Anxiety Resources

Living with anxiety can have a major impact on your daily life. In adults, anxiety can manifest in a variety of ways, from putting you in a constant state of worry and stress to overwhelming you and making you dread things. But you don’t have to live with anxiety symptoms. 

There are plenty of resources available that can connect you to trained professionals who specialize in anxiety and can help you cope with it. 

Keep reading for some of those resources. But, first, learn a bit more about anxiety. 

What is Anxiety? 

Anxiety is incredibly common. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has reported that upwards of 40 million American adults are affected by an anxiety disorder.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most common anxiety disorder. You may be diagnosed with GAD if you have a difficult time keeping a handle on your anxiety more often than not over the course of six months. Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder vary, but they may include a rapid heart rate, fatigue, irritability, nerves, issues sleeping, stomach troubles and more.

Along with generalized anxiety disorder, there are four other anxiety disorders. They are:

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): The signature symptoms of OCD are recurrent thoughts and compulsive behaviors — think checking over and over to make sure you turned off your hair straightener or repeatedly disinfecting the counters, to the extent that these actions and the thoughts behind them disrupt your daily life. 

• Social Anxiety Disorder: People with this disorder (also called social phobia) get overwhelmed in social situations or doing things like public speaking. You might be afraid to talk to others, have physical symptoms of anxiety like a rapid heartbeat or feel very self-conscious in public. 

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): People who live through a traumatic event — like assault, serving in the military or surviving a natural disaster — may develop PTSD. You may re-experience the trauma, feel numb or disassociated or have angry outbursts.

• Panic Disorder: This disorder can cause sudden and unexpected panic attacks. Symptoms may include heart palpitations, shortness of breath and intense feelings of dread or terror. 
  

Whatever type of anxiety you are dealing with, there are resources that can help you.  

Telephone-Based Resources For Anxiety

Anxiety can overwhelm you and make you feel worried or stressed. If you are trying to cope with anxiety, there are a number of phone-based resources you can use. Some provide someone for you to speak with, while others can help you find resources in your area. 

If at any point you are feeling like you’re having a mental health emergency or have suicidal thoughts, you need to seek help immediately. 

Below, some resources that can help you navigate anxiety. 

• Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). This text-based and easy-to-use phone line provides 24/7 access to crisis counselors who can help with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and more.
  
  

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (1-800-950-6264). The NAMI HelpLine answers mental health questions and provides support Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255). This free and confidential line is available 24/7 to those who may be so overwhelmed by anxiety or other emotions that they are having suicidal thoughts. You can speak to someone in English or Spanish or use the chat feature available on their site.

• The National Institute of Mental Health. This resource operates an information resource center that can be reached by phone Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. You can also talk to a representative online during those hours.

• Emergency Medical Services (911). If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or are in crisis, call 911 for fast assistance. 

Finding In-Person Help for Anxiety

Therapy can help many mental health disorders, including anxiety. Not sure how to find a therapist in your area? There are a number of sites that offer therapist directories. You can filter these directories by different criteria, including location, speciality and more. 

• Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA). Their Find a Therapist Directory allows you to search for licensed mental health providers who specialize in anxiety and depression.

• The American Psychological Association (APA). The APA’s Psychologist Locator helps you search for licensed therapists in your neighborhood. Listings include the therapist’s specialties, so look for someone who has anxiety on their list. 
  
  

• Psychology Today. Navigate to the Find a Therapist directory to locate trained professionals in your area. 

• The National Register of Health Services Psychologists. Thousands of therapists can be found in Find a Psychologist. Narrow down the list by location, then look for professionals who specialize in anxiety.

• Black Mental Health Alliance. This organization has an expansive database of culturally-competent licensed mental health professionals for Black men and women. Just fill out the questionnaire on the website and someone will respond to you with resources within 24 hours.

Online Resources for Anxiety

Over the past few years, online therapy has boomed. Not only is it convenient, but it can be just as effective as in-person therapy. 

Proof: A 2015 review of 30 studies found that online cognitive behavioral therapy was just as effective as in-office therapy. 

Hers offers a few different services, including psychiatry services, individual mental health therapy and anonymous support groups. 

If you opt for psychiatric services, a mental health professional can help you identify if a medication like paroxetine could help you with symptoms of anxiety.

Getting Help for Anxiety

Whatever resource you choose to use, the only thing that matters is that you get the support you need for your anxiety. Whether you are dealing with generalized anxiety disorder, OCD or something else, there are resources that can help you ease symptoms. 

Helplines can help you find healthcare providers in your area, provide you with someone to talk to for support, or help you find the most affordable resources for you. These helplines can be used in moments of extreme anxiety or can be called from time to time when you need them. In-person therapy or online therapy or psychiatric care are other options. 

Whatever you do, know this: You do not have to live with anxiety in your everyday life.

We also have a depression resources page if you are looking for resources for depression.