Holistic Approaches to Managing Anxiety

Anxiety treatment is individualized, supportive, and focused on helping patients feel more steady, functional, and in control of their daily lives. Anxiety can show up in many ways, including excessive worry, racing thoughts, panic symptoms, irritability, restlessness, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, avoidance, or feeling constantly “on edge.” While benzodiazepines may be appropriate for short-term or occasional use in certain situations, they are generally not intended to be a long-term daily solution for anxiety. Over time, they can lead to tolerance, dependence, sedation, cognitive slowing, and difficulty stopping. My goal is to work with patients on safer, longer-term strategies when appropriate, which may include non-benzodiazepine medication options, brief supportive therapy, lifestyle and sleep interventions, coping skills, and treatment of underlying contributors.