How to Get Diagnosed with Anxiety
If you’ve found yourself feeling overwhelmed, upset or weighed down by worry that just won’t subside, you may find yourself asking, “do I have anxiety?” Don’t worry, you’re far from alone. Millions of people experience symptoms of anxiety, from racing thoughts to physical tension like a racing heart.
Getting diagnosed with anxiety is the beginning of being able to understand what’s happening and finding a treatment plan that’s right for you. Today we guide you through the process with compassionate understanding so that you can recover your mental health condition.
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Why Getting Diagnosed Matters
Anxiety is not being nervous. It’s a medical condition that can impact your daily life, relationships, and well-being. A proper diagnosis helps you understand whether what you’re experiencing is an anxiety disorder, i.e., generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder or something else. It results in effective treatments like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), medication or support groups, which are tailored for you.
Without a diagnosis, you’re confused, wondering why you feel anxious all the time or why panic attacks seem to come out of nowhere. A professional evaluation brings clarity and hope, showing you that there are ways to feel better.
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Recognizing Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorders come in different forms but they share common signs and symptoms. Knowing these can help you decide if it’s time to seek help. Ask yourself if you’ve experienced any of the following symptoms.
- Persistent worry or fear that feels out of control
- Physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, or trembling
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
- Avoiding social situations or specific triggers (like crowds or public speaking)
- Sudden, intense panic attacks that feel overwhelming
Every type of anxiety disorder is different. For example, social anxiety disorder might make you avoid social interactions, whereas a specific phobia might make you develop intense fear of, say, heights or spiders. If these symptoms sound familiar, a mental health professional can help pinpoint what’s going on.
Common Types of Anxiety Disorders
Here’s a quick review of some common anxiety disorders.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Constant, excessive worry about everyday things, often with physical symptoms like fatigue or muscle tension.
- Panic Disorder: Recurrent panic attacks, which are sudden surges of fear with symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath.
- Social Anxiety Disorder: Excessive fear of judgment or embarrassing oneself in front of others.
- Specific Phobia: The severe fear of a particular object or situation, such as needles or flying.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): These can also involve anxiety, though they have unique features.
If any of these resonate with you, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Knowing the signs is a brave first step.
How Do You Get Diagnosed with Anxiety?
Getting diagnosed with anxiety is done by visiting a mental health professional who can check your history and symptoms. This is typically how it occurs.
Start with a visit to a licensed therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist. These experts use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to assess anxiety disorders. You can also visit a primary care physician for an initial screening, just to rule out any physical illness that could be underlying.
During your appointment, the doctor or psychiatrist will ask about your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, and how they’ve been affecting your life. Tell the truth about what you’re experiencing, even if it feels hard to explain at first.
For example, do you feel anxious daily? Do panic attacks hit unexpectedly? Writing down specifics in a notepad before your appointment will help them understand what you’re experiencing.
The evaluation might include the following steps.
- A detailed interview: Overall questions about your mental health background, daily life and family history.
- Questionnaires: Standardized tools to measure the severity of your symptoms.
- Physical exam: To rule out medical conditions like thyroid illness that can cause symptoms of anxiety.
Based on the assessment, the professional will determine if you have an anxiety disorder and, if so, which type. They’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan, which might include talk therapy (like CBT), medication, lifestyle changes, or joining a support group.
What to Expect After a Diagnosis
Once you’re diagnosed, you’ll have a roadmap to recovery. Your treatment plan may include the following aspects.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A proven method to help you manage anxious thoughts and behaviors.
- Medication: Options like antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can reduce anxiety symptoms.
- Lifestyle changes: Exercise, mindfulness, or better sleep habits can make a big difference.
- Support groups: Discussing with people who understand what you are going through can be very comforting.
Your mental health treatment provider will guide you through these decisions so that the plan suits your life and objectives.
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Searching for Accredited Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Centers Near You?
Even if therapy failed previously, or are in the middle of a difficult crisis, we stand ready to support you. Our trusted behavioral health specialists will not give up on you. When you feel ready or just want someone to speak to about counseling alternatives to change your life call us. Even if we cannot assist you, we will lead you to wherever you can get support. There is no obligation. Call our hotline today.
FREE 24/7 Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Services HotlineWhy Get Professional Help Anyway?
You may ask yourself if you can figure out whether you have an anxiety disorder and how to treat it yourself. Strategies like box breathing, yoga, taking a walk, and journaling are helpful at times, but a true professional diagnosis is the key to holistic recovery.
Don’t you want to have the best chances of getting better? Anxiety symptoms can be similar to other conditions, like depression or medical issues. Professionals offer evidence-based treatments to treat anxiety disorders effectively, helping change the outlook and trajectory of your mental health as a whole.
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Support in Spokane Valley and your area
If you are in Spokane Valley, Washington, or nearby towns like Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, you are not far from compassionate mental health care.Our therapists at We Level Up Washington are ready to help you get diagnosed and get back on the way to reduced anxiety. We offer personalized evaluations, therapy, and treatment plans designed for you.
FAQs About Getting Diagnosed with Anxiety
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Where in Spokane, Washington, can you find treatment to get diagnosed with anxiety?
We Level Up Washington offers expert evaluations and treatment plans right here in Spokane.
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How long does it take to get diagnosed?
The process can take one to a number of sessions, depending on the practitioner. The thorough assessment ensures an accurate evaluation.
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Can anxiety be treated in the short term?
Yes! Many people see improvement with short-term treatments like CBT, which can show results in weeks or months. Explore short-term treatment options from the National Library of Medicine.
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What if my anxiety is caused by a medical condition?
A physical exam during the diagnostic process can identify if a medical issue, like a thyroid problem, is contributing. Your provider will address both the medical and mental health aspects.
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Taking the First Step to Healing
If you’re wondering how to get diagnosed with anxiety recognize you’re already heading in the right direction by asking. Asking for help takes courage, and you’re willing to get better. You’re experiencing panic attacks, social anxiety, or anxiety that’s haunting you; a diagnosis can lead to successful treatment.
We’re here for you at We Level Up Washington. Call us today to schedule an assessment for treatment in Spokane or to learn more about your options. You do not have to live in fear and worry.
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Call today to speak with our team and learn more about our programs. We Level Up Washington: (509) 348-4077. Your next step starts here.
