Sharing Experiences Stories by and for People With Anxiety Disorders Reading how others deal with their disorder can be liberating. One example, Sanity Break, is a column by Therese Borchard, who has been writing about her struggle with anxiety and depression in a relatable, informed way for several years. The Mighty Elephant Journal
Major Organizations Organizations These institutions, many of which study anxiety disorders, can provide valuable information on the nature of these conditions and how to cope with them. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) ; 800-950-NAMI (800-950-6264) Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) ; 240-485-1001 National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) ; 866-615-6464 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Mental Health (CDC) ; 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) American Psychological Association ; 800-374-2721 American Psychiatric Association ; 800-357-7924
BIPOC Resources Resources for BIPOC Communities The National Alliance on Mental Health notes that barriers exist to mental healthcare, especially in Black American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latino, and Indigenous communities. These organizations are working to change that. The Asian Mental Health Collective aims to normalize and destigmatize mental health within the Asian community. Their website features an Asian, Pacific Islander, and South Asian American therapist directory . The Black Mental Health Alliance can connect you with a therapist and their site offers a directory of Black psychiatrists . Inclusive Therapists was established to “center the needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and the LGBTQIA2S+ community” while respecting the neurodiversity spectrum and advocating “for mental health care accessibility for people with disabilities or disabled people.” Their site can help match you with a therapist.
Financial Help Financial Assistance for Therapy and Medication Drugs and therapy can be expensive. Some therapists take insurance, but many don’t. It’s possible, however, that you may be able to work with your insurance company to be reimbursed for some of your treatment. Organizations in your community, like the YMCA, may be able to offer therapy on a sliding scale or for a lower fee. Large research universities may also offer counseling on a pro bono basis or at reduced cost. Many colleges also offer free or low-cost therapy to their students through counseling or wellness centers, so check your school’s website, or its student services or advising office, to find help. Some websites, such as the ones below, can also help you find lower-cost medications. GoodRX Medicine Assistance Tool NeedyMeds ; 800-503-6897 Together Rx Access ; 800-444-4106 Social Security Administration ; 800-772-1213
Support Groups Coping, Advocacy, and Support There’s safety in numbers, and comfort in not feeling alone. A support group may help you or the ones you love to stay strong and optimistic as you manage your condition. Anxiety and Depression Association of America: Support Groups The Anxiety Network: Help and Support Anxiety Central: Forums
Statistics Statistics It may be a cliché, but it’s true: Knowledge is power. Anxiety and Depression Association of America: Facts and Statistics National Institute of Mental Health: Prevalence of Any Anxiety Disorder Among Adults and Adolescents
Medications Medications for Anxiety Disorders Here is a list of medications commonly used to treat anxiety . Click on the links to find out how they work and what the side effects are. Talk with your doctor to find the right one. Cymbalta (duloxetine) Celexa (citalopram) Zoloft (sertraline) Anafranil (clomipramine) Prozac (fluoxetine) Paxil (paroxetine) Xanax (alprazolam) Klonopin (clonazepam) BuSpar (buspirone) Valium (diazepam) Ativan (lorazepam) Lexapro (escitalopram)
Alternative Therapies Alternative Therapies In addition to medication and psychotherapy, complementary approaches can help with anxiety. These organizations have information on other options to consider. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Anxiety
Getting Treatment Treatment Facilities Anxiety and Depression Association of America: Find a Therapist
Screening Tests Anxiety Tests These tests cannot and should not serve as an official diagnosis. Only a doctor can help you determine what anxiety disorder you may be suffering from. Anxiety and Depression Association of America: Screening for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Social Anxiety Institute: Do I Have Social Anxiety Disorder? Mental Health America: Anxiety Test
Clinical Trials Clinical Trials Clinical trials can be a way to find new and cost-effective treatment. Anxiety and Depression Association of America: Clinical Trials CenterWatch: Anxiety Disorders Clinical Trials National Institutes of Health (NIH): Anxiety Disorders Featured Studies NIH National Library of Medicine: ClinicalTrials.gov NHS Choices: Clinical Trials for Anxiety
