Steve has always had anxiety, but he did a pretty good job hiding it. He dove into several activities during his youth that kept his worries and fears at bay and allowed him to focus on other things. These activities seemed to serve him well for a long time until his anxiety finally got the better of him.
As Steve aged, it seemed to get harder and harder to suppress his worries, negative thoughts, and almost daily uncertainty. It seemed that even the most minor setback caused him to tense up and become irritable. Soon, Steve found that he avoided other people and activities he usually enjoyed because he feared his anxiousness would be too obvious and that he would become embarrassed.
This avoidance only intensified Steve’s anxiety. Steve was now caught in a vicious cycle of anxiety, which left him unable to relax or apply his typical reasoned and logical approach to life. Now, Steve was stuck in a daily rut of worry, irritability, nervousness, and poor sleeping habits.
Steve decided enough was enough and decided to look for a psychiatrist who could tell him what was wrong and how to treat his symptoms properly.
Steve suffers from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which affects 6.8 million adults, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).
Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms vary, but common symptoms of this mental disorder include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Inability to let go of worry
- Difficulty handling uncertainty
- Overthinking plans and solutions to all worst-case situations
- Perceived threat, even when not in a threatening environment
- Persistent worry or fear that something bad will happen
If you are like Steve and are looking for a psychiatrist in Charleston, SC, to help with your symptoms of a mental disorder, consider booking an appointment with an online psychiatrist. You will find it easy and convenient to schedule an appointment at the Thriveworks office in Charleston today and meet with a psychiatrist virtually within about 24-48 hours.
What Does A Psychiatrist Do?
Psychiatrists are trained medical doctors and mental health care professionals who diagnose and treat psychological and emotional disorders. They accomplish this through treatment programs, including psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two.
Psychiatrists must complete medical school to be certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. They must also take a written examination to receive a state license and complete residency training in psychiatry.
Psychiatrists work in hospitals, clinics, private practice, emergency rooms, universities, community agencies, the military, and many other locations.
Some psychiatrists choose to pursue specialized training in areas like sleep medicine, geriatric psychiatry, and child and adolescent psychiatry, to name a few.
How Will a Psychiatrist Treat My Symptoms?
Everyone has different symptoms and different needs. Some people may know they will benefit from therapy, while some have no idea what therapy is or if it will even work. That’s why it’s important to meet with a psychiatrist and allow them to use their training and experience to help you through any challenges you may be facing.
When you first meet with your psychiatrist, you’ll most likely be asked about your symptoms, the events or triggers surrounding your symptoms, your medical history, and any medications you may be currently taking.
Again, all clients are different, and there is no standard formula for treatment. A treatment plan may involve talk therapy. This is a form of psychotherapy: the way mental health professionals communicate with their clients. With talk therapy, clients discuss their emotions, feelings, triggers, relationship issues, stressors—anything that’s bothering them. Once all the issues are discussed, a psychiatrist can help clients reduce or eliminate unhealthy thoughts or behaviors.
If a psychiatrist thinks you could benefit from medication, there are several treatment options available. One commonly prescribed medication is an antidepressant. The class of medications is often used for clients like Steve, who suffers from anxiety. The medicine works on the brain by balancing chemicals called neurotransmitters that affect mood and emotions. Antidepressants can also help improve mood, help clients sleep better, and increase their appetite and concentration.
It’s important to note that not all medication works for everyone. Some may respond positively, while others experience negative side effects. If you experience any side effects, it’s important to tell your psychiatrist immediately.
Booking An Appointment with a Thriveworks Charleston, SC, Psychiatrist
If you are experiencing generalized anxiety disorder symptoms or symptoms of another disorder that differ from Steve’s, a Thriveworks Charleston, SC, psychiatrist may be able to help you.
Our scheduling process is easy and convenient, and you can also book an online appointment with a psychiatrist. While you may have to visit your psychiatrist in the office for check-ups, you’ll enjoy the many benefits of meeting with your psychiatrist from the comfort and safety of your home.
Thriveworks Charleston, SC, scheduling assistants are standing by to help you book an appointment and get you thriving again.
