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Navigating Therapy Financing: Out of Network, Private Pay, and Out of Pocket Options

Posted on by SF Stress & Anxiety Center

Choosing the right financial path for therapy can be as crucial as finding the right therapist. At SF Stress & Anxiety Center, we understand the complexities involved in making these decisions. This blog post aims to demystify the financing options available to you: out of network, private pay, and out of pocket, ensuring you can make an informed choice about your mental health care.

Understanding Your Financing Options

Out of Network Therapy

“Out of network” refers to therapists or mental health services not covered under your health insurance plan’s network. While opting for out of network services may initially seem costlier due to higher network costs and the absence of insurance benefits, it can sometimes offer a broader selection of therapists, specialized care, and more flexible appointment times.

Benefits of Out of Network Care:

  • Access to a wider range of specialists
  • Greater privacy and confidentiality
  • More personalized care tailored to your specific need

 

Private Pay Therapy

Private pay involves directly paying your therapist without involving an insurance company. This option offers maximum privacy, as your therapy sessions are not reported to insurance companies, and eliminates the need for diagnoses to be shared.

Advantages of Private Pay:

  • Complete control over your choice of therapist
  • No need for medical diagnoses to be disclosed
  • Flexibility in the type and length of therapy provided

 

Out of Pocket Therapy

Out of pocket means paying for therapy services yourself without reimbursement from an insurance plan. This could include any co-payments, deductibles, or fees for services not covered by insurance.

Understanding Out of Pocket Costs:

  • Clarity on expenses without hidden fees
  • Freedom from insurance constraints on session limits
  • Immediate access to therapy without waiting for insurance approvals

Making the Right Choice for Your Mental Health Care

Comparing Costs and Benefits

When deciding between out of network, private pay, and out of pocket options, consider the long-term benefits against the costs. Out of network services may offer the chance to work with a specialist suited to your needs, whereas private pay ensures your treatment remains confidential and tailored.

Insurance Plans and Mental Health Services

Understanding your health insurance plan is key to making informed decisions. Some plans offer out of network benefits, covering a portion of the costs, or provide options like Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to manage out of pocket expenses more efficiently.

Finding the Right Support

At SF Stress & Anxiety Center, we offer a range of services from individual therapy to group therapy, online therapy sessions, and support groups. Our goal is to provide accessible mental health services tailored to your financial situation and therapeutic needs.

Exploring Financial Assistance and Support

Don’t let financial constraints deter you from seeking the help you need. Many therapists offer sliding scale fees based on income, and organizations may provide grants or financial assistance for mental health care. Employee assistance programs (EAPs) can also offer short-term support at no cost.

Empowering Your Mental Health Journey

Choosing the best financing option for therapy is a personal decision influenced by your unique circumstances and needs. By understanding the differences between out of network, private pay, and out of pocket therapy, you can take a significant step towards accessing the care you deserve. At SF Stress & Anxiety Center, we’re here to support you every step of the way, providing the guidance and care needed to navigate your mental health journey.

To learn more about your therapy financing options and to explore the services we offer, visit SF Stress & Anxiety Center. Let us help you find the path to mental well-being that aligns with both your therapeutic goals and financial preferences.

Choosing Your Therapy: Online vs. In-Person

Posted on by SF Stress & Anxiety Center

This can be paramount for many dealing with mental health issues: the choice between online and face-to-face sessions. Thanks to technology, today virtual therapy is on offer for people in remote areas or carrying very busy timetables; it is hence much more flexible and further convenient. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and, for that matter, several other methods of treatment have been successfully administered to patients with effects equal to those realized over the years in old-fashioned, one-on-one, face-to-face sessions.

 

The Effectiveness of Online Therapy

However, some may raise questions about the level of effectiveness that online therapy may elicit the same effectiveness as the one-on-one sessions, more so for those conditions that warrant nuances in the effectiveness of face-to-face interaction.

Online and in-person sessions each have their pros and cons. For example, in contrast to traditional forms of therapy, which require physical access to a therapy center and usually is geographically or time-bound to the opening and closing hours of an institution, online therapy enables that globally and, one could say, even 24/7 if one can access the internet and be in a private space.

 

The Intimacy of In-Person Counseling

On the contrary, face-to-face counseling engages direct human contact and may be construed as more intimate in nature for those who are fixated on the traditional way of counseling.

Therapy covers everything from anxiety, stress, and other lower-tier mental health conditions to more severe mental illnesses, all inclusive of the online or in-person options. That’s why therapy works—not so much that it’s done a certain way but more to the degree that a person is comfortable with the therapist and with the process.

 

SF Stress & Anxiety Center: Your Options for Therapy

California residents or simply those who would rather see someone in person will also find SF Stress & Anxiety Center accessible, from branches all over the state, from San Francisco to Santa Monica, Oakland, and San Jose, to Sacramento, and even to Newark. On the other hand, with the need for resorting to getting help from online therapy, SF Stress assures that such is a safe and proven effective mode of treatment, undergirded by studies citing its efficiency in dealing with various conditions.

 

Navigating Mental Health During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic had brought with it a whole range of mental issues, and it is then that the role of online therapy became important. Get the best out of teletherapy and manage mental health under trying times: Resources and tips provided by SF Stress & Anxiety Center.

This is strictly by personal preferences, the situation of the individual, and the specific mental health condition to be treated. Both the online and in-person therapies have a place in mental health issue treatment, which would strictly be by personal preferences, the situation of the individual, and the condition to be treated.

 

Finding the Right Therapist for You

Find a great-fit therapist at SF Stress & Anxiety Center. If you are contemplating online therapy or if you would prefer individualized and custom-tailored treatment plans with both in-person and online therapy to aid you in taking steps towards better mental health, we can help.

 

Get Matched With a Therapist

 

Frequently Asked Questions Online Therapy vs In-Person

 

Is Online Therapy as Effective as In-Person Therapy?

  • Yes, research has shown that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for treating a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and stress. The key to effectiveness lies in the quality of the therapeutic relationship and the suitability of therapy type to the individual’s needs, not necessarily the medium through which it is delivered.

 

What Are the Main Differences Between Online Therapy and In-Person Therapy?

  • The main differences lie in the mode of communication and accessibility. Online therapy offers greater flexibility and accessibility, especially for individuals in remote areas or those with busy schedules. In-person therapy provides a physical space for the therapy session, which some may find more conducive to opening up and building a therapeutic relationship.

 

What Are the Pros and Cons of Online Therapy?

  • Pros:

Greater accessibility for people in remote areas or with mobility issues.

More convenience and flexibility in scheduling.

Often more affordable than in-person therapy.

  • Cons:

Requires a reliable internet connection.

May not be suitable for more severe mental health conditions that require close, personal monitoring.

Some people may find it harder to connect with their therapist virtually.

 

Can Online Therapy Help with Severe Mental Health Issues?

  • Online therapy can be effective for a wide range of mental health issues, including severe conditions. However, it may need to be supplemented with in-person sessions or other treatments depending on the individual’s specific needs and the severity of their condition.

 

How Do I Choose Between Online and In-Person Therapy?

  • Choosing between online and in-person therapy depends on your personal preferences, needs, and circumstances. Consider factors such as your comfort level with technology, the severity of your mental health condition, your schedule, and whether you feel you can establish a strong therapeutic relationship online.

 

Is Online Therapy Secure and Confidential?

  • Yes, reputable online therapy providers use secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms to ensure that all communications between you and your therapist remain confidential and protected.

Exploring Ketamine Treatment for Effective Pain Management

Posted on by SF Stress & Anxiety Center

Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide, significantly impacting their quality of life. Traditional pain management approaches often fall short, leading patients and healthcare providers to seek innovative solutions. One such solution gaining attention is ketamine treatment for pain. SF Stress & Anxiety Center is excited to explore the potential of ketamine, particularly in the form of lozenges, to offer relief to those suffering from chronic pain.

Understanding Ketamine and Its Mechanisms

Ketamine, originally known for its use as an anesthetic, has been discovered to have potent pain-relieving properties. It works differently from traditional pain medications by targeting NMDA receptors in the brain, which are involved in pain sensation. By modulating the neurotransmitter called glutamate, ketamine can effectively reduce pain without the side effects associated with opioids.

The Role of Ketamine in Pain Management

Research has shown that even a small dose of ketamine can provide significant pain relief for conditions that are often resistant to other treatments. Ketamine treatment for pain has been administered in various forms, including intravenous (IV) infusions and nasal sprays. However, IV ketamine infusion requires clinical settings and continuous monitoring, making it less accessible for some patients.

Introducing Ketamine Lozenges: A New Approach

SF Stress & Anxiety Center is exploring the introduction of ketamine lozenges as a primary treatment option. Ketamine lozenges offer a convenient and less invasive alternative to IV infusions, potentially providing pain relief with fewer side effects and lower costs. They are especially appealing for patients seeking long-term management of chronic pain conditions.

The Benefits of Ketamine Lozenges

Ketamine lozenges can be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional, allowing for a controlled and safe dosage. This method also provides the flexibility of treatment outside of a traditional clinical setting, which can be beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas.

Joining the Waitlist for Ketamine Treatment

While SF Stress & Anxiety Center does not currently offer ketamine treatment, we recognize its potential in transforming pain management. We are actively exploring this treatment option and are preparing to open a waitlist for those interested in ketamine lozenges. By joining our waitlist, you’ll be among the first to access this innovative treatment option once it becomes available.

Moving Forward with Innovative Pain Relief

Ketamine treatment represents a promising frontier in the management of chronic pain. As we continue to gather evidence and understand the best practices for its use, SF Stress & Anxiety Center remains committed to bringing the latest advancements in pain relief to our patients.

If you or a loved one is struggling with chronic pain and interested in learning more about ketamine treatment, especially in the form of lozenges, we invite you to join our waitlist. Together, we can explore the potential of ketamine to provide safe, effective, and innovative pain relief.

Discover how ketamine treatment offers innovative pain relief. Safe and effective options for chronic pain management. Learn more and find relief today. For more information and to join the waitlist, visit SF Stress & Anxiety Center.

Ketamine Treatment for PTSD: A Path to Healing

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that can arise after exposure to traumatic events, leaving individuals struggling with intense and persistent symptoms of PTSD. Traditional therapy for PTSD, including trauma-focused psychotherapy and medication, does not always provide the relief needed. However, ketamine treatment for PTSD presents an innovative and effective approach to healing.

The Science Behind Ketamine Treatment for PTSD

Ketamine, an NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonist, has shown remarkable effectiveness in reducing the symptoms of PTSD. Unlike conventional treatments that may take weeks to show benefits, ketamine can offer rapid relief from depressive symptoms and traumatic memories, often after a single infusion. This rapid action makes ketamine an invaluable option for those suffering from PTSD, offering hope where traditional methods may have fallen short.

Understanding the Effectiveness of Ketamine

Recent studies and randomized controlled trials have highlighted the potential of ketamine treatments in managing PTSD. Patients who have received ketamine report a significant reduction in symptoms, including a decrease in the intensity of traumatic memories. The effectiveness of ketamine in treating PTSD is attributed to its ability to create new neural pathways, helping patients process and overcome traumatic experiences.

SF Stress & Anxiety Center and Ketamine Lozenges

At SF Stress & Anxiety Center, we are at the forefront of exploring ketamine treatment for PTSD, focusing on the use of ketamine lozenges. Ketamine lozenges provide a less invasive and more accessible form of treatment, allowing for the potential of at-home administration under professional guidance. This method could revolutionize the way PTSD is treated, making effective relief more widely available to those in need.

 

Offering Hope Through Ketamine Lozenges

As we continue to research and understand the full scope of ketamine’s benefits for PTSD, SF Stress & Anxiety Center is preparing to open a waitlist for those interested in this groundbreaking treatment. Joining our waitlist not only puts you at the forefront of this innovative treatment option but also contributes to the broader understanding of ketamine’s role in healing PTSD.

A Future Free From PTSD Symptoms

The journey to overcoming PTSD is a personal and often challenging road. With the introduction of ketamine treatment, particularly through the convenience and accessibility of lozenges, there is newfound hope for those seeking relief from the burdens of traumatic events. SF Stress & Anxiety Center is committed to supporting you through this journey, offering the latest in treatment options and research.

For individuals struggling with PTSD and looking for alternatives to traditional treatments, ketamine lozenges could be the key to unlocking a future free from the symptoms of PTSD. We invite you to stay connected with us as we work towards making this innovative treatment available.

Unlock new hope for PTSD relief with ketamine treatment. Explore how ketamine lozenges offer a groundbreaking approach to managing symptoms and moving towards healing. To learn more and join our waitlist, visit SF Stress & Anxiety Center today.

Ketamine Treatment for Anxiety: A New Era of Relief

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Anxiety, a pervasive condition affecting millions globally, often manifests as excessive worry, nervousness, and fear. Traditional treatments, while effective for some, leave many others searching for alternatives. Ketamine treatment for anxiety emerges as a revolutionary approach, offering rapid and substantial relief for sufferers, particularly those with treatment-resistant forms of the condition.

Understanding How Ketamine Works Against Anxiety

Ketamine’s mechanism, affecting brain chemicals associated with mood and thought patterns, offers a fresh perspective on anxiety treatment. By acting on NMDA receptors and possibly influencing other brain chemicals, ketamine can alleviate anxiety symptoms quickly, making it a valuable option for those who have not benefited from conventional treatments.

The Science Supporting Ketamine Therapy

Randomized controlled trials and research have illuminated the benefits of ketamine for anxiety, showcasing its ability to provide relief from symptoms. This fast-acting treatment method has also been observed to lower blood pressure in some cases, contributing to its calming effects.

 

SF Stress & Anxiety Center: Leading with Ketamine Lozenges

SF Stress & Anxiety Center is proud to be at the forefront of ketamine therapy for anxiety, focusing on ketamine lozenges. This innovative delivery method offers a convenient and less invasive alternative to traditional ketamine infusions, allowing for broader accessibility and ease of use under professional supervision.

 

Benefits of Ketamine Lozenges for Anxiety

Ketamine lozenges provide several advantages:

  • Rapid relief from anxiety symptoms: Patients can experience improvements quickly, sometimes within hours of treatment.
  • Convenience: Lozenges can be administered in various settings, providing flexibility for patients.
  • Reduced side effects: Compared to other delivery methods, lozenges may offer a favorable side effect profile, making treatment more comfortable for patients.

 

Join Our Waitlist for Ketamine Treatment

As we prepare to offer ketamine lozenges for anxiety, SF Stress & Anxiety Center invites you to join our waitlist. Being part of this list ensures you’re among the first to access this cutting-edge treatment, offering hope and a new pathway to managing anxiety effectively.

A Future Without Anxiety: The Promise of Ketamine Treatment

The journey toward overcoming anxiety is deeply personal, and finding the right treatment can be challenging. Ketamine treatment for anxiety, particularly through ketamine lozenges, represents a significant breakthrough, providing a new option for those who have struggled to find relief.

SF Stress & Anxiety Center is committed to exploring and offering innovative treatments like ketamine lozenges. We believe in the transformative power of ketamine therapy to improve the lives of those suffering from anxiety, opening doors to a future where anxiety no longer controls one’s life.

Discover how ketamine treatment for anxiety provides fast-acting relief and explore the benefits of ketamine therapy for managing anxiety symptoms effectively. For more information and to join our waitlist, visit SF Stress & Anxiety Center today.

Ketamine Treatment for Depression: Transformative Care

Posted on by SF Stress & Anxiety Center

Depression, a pervasive mental health condition, significantly affects the lives of millions worldwide. Traditional antidepressant medications, while beneficial for many, do not provide relief for all, especially those with treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine treatment for depression stands out as a beacon of hope, offering a novel and highly effective approach to combating depressive symptoms.

The Science Behind Ketamine Treatment

Ketamine, a medication once primarily known for its anesthetic properties, has been recognized for its rapid-acting antidepressant effects. Unlike traditional antidepressants that target serotonin or norepinephrine, ketamine works by affecting the NMDA receptors in the brain, offering relief from depressive symptoms often within hours of treatment.

Esketamine: A Breakthrough in Depression Treatment

A related compound, called esketamine, derived from ketamine, has been FDA-approved for use in nasal spray form. This development marks a significant milestone in depression treatment, providing patients with a new, fast-acting option. Esketamine nasal spray is particularly beneficial for those suffering from treatment-resistant depression, delivering rapid improvements in mood and outlook.

Ketamine Therapy at SF Stress & Anxiety Center

Recognizing the potential of ketamine treatment, SF Stress & Anxiety Center is exploring the introduction of ketamine lozenges as a treatment option for depression. These lozenges present a convenient and innovative method for administering ketamine, allowing for more accessible and potentially more comfortable treatment experiences for patients.

Ketamine Lozenges for Depression

Ketamine lozenges offer several advantages:

Fast-acting relief: Patients can experience significant improvements in depressive symptoms shortly after administration.
Ease of use: Lozenges can be used under professional supervision, simplifying the treatment process.
Lower risk of side effects: Compared to other administration methods, lozenges may offer a more favorable side effect profile, enhancing patient comfort and compliance.

Join Our Waitlist: Be Part of the Revolution in Depression Treatment

As SF Stress & Anxiety Center prepares to offer ketamine lozenges for depression, we invite you to join our waitlist. This opportunity allows you to be among the first to access this groundbreaking treatment, potentially transforming your journey with depression.

Looking Forward: A Brighter Future with Ketamine Treatment
The introduction of ketamine treatment for depression represents a monumental shift in mental health care, offering new hope and possibilities for those who have struggled to find effective treatment options. At SF Stress & Anxiety Center, we are committed to providing our patients with the latest and most effective treatments, believing that everyone deserves a chance at a brighter, more hopeful future free from the grips of depression.

Revolutionize your fight against depression with ketamine treatment. Safe, fast-acting, and FDA-approved options are within reach. For more information and to join our waitlist, visit SF Stress & Anxiety Center today, and take the first step towards transformative care.

The Unique Challenges of Mental Health in the Bay Area: How Our Therapists Can Help

Posted on by SF Stress & Anxiety Center

Living in the Bay Area, with its unique blend of cultural diversity, technological innovation, and economic disparities, presents distinct mental health challenges. From the high-pressure tech industry to the complexities of urban living, residents face various stressors that can impact their mental well-being. This is where Bay Area therapists, especially those at the SF Stress and Anxiety Center, become vital in providing crucial support.

At SF Stress and Anxiety Center, specialized mental health professionals understand the unique challenges of mental health in the Bay Area. They offer a range of services, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a proven approach for addressing conditions like depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. CBT, through structured therapy sessions, empowers individuals to problem-solve and develop coping strategies in a rapidly changing environment.

Finding a therapist in the Bay Area, particularly one who resonates with your specific needs, is crucial. SF Stress and Anxiety Center, along with other health centers, often provides a sliding scale to ensure therapy is accessible to all. Whether it’s family therapy, individual counseling, or group support you need, there are licensed professionals dedicated to your mental health.

Therapists in the Bay Area understand the complexities of mental illness against the backdrop of a diverse urban setting like San Francisco. They offer a safe space where clients can feel understood and supported. While therapists typically do not prescribe medication, the holistic approach at SF Stress and Anxiety Center ensures collaboration with a wide network of healthcare professionals, including social workers and psychiatrists, for comprehensive care.

For many Bay Area residents, dealing with mental health conditions means navigating insurance plans and understanding coverage for therapy sessions. SF Stress and Anxiety Center assists clients in this process, ensuring they make the most out of their benefits and receive the necessary number of sessions for effective treatment.

In conclusion, the unique challenges of mental health in the Bay Area require a nuanced approach to therapy. SF Stress and Anxiety Center stands out as a beacon of support, offering tailored therapy solutions to residents. 

If you or someone you know is grappling with mental health issues in the Bay Area, reaching out to local therapists, like SF Stress and Anxiety Center, can be the first step towards better mental health and well-being.

Navigating Family Relationships When a Loved One Has Borderline Personality Disorder

Posted on by SF Stress & Anxiety Center

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious mental health disorder that affects how a person sees themselves and others. Their unstable sense of self, intense fear of abandonment, erratic mood swings, impulsive behaviors, and unpredictable, intense emotional reactions can make it difficult for them to maintain healthy relationships, even (or maybe especially) with the people that matter most to them. People with BPD suffer from emotional dysregulation that makes it difficult for them to manage their own extreme emotional responses, and they may turn to unhealthy behaviors like violence, self-harm, or substance abuse to attempt to cope with emotional pain.

In the context of family relationships, the struggles of somebody with BPD have a negative impact on everybody in the family. Often family members describe their experience with a child or parent with BPD as feeling like they’re walking on eggshells, unsure of when they will unwittingly provoke an outburst, or a rollercoaster, in which moments of happiness and hope for improvement are rapidly replaced with anxiety and fear as their loved one lapses into destructive behavior again.

 

Borderline Personality Family Dynamics

When one family member has BPD, the overall experience is one of instability. One moment they may be loving, the next, lashing out. A child may be skipping school, or their self-destructive behavior may escalate to a suicide attempt. A parent with BPD may be overly attached and controlling or demonstrate affection inconsistently. Ongoing unpredictability skews how the family interacts with one another.

Stress and worry are constant, as family members fear for their loved one’s well-being. Guilt is another common feeling—parents may feel responsible for their child’s mental health and behavior, or children may feel that they somehow caused a parent’s mental illness. They may also feel exhausted or helpless when previous attempts to set healthy boundaries or provide support haven’t worked.

To complicate the issue, a family history of BPD or early disruption of family life are both risk factors for developing BPD. If you have BPD, you may not be the only one in your family struggling with their mental health, and parents may have unconsciously passed on patterns of toxic family relations. Improving family relationships often requires getting help for everyone, not just the family member with borderline personality disorder.

 

Starting with Self-Care

Therapy is the main form of treatment for BPD, helping you understand the disorder, improve your response to someone with BPD, learn to manage uncomfortable emotions and your response to their impulsiveness, as well as,  improve your relationships. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a form of treatment developed by clinical psychologist Marsha Linehan, is considered one of the most effective types of therapy for BPD and those who are in the circle of someone with BPD.

DBT focuses on improving life skills through:

  • Distress tolerance: Learning how to tolerate negative emotions so that you don’t react impulsively or self-destructively.
  • Emotional regulation: Learning to recognize and handle emotions to improve control over thoughts, behaviors, and feelings.
  • Mindfulness: Learning to be focused on the present as well as nonjudgmental of yourself and others.
  • Interpersonal effectiveness: Learning skills to better handle relationships, such as how to communicate more effectively, how to advocate for yourself and set healthy boundaries, how to build relationships, and how to end relationships that aren’t healthy.

By cultivating acceptance and balance, patients are able to validate the emotions they’re experiencing while addressing and changing problematic behaviors.

Therapy can help you understand your triggers and put effective coping mechanisms in place before you need them. This might mean things as simple as stopping to use a breathing exercise or listen to music to ground yourself before negative emotions spiral out of control. It may mean knowing when to step away from a situation and giving yourself time to collect your thoughts and calm down. With these kinds of tools, you’ll be better equipped to work on your relationships with your family in a healthy, productive way.

 

Developing Better Relationships

When a family has been coping with borderline personality disorder, it’s likely that the person with BPD isn’t the only one who will need to learn healthier ways to interact. Family therapy can be extremely helpful in preventing parents and kids from slipping back into patterns that may be unintentionally triggering or enabling negative behaviors. The guidance of a mental health professional can also help a family learn how to better support your recovery, enabling them to replace feelings of helplessness and frustration with the rewarding sense of being able to help you make progress toward your goals. Families may also want to join a support group to connect with others who share their experience.

 

Finding Help

If BPD has upended your family, positive change is possible. Therapy can be instrumental in helping give you and your loved ones the tools to build the healthy relationships you want. To get connected with a therapist who can help with either online or in-person sessions, contact the SF Stress & Anxiety Center here. We’ll schedule a free initial phone consultation with one of our compassionate Care Coordinators to match you with the right therapist for your needs.

 

SF Stress & Anxiety Center Free Consultation

Managing Stress and Anxiety When You Have ADHD

Posted on by SF Stress & Anxiety Center

For somebody who has been diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), stress and anxiety may be constant unwanted “bonus” problems that seem difficult, if not impossible, to separate from the disorder itself. While the symptoms of ADHD can look different in adults and children, the inattention, impulsivity, and restlessness/hyperactivity that characterize it tend to make even simple tasks at home, school, or work harder to complete. Daily life can become an ongoing source of uncertainty, worry, and stress—in fact, anxiety disorders are one of the most frequent comorbid diagnoses among adults with ADHD.

Of course, the relationship between ADHD and anxiety isn’t necessarily that simple. It can be a bit of a chicken-and-egg problem to figure out whether ADHD is the cause of anxiety or if they are issues that exist side by side. Either way, learning to cope with stress and anxiety when you have ADHD can help make treatment for both conditions more effective.

 

ADHD vs. Anxiety

ADHD and anxiety can have similar symptoms, especially ADHD-inattentive type (what was once known as ADD or attention deficit disorder). For example, being unable to focus or having trouble concentrating, experiencing sleep problems, or being restless or irritable can be symptoms of either anxiety or ADHD. The key difference is what underlies the symptoms. For someone suffering primarily from anxiety, distraction is caused by overwhelming fearful thoughts that make it difficult to concentrate, while someone with ADHD is easily distracted even in situations when they’re calm.

Unfortunately, determining the source of troubling symptoms might not be that straightforward, because people with ADHD are also likely to feel anxious about problems brought on by their struggles with their mental health condition. ADHD can negatively affect nearly every aspect of daily life, and someone coping with it can be highly aware of how they’re failing to live up to their own expectations but still have trouble changing their behavior. Missing important deadlines or meetings at work; being unable to prioritize important tasks; missing instructions because you couldn’t focus on a conversation; feeling guilty because an impulsive outburst offended someone you care about—these common situations that can arise from ADHD also produce anxiety.

The overlap in ADHD and anxiety symptoms can be the source of misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. It’s important for a mental health professional to carefully screen symptoms to rule out an anxiety disorder when diagnosing ADHD, and vice versa. Having an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment.

 

Can ADHD Get Worse with Stress?

If you’ve been under stress and thought it made your ADHD even harder to deal with, you’re not imagining it. Your body’s physical response to stressors exacerbates classic symptoms of ADHD. Stress hormones are designed to activate a fight-or-flight response that, among other things, routes blood away from the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that governs executive function and which is already affected by ADHD. The stress response weakens working memory, mental flexibility, impulse control, coping skills, and the ability to sustain concentration. Worse, chronic stress can cause biochemical changes to the brain that make it harder for it to function correctly. It’s entirely possible to end up in a vicious cycle where stress exacerbates ADHD, leading to more stress. However, it is possible to break that pattern with the proper assessment and treatment.

 

Getting the Help You Need for ADHD, Anxiety, and Stress

The best treatment for ADHD and anxiety may vary somewhat by individual, especially if the anxiety they’re experiencing is primarily due to their ADHD. You’ll get better results if you know exactly what you’re dealing with, so if you don’t have a confirmed diagnosis already or think it might not be accurate, we encourage you to seek out assessment and testing to get a clearer picture.

In general, ADHD is treated with a combination of medication (either stimulant or nonstimulant), therapy, and behavioral tools. A comprehensive approach is essential for success—therapy is not a substitute for medication, and medication can’t replace therapy. Medications help balance levels of important neurotransmitters to improve the symptoms of ADHD. Therapy can assist in identifying negative thoughts and behavior patterns and help patients change them so they’re better able to function and manage their ADHD symptoms. Dealing with ADHD head-on, coming to understand that daily difficulties with it are not character flaws but the effect of a disorder with a neurological basis, and learning better coping strategies can all go a long way toward relieving ADHD-related anxiety as well as improving the overall diagnosis.

 

In addition, lifestyle changes can help you better deal with stress and anxiety when you have ADHD. Setting a regular schedule that incorporates breaks and exercise helps, as does maintaining a healthy diet, reducing the use of alcohol and/or caffeine, and quitting smoking. Learning relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises can help provide tools to mitigate feelings of stress before they become overwhelming. These changes will work best when you can be consistent; consider phasing them in gradually so they become habits that are easy to follow rather than an abrupt shift.

 

If you’re struggling with ADHD and anxiety, or suspect you might be, the SF Stress & Anxiety Center can help. Our experienced therapists use evidence-based methods to help you overcome the challenges you face and learn strategies that allow you to improve your quality of life. For your convenience, we offer both in-person and online sessions. Schedule your free initial phone consultation with one of our compassionate Care Coordinators to be matched with the right therapist for you.

Get Help When You Need It: Depression Is Not a Moral Failure

Posted on by SF Stress & Anxiety Center

By Douglas Newton, LMFT

Over the past several years, stigma around seeking help for depression, anxiety and other mental health issues has decreased.  And yet.  Partly because of the way depression leads many to self-criticize, many often think that depression is a stain, a black mark against their character, something wrong with them.  

It is time to disentangle depression from this idea of moral failure.  It is time to stop imagining that depression is synonymous with a person’s character.  

 

What are the general symptoms of depression?

If you experience depression, you have symptoms that occur with that experience.  These can include sadness, stress, anxiety, sleep issues, negative self-talk, low motivation, feelings of hopelessness and failure to take pleasure in everyday activities, or anhedonia.  For severe depression, self-harm and suicidal thoughts can also occur.  

These symptoms help clinicians like me understand your experience.  No one chooses to experience depression.  And confusion around where it comes from can lead to self-criticism, self-blame, shame and isolation.  These factors can make depression worse, and shut someone down emotionally, which can exacerbate depression.

Thankfully there are many approaches to help people who experience depression find relief.  

 

What will people think of me if they know I am depressed?  What are some stigmas of depression?

Many public figures, most recently Senator John Fetterman, have decided to disclose that they are dealing with depression.  According to this article in the New York Times (gift article that doesn’t require subscription), “Social scientists say there is demonstrable evidence that the public is growing more accepting of people with depression.”  Relatedly, more people recognize the usefulness of seeking help when they experience anxiety, depression or other issues.  

 

What if depression is just who I am? 

When you are experiencing depression, it can feel like your entire experience.  It can eclipse your sense of self, or even come to feel like your identity.  Disentangling your self-concept from depression is one fundamental step in therapy to help recognize depression as mental illness rather than identity.  Therapy helps you distinguish between depression and your identity.

 

You are not alone

Millions of people experience depression, with onset resulting from a wide range of interrelated factors.  People from all walks of life experience depression and many of them find a fresh approach to their lives through therapy.  While your experience with depression is unique to you, the symptoms are not, and there are many ways to help.  

It takes courage and humility to recognize you need help and then make the call. Therapy is private, confidential, informed and professional, creating a safe place to address and treat your depression 

 

SF Stress therapists have deep experience treating depression

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) are among the effective, evidence-based treatments therapists use.  Research shows that therapy helps people diminish the severity and frequency of their symptoms related to depression.  

Getting help to treat your depression is an act of self respect.  It is a decision to take care of yourself, and an assertion that you matter.  For many people with depression, seeking help can be undermined by depression itself.  Making that call can help.  

 

Further Reading:

National Institutes of Mental Health on Depression

American Psychiatric Association on Depression

World Health Organization on Depression

 

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