Houston Social Security
Disability Attorney

Photo of David Dopkin
Photo of David Dopkin

Knowing your anxiety offers better treatment options

On Behalf of | Apr 22, 2013 | Social Security Disability Benefits for Mental Conditions

Although anxiety disorders are considered to be one of the most common mental health problems in the United States to date, a majority of cases go untreated. According to recent studies, only about 30 percent of patients even seek treatment for something that is largely considered treatable. Some doctors think that the misunderstanding of a mental health disorder often prevents a person from seeking necessary treatment.

As most doctors in Texas will tell you, the main driving force behind a mental health condition like anxiety is uncertainty. While most people tend to only worry about situations when a warning sign appears, for people with anxiety disorders that reasoning is flipped. Instead of feeling like everything is going to be okay, they look for proof that everything is safe. The fixation on this fuels the worry and can often times be quite debilitating if left untreated.

Understanding your triggers is the first step, most doctors will say. While some people may be able to take large amounts of stress and worry before being consumed by their anxiety, others may have relatively low tolerances and need very little to send them into a panic. Although therapy is proving to be a rather effective form of treatment for most, others may require additional help such as medication.

It’s important to point out that regardless of how severe a person’s anxiety mayor may not be, it can have a significant impact on a person’s life. In some cases, a person may feel like they cannot leave their home and may be unable to work as a result. In situations such as this, it may be beneficial to seek government assistance programs such as Social Security Disability in order to stay financially afloat.

Source: The Chicago Tribune, “May Clinic Medical Edge: Knowing what triggers anxiety not always necessary to successfully treat it,” Stephen Whiteside, April 17, 2013