Conquering Anxiety: Understand, Manage, and Treat Anxiety Disorders

Everyone, at one time or another, feels anxiety. But if you're always feeling a sense of dread and worry, it might be time to seek professional help. After all, anxiety isn't some imaginary bogeyman. It can physically manifest and affect nearly every part of you, causing symptoms like fainting spells, nausea, and numbness, or even leading to more severe long-term situations, such as cardiac issues or substance abuse. This is where the support and education from certain organizations become crucial. The right group can make all the difference, helping you feel understood and empowered, equipping you to handle your anxiety effectively. Here's a list of a few organizations to consider.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is one of America's foremost mental health organizations with branches spanning across the country. As a grassroots organization, NAMI provides extensive services such as advocacy, education, support groups, and more, all dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals managing mental health issues.

NAMI’s wealth of information on anxiety disorders is available on their website. Plus, if your loved ones or caretakers are struggling to comprehend what you're enduring, they can register for online education programs. The organization also offers peer-facilitated support groups to connect you with others facing similar challenges. NAMI's weekday helpline (800-950-6264) is run by peers and provides support, information, and referrals. NAMI also organizes awareness-raising walks, enhances mental health advocacy on college campuses, and influences public policy in the mental health sphere. You can engage with them at your local NAMI affiliate.

The Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) is a not-for-profit organization aiming to improve lives affected by anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. The organization’s website hosts an abundance of information about anxiety disorders, personal experiences shared by community members, a therapist directory, and peer-to-peer communities.

Another such organization is Inclusive Therapists, a social justice and liberation-structured mental health directory and resource center. It caters to diverse groups such as BIPOC, disabled BIPOC communities, LGBTQ+ people, and neurodivergent people. It offers finder services for therapists, counselors, coaches, and healers, along with a trove of general mental health resources.

The Asian Mental Health Collective (AMHC) is dedicated to normalizing and de-stigmatizing mental healthcare in the Asian community. It offers culturally informed peer support and services, and also supports Asian mental health professionals. Their site has a therapist directory and additional resources like support groups and therapy funds.

The Black Mental Health Alliance (BMHA) connects individuals with Black therapists and psychiatrists known for delivering culturally competent care. They provide resources such as behavioral health books written by Black authors, and the BMHA actively involves communities, individuals, and mental health professionals in supporting Black mental health.

With members worldwide, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) is the globe's largest association of psychiatrists and publishes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Its website offers resources for psychiatrists, medical students, and others, with tools to find a local psychiatrist and expert Q&A on anxiety disorders.

The federal agency, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), is centered on researching mental health disorders to improve prevention and treatment methods. The NIMH’s extensive guidance materials cover a range of topics including ways to ask for help, cope with symptoms, and find a local treatment facility.