Making Treatment Work For You: Mental Health
Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School
Making treatment work for you
Mental health disorders don't lend themselves to quick fixes, and anxiety is no exception. Although some treatments, especially the fast-acting benzodiazepines, can make you feel better almost overnight, this improvement shouldn't be mistaken for a cure. Anxiety is a chronic condition, which means that symptoms tend to wax and wane. Often, when people seem to have recovered from an anxiety disorder, the symptoms recur or another anxiety disorder develops. This doesn't mean that either you or your treatment has failed. It simply means that you need to resume treatment (if you've stopped the one you were on) or try a different one (if your current treatment has stopped working).
The nature of anxiety disorders can be frustrating, but there are several things you can do to get the most from your treatment and reduce the chances of a relapse. (For advice on helping a family member or friend with anxiety, see below).
When a loved one has anxietyIt's difficult to see a loved one distressed. But if someone you love has an anxiety disorder, there are several things you can do to help: Encourage a loved one to get treatment and stick with it. Remind the person about taking medication and keeping therapy appointments. Care for yourself. Being a caretaker is a difficult job. You may want to get counseling or therapy for yourself. The support of a group of people who are also caring for someone with anxiety can be invaluable. Several mental health organizations sponsor such groups (see "Resources") and provide information on anxiety disorders and the latest treatments. Offer emotional support. Your patience and love can make a huge difference. Ask questions and listen carefully to answers. Try not to judge or minimize the other person's feelings, but offer hope. Suggest activities that you can do together, such as seeing a movie or going for a walk. Keep in mind that it takes time to get better. |
| Last updated: | September 05, 2008 |
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Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.
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