Anxiety disorder has now become the biggest issue of mental health in Pakistan. It affects millions of people including all age groups. But lack of mental health treatment and resources makes it difficult for people to handle this disease. This insufficient treatment solution increases the patients with anxiety as research shows that 75% of people in Pakistan face mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. That’s why it is very important to get the right treatment for anxiety. But what are the right treatment options available in Pakistan and which therapies are most effective? If you don’t know then let’s discuss it in detail and find the best anxiety solution.
Understanding Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety is a feeling of constant worry, fear, or nervousness that can affect the daily life of a person. They can’t stabilize their personal and professional life. Common types of anxiety include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): People have persistent anxiety about ordinary situations.
- Social Anxiety Disorder: In which people have the fear of social interactions or being judged.
- Panic Disorder: This is characterized by sudden and acute episodes of fear.
- Phobias: Extreme fears of some objects like some people have phobia of heights or enclosed areas.
Symptoms of Anxiety:
There are different symptoms of anxiety that vary from person to person. It includes:
- Feeling restless
- Fast heartbeat
- difficulty concentrating
- Physical issues like headaches or stomach problems.
Psychological Therapies for Anxiety in Pakistan
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the best treatments for anxiety. It helps people recognize and change negative thoughts and develop better ways to cope with stress and fear.
CBT in Pakistan:
In Pakistan, more psychologists and therapists now provide CBT both in-person and online. You can search by using a therapist near me. Organizations like the Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning (PILL) provide affordable and easy-to-access therapy options. Most people see a noticeable improvement in their anxiety symptoms within 12–20 therapy sessions. This makes CBT an effective and practical choice for managing anxiety.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is a treatment that helps people overcome fears and anxiety due to phobias or PTSD. It operates by gradually introducing people in a safe and regulated manner to the things that make them anxious. This reduces their fear gradually with time and improves their ability to overcome it.
Exposure Therapy in Pakistan
Exposure therapy is also a common therapy that most of the therapists in Pakistan utilize. They prioritize methods that respect cultural sensitivity and principles. Clinics in big cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad are leading in offering this specialized therapy. This therapy has shown great success in overcoming fears and managing the anxiety of people.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT can help those with major anxiety problems, especially those who also have borderline personality disorder (BPD). It focuses on teaching methods like mindfulness practices, controlling their emotions, and staying calm in stressful situations.
DBT in Pakistan
DBT is gaining traction in Pakistan. For patients’ benefit, centers like MindCare Pakistan provide complete therapy plans. Through DBT, people learn practical ways to handle anxiety and deal with challenges in their daily lives.
Medication-Based Treatment for Anxiety
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
SSRIs like sertraline and escitalopram are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain which ultimately reduces anxiety. In Pakistan, these medications are easily available as well as prescribed by psychiatrists.
Benzodiazepines
Drugs such as diazepam and alprazolam provide instant relief from extreme anxiety. But as people get addicted to these medicines that’s why doctors only provide them carefully and typically for a short period.
Beta-Blockers
Propranolol is one medication that helps manage the physical signs of anxiety like sweating or a fast heartbeat. It is helpful for performance-related anxiety or stressful situations. But it is important to consult a licensed psychiatrist before taking any medication as these medicines also have side effects.
Alternative Therapies for Anxiety
Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness practices are also very helpful. People should try meditation and deep-breathing exercises that are effective in reducing stress and anxiety. In Pakistan, different organizations are working on it and The Mindfulness Centre provides workshops and online resources that help people to adopt these practices in their daily routine.
Herbal Remedies and Supplements
No one can replace natural things so natural remedies are also used to treat anxiety situations. Some common remedies like ashwagandha, valerian root, and chamomile tea are commonly used as anxiety treatments in Pakistan for their calming effects. These remedies are good for relief but you can consult a healthcare provider for more compatibility.
Yoga and Physical Activity
Regular physical activities also have positive impacts on the mental health of a person. Activities like yoga are also an effective way to manage anxiety. Yoga studios and gyms in big cities provide classes for mental health. Additionally, different activities like walking, swimming, and aerobics are also helpful in stress reduction.
Conclusion
If you want to handle the anxiety disorder then you need the best treatment for best results. Different treatments like therapies, medication, and lifestyle changes help you to back your life and live a normal life.