Who to talk to about Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress.  It is your body's physical and emotional reactions to situations in which you are uncomfortable, like taking an examination or a job interview.  However when it becomes persistent or overwhelming, it is time to seek professional help.

Counselor
A licensed professional counselor is a masters level professional trained specifically for talk therapy.  They will experience a significant amount of book learning, followed by a clinical practicum.  Many will develop advanced techniques in specialized types of therapy.
 
Psychologist
A psychologist is a licensed professional at the doctorate level that provides counseling and advanced testing.  Testing can be extensive and quite specialized.  Some perform educational evaluations or neuropsychological evaluations.  Individual testing for IQ and personality issues can also be performed.  Most states do not allow psychologists to prescribe medications, including Texas.
 
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor whose specialty is in mental illnesses.  This is a licensed professional that can provide  counseling as well as prescribe medications.  Psychiatrists complete a bachelors degree, followed by 4 years of medical school, and then at least 4 additional years specializing in psychiatry.  This is the most extensive level of training regarding medications that treat mental illness.
  
Good preparation is key to any visit with a mental health professional.  Take the time to make a list of how you feel especially if you can identify triggers.  List how long you have felt this way.  Include a list of questions you have.  How is this issue effecting your life at work, home, personal relationships, social situations, etc.  Include a list of all medications you are taking including over the counter, dosages and when they are taken (like twice, morning and night).
 
Make a separate list of things you consume that are not medication related.  This includes coffee or other caffeinated drinks, tobacco including vaping, alcohol, illicit drugs even recreationally, and any foods that contain large amounts of anything like sugar or salt.
 
There are a number of disorders that can be identified and treated:

• General – This is when you feel anxious or stressed for no real reason.
• Panic – This is a sudden, intense reaction that can include a rapid heartbeat, sweating, or difficulty breathing.
• Social Anxiety – This is when you have difficulty when in common social situations including meetings, parties, or other, even small, gatherings.  It usually includes a feeling of inadequacy or not fitting in.
• Medication – Withdrawal from some medications or illegal drugs can be a source of extreme anxiety.

 
There are other disorders that can be diagnosed and treated.  Some of them are more specific to children like separation anxiety or mutism.  Seeking help from a qualified, licensed professional can be the answer to the problems.  You do not need to live your life in a consistently anxious state.  Seek the help you need today.