ROLE OF TALKING THERAPY IN ANXIETY

Anxiety is a natural response to stress characterized by feelings of fear, worry, or apprehension. It's a normal part of life, but when it becomes excessive or persistent, it can interfere with daily activities and well-being. A 2024 Study reveals that Pathological anxiety results from excessive fear of specific situations, memories, and thoughts and causes impairing distress and avoidance of these feared situations. Anxiety has long been understood as a disorder resulting from maladaptive learning, partly due to the effectiveness of learning-based treatments, such as behavioral therapy and mindfulness.

By empowering individuals to understand and manage their anxiety in a holistic manner, talking therapy not only alleviates symptoms but also enhances overall well-being and resilience.

COMMON ANXIETY DISORDERS:

Generalized anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder
Panic disorder
Agoraphobia
Specific phobias (Claustrophobia, Glossophobia, etc.)
Separation anxiety disorder
Obsessive–compulsive disorder

WHAT IS TALKING THERAPY?

Talking therapy, also referred to as psychotherapy, is a conversation between a trained therapist & an individual. It is a process where; thoughts, feelings & behaviours are discussed in a confidential setting, between an individual/group and a trained professional.

It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours.

A study on effectiveness concludes that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy used for treating major depression and anxiety disorders. Internet-delivered CBT (iCBT) is a structured, goal-oriented form of CBT that is provided online, guided by a mental health professional. By exploring concerns & gaining insights, clients can achieve emotional relief, enhance relationships and foster personal growth.

WHY SHOULD I SEEK THERAPY FOR MY ANXIETY?

Customized Approach: Talk therapy is highly individualized. Therapists tailor treatment strategies to each person's specific needs, challenges, and goals. This personalized approach ensures that everyone is able to open up about their mental health concerns without the fear of judgment.
Combination Therapies: Therapists may combine talk therapy with other therapeutic techniques such as exposure therapy (gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations), relaxation techniques, and mindfulness practices. This holistic approach can enhance treatment outcomes by addressing different aspects of anxiety (e.g: anxiety inflicted by peer pressure)
Sustainability: Unlike medications that may provide immediate relief, talk therapy can offer long-term benefits. It equips individuals with coping mechanisms and skills to manage anxieties in daily life. This sustainability is crucial for preventing relapses and maintaining mental well-being (e.g: dealing with sleeplessness associated with anxious thoughts)
Accessible in Various Formats: Talk therapy is available in different formats to suit individual preferences and needs. It can be conducted one-on-one with a therapist, in group settings where individuals share experiences and support one another, or even through online platforms, making it accessible to individuals who may have difficulty attending traditional face-to-face sessions.

A WORD FROM MENTAL NURTURING:

Talk therapy is instrumental in overcoming anxiety. It dates back to ancient civilizations like Greece, where therapeutic conversation was seen as healing. It is effective for various mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, childhood abuse, FOMO, suicidal thoughts and PTSD, as it emphasizes a non-judgmental approach.

Anxiety disorders, a wide range of conditions, can cause individuals to experience intense fear and excessive worry, disrupting their daily lives. Therapy can teach relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and stress management skills, empowering individuals to live in the present and enhance their emotional intelligence. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 4% of the global population is currently living with an anxiety disorder. However, it's concerning that only about 1 in 4 people in need (27.6%) receive any treatment. This highlights the urgent need for a support system and empathy for anxiety disorders, reducing shame and stigma surrounding mental illnesses.

Therapists use techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to challenge and reframe negative thought patterns and foster self-awareness. It is proven that through consistent sessions, clients develop the ability to navigate anxiety-provoking situations with greater ease and control.

RESOURCES:

1- James, A. C., James, G., Cowdrey, F. A., Soler, A., & Choke, A. (2015). Cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. Cochrane Library, 2020(11). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd004690.pub4
2- World Health Organization: WHO. (2023, September 27). Anxiety disorders. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/anxiety-disorders.
3- Sakata M, Toyomoto R, Yoshida K, Luo Y, Nakagami Y, Aoki S, Irie T, Sakano Y, Suga H, Sumi M, Muto T, Shiraishi N, Sahker E, Uwatoko T, Furukawa TA. Development and validation of the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Skills Scale among college students. Evid Based Ment Health. 2021 May;24(2):70-76. doi: 10.1136/ebmental-2020-300217. Epub 2021 Jan 5. PMID: 33402377; PMCID: PMC8086257.
4- Zainal NH, Soh CP, Van Doren N, Benjet C. Do the effects of internet-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy (i-CBT) last after a year and beyond? A meta-analysis of 154 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Clin Psychol Rev. 2024 Dec;114:102518. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102518. Epub 2024 Nov 16. PMID: 39579466; PMCID: PMC11849760.

ROLE OF TALKING THERAPY IN ANXIETY