I've Just Been Diagnosed With Anxiety: What Are My Next Steps?

Learning that your struggles with excessive worry are signs of an anxiety disorder can bring up a range of emotions. You might feel relieved to know there’s a name and reason for your symptoms. Simultaneously, it’s normal to have concerns or questions about what comes next. 

The good news: your anxiety diagnosis makes way for treatment that can help you thrive — and we’re here to help. Our compassionate team of medical providers at Arundel Medical Group, Inc., located in Glen Burnie, Maryland, is pleased to provide diagnostics and treatment for mental health challenges, including anxiety. 

Here’s a closer look at anxiety, including steps to take after your diagnosis.

Anxiety disorder basics

Feeling anxious is a normal and sometimes helpful response to stress. When you have an anxiety disorder, however, your symptoms are severe, frequent, and debilitating. 

Types of anxiety disorders include:

• Agoraphobia: a fear of scenarios or places where you can’t escape
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): causes excessive worries about everything for at least 6 months
• Panic disorder: marked by panic attacks
• Separation anxiety disorder: centers on being away from others
• Specific phobias: such as claustrophobia (a fear of small spaces) or arachnophobia (a fear of spiders)
• Social anxiety disorder: flares up during social situations

No matter the type you have, common threads include anxiety disproportionate to the situation and feeling extremely worried in anticipation of some kind of uncertainty.

Once you’ve been diagnosed

Once you’ve been diagnosed with anxiety, the team at Arundel Medical Group, Inc. will help you understand your diagnosis and recommend a personalized treatment plan. To prepare for your appointment, consider jotting down any questions you may have. 

The two main treatments for anxiety include medication and psychotherapy. Many people benefit from a combination of both. Depending on the medication, it may take 4-6 weeks to experience the full effects, although some medications provide immediate relief from sudden flares, like panic attacks.

Other steps you may find helpful after your diagnosis include:

• Breaking the cycle of anxious feelings by exercising or focusing on a hobby you love
• Journaling 
• Joining an anxiety support group
• Learning to better manage your time

Our team can also help you pinpoint your personal triggers, so you can learn to better manage or, if it's more practical, avoid them. Leaning on supportive loved ones may help you navigate life with anxiety too. 

Along the way, our team will assess how well your treatment is going and make any needed changes. 

To learn more about anxiety disorders or to get the care you need, call our office or request an appointment via this website today.