Dr. Brooke Gilbertsen is a licensed clinical psychologist who has been working in the field of mental health since 2011 and specifically co-occurring disorders since 2013. Brooke brings her knowledge, experience, and compassion to support clients and their loved ones on their journey toward recovery, health, and holistic healing. Brooke has experience working with a wide range of diagnoses from severe mental illness and personality disorders to depression and anxiety, and believes the underlying cause must be treated in order for freedom from addiction to occur. Brooke treats the whole person, considering mental health diagnoses, genetics, neuropsychology, the context of the family and environment, social relationships, trauma and loss, vulnerability, shame, and self-worth. Brooke applies a wide range of evidenced-based modalities, incorporating mindfulness, spirituality, and psychodynamic approaches to assist clients in the healing process. Brooke is passionate about helping her patients discover the best version of themselves, with a renewed sense of freedom, purpose, and meaning. The model is to build a life that you want to show up to, and don’t need a vacation from.

Brooke completed her B.A. in Psychology in 2008 from San Diego State University. She obtained her M.A. Degree in Clinical Psychology in 2013 from Argosy University, and received her Doctorate in Psychology in 2016 from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is the author of The Impact of Mindfulness on the Quality of Life of Cancer Patients, published in 2017. Brooke has been the keynote speaker for lectures on addiction, and is passionate about helping others find their way as they take the courageous journey toward self-growth.