Los Angeles, CA—Anxiety and Depression Therapy
Depression and anxiety are mental illnesses that can strike anyone, anywhere—even a king. The acclaimed 2010 movie, The King’s Speech, told the story of King George IV’s struggle to overcome anxiety and its manifestation as a speech stammer. The movie’s wild popularity may have come because almost 40 million people in the United States alone can resonate with King George IV’s story. They too struggle with anxiety or depression.
One moving scene shows the king’s therapist asking him, “Why should I spend my time listening?” King George yells in a firm voice, “Because I have a voice.” The therapist responds, “Yes, you do.” King George is reclaiming is his voice in more ways than one. Yes, his stammer is receding, but he is also beating the anxiety that stole his voice in the first place. People can heal. The movie portrays the struggle it takes to fight anxiety. It shows the misunderstandings about what anxiety is and how it can be healed. Most powerfully, it portrays the hope that anxiety does not have to hold anyone back—even a king.
Anxiety disorders are the most commonly diagnosed mental illness in America with as many as 25 percent of adults suffering from one in their lifetime. Depression is a close second with 15 percent of adult receiving a depression diagnosis within their lifetimes. These mental illnesses interfere with people’s ability to function well in their personal and professional lives—just as it did for King George.
The staff at Thriveworks Los Angeles understands the toll that anxiety and depression’s symptoms can take. We also understand what it takes to heal. There are many treatment options available, and our therapists and counselors have helped many people find a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Anxiety and Depression: Finding a Diagnosis
Anxiety and depression are distinct illnesses, but they are often spoken about as one. There are legitimate reasons for this as up to half of people who suffer with one will also be diagnosed with the other. Further complicating a diagnosis, anxiety and depression have numerous variations of each that have distinct diagnostics and treatment plans. Often, the first step in healing from anxiety or depression is finding the right diagnosis.
“A crust eaten in peace is better than
a banquet partaken in anxiety.” —Aesop
King George experienced anxiety as a stammer, and it is common for anxiety to show up in a variety of ways within an individual’s life. There are many different types of anxiety disorders. These are just a few…
- Panic Disorder – Sometimes, anxiety can come in the form of a panic attack. During a panic attack, people can feel numb, experience chills or sweats, have difficulty breathing, and more. Frequently, people sincerely think they are dying or having a heart attack. When these attacks occur more than once or even on a regular basis, they may be Panic Disorder.
- Social Anxiety Disorder – Is anxiety that is displayed in social settings. Often, people with Social Anxiety Disorder expect the worst from any interactions with other people. They often suffer from feelings of embarrassment, and they often think they are being judged by others. Meeting strangers can be a scary endeavor for them.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – When the anxiety experienced during trauma is not resolved, it can linger. PTSD can occur when people continue to experience the trauma of an event long after the event has ended. The feelings of stress can linger. People may have nightmares and flashbacks.
“I didn’t want to wake up. I was having a much better time asleep. And that’s really sad. It was almost like a reverse nightmare, like when you wake up from a nightmare you’re so relieved. I woke up into a nightmare.”
– Ned Vizzini, It’s Kind Of A Funny Story
Depression is similar to anxiety in that people experience it in a variety of forms, including…
- Major Depressive Disorder – When people experience the deep, dark emotions of depression—feelings like emptiness, despair, hopelessness, and sadness—they may have Major Depressive Disorder. The symptoms also include changes in appetite—either an increase or decrease. Sleep may also be affected—either as hypersomnia or insomnia. People also often struggle with thoughts of dying and suicide. These symptoms will persist for at least two weeks for Major Depressive Disorder to be diagnosed, but they can persist for longer.
- Bipolar Disorder – This is a form of depression that emotionally swings people between two extremes: mania and depression. The depression pole has the same symptoms as Major Depressive Disorder. Mania is almost the opposite. People will experience an unnatural, frenetic energy that can either be euphoric or irritable. They often experience poor judgment and put themselves in harm’s way relationally, physically, financially, and/or sexually during a manic episode.
Appointments at Thriveworks Los Angeles for Depression or Anxiety
Are you ready to meet with a mental health professional? If one or more of the descriptions for anxiety and depression sounded familiar to you, it may be time to reach out for help. Know that you are not alone. Thriveworks Los Angeles offers appointments for anxiety and depression, and our staff is ready to meet with you.
When you call our office, you may have your first appointment the following day. We offer evening and weekend sessions. We also accept many insurance plans. Do not fight anxiety or depression alone. Let’s work together. Call Thriveworks Los Angeles today.
