If you’ve lived through 2020—so far—you don’t need to be told what anxiety feels like. After all, between a global pandemic, increasingly volatile election cycle, and social unrest unlike the U.S. has seen in decades, this year hasn’t been short on sources of stress.
If you’ve lived through 2020—so far—you don’t need to be told what anxiety feels like. After all, between a global pandemic, increasingly volatile election cycle, and social unrest unlike the U.S. has seen in decades, this year hasn’t been short on sources of stress. The numbers agree: fully one third of the population reports struggling with mental health, which is six times the year-to-year average. It is no wonder, then, that folks are increasingly seeking effective treatments for anxiety.
Experts agree that anxiety cannot be classified as a single disorder. Various forms exist, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), specific phobias and separation anxiety disorder. Each may present to different degrees and, to complicate matters further, it is possible to have more than one anxiety disorder at once. Despite this complexity, treatment for anxiety can be broken down into three general categories: natural remedies, traditional medication, and ketamine infusion therapy. If the last item on that list came as a surprise, read on…
The Three Classes of Treatment for Anxiety
1. Natural Remedies
This broad category includes more than could possibly be addressed in a single article. Natural remedies for anxiety include staying active, curbing alcohol consumption, cutting out caffeine, designing a healthy sleep routine, meditating, eating well, and learning deep breathing techniques…among other practices. All of the above have been proven effective for reducing anxiety but, in many cases, do not succeed in offering relief for severe cases.
2. Traditional Anxiety Medication
Again, there is more to say on this subject than space allows. A simple explanation would break anxiety medication down into two categories: traditional anti-anxiety drugs such as benzodiazepines (typically prescribed for short-term use) and newer options like SSRI antidepressants (often recommended as a long-term anxiety solution). Both have their place, but neither provides a lasting cure. What’s more, the side effects of anti-anxiety medication can outweigh their benefits, and addiction is a real concern. Naturally, it is essential to speak with a healthcare professional before beginning any sort of treatment.
3. Ketamine Infusion Therapy
When natural remedies for anxiety and anxiety medications have failed to provide relief, ketamine infusions have shown marked success. In scientific language, this novel therapy delivers proven results by activating synaptic plasticity in the brain through increasing brain-derived neutrophic factor translation and secretion, while also inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase-3 and activating the mammalian target of rapamycin signaling. In simple terms, ketamine infusions work by calming the central nervous system. Unlike traditional medications, studies have shown ketamine to have far greater success than placebos in relieving anxiety. What’s more, side effects from the treatment are fewer and more manageable than many other options.
Vitalitas Denver is a leading ketamine clinic with psychiatrists on staff who can help you determine the best course of treatment for your individual anxiety disorder, whether it be ketamine infusions or some combination of the anxiety treatments described above. If you or a loved one is suffering from debilitating anxiety, there’s no reason to delay. Why live with anxiety for any longer than you have to? Complete the brief form below to contact us and take the first step towards mental health and wellness.
