Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects many individuals globally. Panic attacks, phobias, OCD, and general anxiety are some of the common forms of anxiety that most individuals experience. Although anxiety can have severe repercussions on our mental and emotional well-being, many effective therapies can help manage it. One question that those dealing with anxiety often ask is, How long does it take for anxiety to heal? In this blog post, we explore the various healing processes involved in psychotherapy and counselling, two of the most effective treatments for anxiety.
Types of Psychotherapy and Counselling
Anxiety can have different causes, presenting itself in various forms, which can lead to an individual choosing different types of counselling. If anxiety is a kind of phobia, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is likely the optimal treatment, whereas exposure therapy could be suitable for OCD-related anxiety. On the other hand, if someone is suffering from a specific anxiety-causing event, e.g., going to a party, then solution-focused therapy is ideal. Therapy for anxiety usually begins with an evaluation to identify the stressors or associating factors, which will subsequently be addressed during therapy.
Factors that influence the healing process
Many factors can influence anxiety recovery, which can, in turn, affect the healing timeline. The severity of the anxiety, the underlying conditions, and the efficacy of the treatment, to mention a few, are all significant factors. Therefore, it is essential to consult with your therapist regarding these factors, as they will inform how long it will take for you to fully recover.
The Therapy Process
Psychotherapy and counselling can help us identify and reframe negative thoughts, acquiring tools and coping mechanisms to manage anxiety. By being exposed to the anxiety-inducing triggers, we can help our mind and body to cope with the anxiety progressively. During therapy, you get to understand the sources of your anxiety and how they affect your thinking and behaviour. The therapist then focuses on helping you develop the tools to manage the symptoms. This journey may take a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the anxiety and particular therapy.
The presence of anxiety after therapy
Once you start therapy, you may experience immediate changes in the frequency and intensity of the anxiety symptoms. However, complete healing can take some time because anxiety is complex and has a wide range of associated issues. After therapy, you may experience anxiety during particularly challenging situations or dilemmas. However, the coping mechanisms you learned during therapy can help you manage anxiety, and with continuous practice, the intensity and frequency of the remaining anxiety can be reduced until they eventually disappear.
Anxiety healing is a complex journey that may take some time, depending on the severity of your anxiety and the particular treatment. Psychotherapy and counselling can help reframe negative thoughts and develop coping mechanisms to manage the symptoms. Factors such as the effectiveness of the treatment, severity of anxiety, and underlying health conditions can all affect the healing timeline. Therefore, it is essential to stay committed to the therapy process, practice the coping tools, and work collaboratively with your therapist to recover fully. It is possible to overcome anxiety and live a fulfilling life, and psychotherapy and counselling are excellent resources to commence healing.
