Anxiety Management :
Restoring Balance & Relief

Anxiety management can help you overcome the potentially debilitating effects of anxiety. Learn more about Black Horse Health’s treatment approach here.

Written and reviewed by the clinical and leadership team at Black Horse Health, including licensed therapists, clinicians, and healthcare executives with over 100 years of combined experience.

From psychiatric care to holistic wellness, our Houston-based team brings together diverse expertise to provide accurate, compassionate, and personalized mental health, chronic pain, and addiction treatment.

The Prevalence of Anxiety

In today’s fast-paced world, anxiety has become increasingly common, affecting as many as 40 million Americans each year.¹

Finding the right treatment for symptoms can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Effective anxiety management at Black Horse Health is essential for preventing worsening symptoms and avoiding the development of co-occurring conditions that can further complicate recovery.

We’re here to help you harness the power of wellness.

Treating Anxiety Disorders at Black Horse Health

Our approach to anxiety management combines evidence-based therapies with holistic practices to address the symptoms of anxiety and its underlying causes as well.

At Black Horse Health, we specialize in providing comprehensive, individualized care for those struggling with anxiety disorders and other mental health symptoms.

With over 100 years of collective treatment and management experience, our team of dedicated professionals is committed to empowering you with the strength, courage, and freedom needed to overcome anxiety and reclaim your life, one day at a time. For the support you need to restore balance in your life, reach out to us for a no-obligation consultation.

Understanding Anxiety: More Than Just Worry

Anxiety is a natural stress response, but when it becomes excessive, persistent, or interferes with daily functioning, it may indicate an anxiety disorder.

Additionally, clinical anxiety differs significantly from everyday stress, both in intensity and duration. While stress typically resolves once a stressor is removed, anxiety disorders often persist regardless of external circumstances.²

Common Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety manifests differently for each individual, but some common symptoms include:

Excessive worry or fear that is difficult to control and disproportionate to the situation.
Physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest pain.
Sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep.
Avoidance behaviors that limit participation in normal activities due to fear or worry.
Persistent feelings of tension and inability to relax.
Difficulty concentrating or experiencing a “blank mind” due to worry.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety management approaches may vary depending on the specific type of anxiety disorder present. Some of the most prevalent anxiety disorders individuals struggle with include:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Characterized by persistent and excessive worry about various things, often without a specific trigger.
Panic Disorder: Marked by recurring panic attacks and fear of future attacks.
Social Anxiety Disorder: Involves intense fear of social situations and being judged by others.
Specific Phobias: Extreme fear of particular objects, situations, or activities.
Separation Anxiety Disorder: Excessive fear of being separated from attachment figures.

Connection Between Anxiety, Depression, and Substance Use

Anxiety rarely exists in isolation. At Black Horse Health, we recognize that anxiety often co-occurs with other conditions, particularly depression and substance use disorders. In fact, up to 24% of individuals with anxiety symptoms attempt to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs.³

Our approach to anxiety management addresses these interconnections, providing treatment for co-occurring conditions simultaneously to promote comprehensive healing.

The Importance of Effective Anxiety Management

Without proper anxiety management, this condition can significantly impact every aspect of life.

Chronic, unmanaged anxiety can lead to:

Physical Health Consequences

Anxiety has many physical health consequences that can quickly lead towards long-term struggles. These include:

Weakened immune system
Digestive problems
Increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure
Chronic pain and tension
Hormonal imbalances

Relationship and Social Impacts

Social struggles related to anxiety could include issues such as strained personal relationships, social isolation and withdrawal, or communication challenges.

Professional and Productivity Effects

Work-related problems include:

Decreased work performance
Increased absenteeism
Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
Career limitations due to avoidance behaviors

Risks of Self-Medication

Without proper anxiety management strategies, many turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms in order to improve their symptoms, including:

Substance use, which can lead to dependency and addiction
Overeating or undereating
Excessive sleeping or insomnia
Avoidance behaviors that limit life experiences

At Black Horse Health, we believe that effective anxiety management is not just about symptom reduction – it’s about transformation and empowerment. Our approach helps clients ground themselves, find balance, and connect with their inner strength to overcome anxiety’s challenges.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Anxiety Management

Black Horse Health takes a unique, integrative approach to anxiety management that addresses the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

Our treatment philosophy is grounded in the belief that sustainable recovery requires addressing both the symptoms of anxiety and its underlying causes.

Thorough Assessment Process

Every client’s journey at Black Horse Health begins with a comprehensive assessment, which includes:

Complete psychiatric assessment by our experienced medical team.
Psychological assessment to identify specific anxiety patterns.
Assessment for co-occurring conditions.
Assessment of physical health factors that may contribute to anxiety.
Exploration of personal history, including trauma experiences.

This thorough assessment ensures our anxiety management approach is tailored to your unique needs and circumstances.

Personalized Treatment Planning

Based on your assessment results, our clinical team develops a personalized anxiety management plan.

Your plan will offer a customized combination of evidence-based therapies alongside the integration of holistic and experiential approaches. And, if needed, we will also incorporate medication assessment and trauma-focused interventions.

This integrative approach ensures that all aspects of anxiety – physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral – are addressed comprehensively.

Emphasis on Underlying Causes

At Black Horse Health, we believe that effective anxiety management requires addressing root causes.

Our treatment approach explores:

Unresolved trauma that may fuel anxiety.
Family dynamics and relationship patterns.
Biological factors, including genetic predispositions.
Learned thought and behavior patterns.
Environmental stressors and triggers.

By addressing these underlying factors, we help clients achieve more sustainable relief from anxiety symptoms.

Levels of Care for Anxiety Management

Black Horse Health offers a full continuum of care for anxiety management, allowing clients to receive the appropriate level of support for their specific needs.

Some levels of care we provide include:

Inpatient Residential Treatment for Depression and Anxiety

Our residential treatment program provides the highest level of care for those with severe anxiety. Inpatient care offers a 24/7 structured therapeutic environment with an intensive daily therapy schedule that offers constant support from our clinical team.

This way, individuals are removed from triggering environments and given comprehensive medical monitoring.

Residential treatment for depression and anxiety is particularly beneficial for those with:

Severe symptoms that significantly impair functioning.
Co-occurring substance use disorders.
Multiple failed attempts at lower levels of care.
Safety concerns related to anxiety symptoms.
Limited support systems at home.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Our IOP offers structured anxiety management while still allowing clients to maintain some of their daily responsibilities. An IOP is a step-down from residential care that offers multiple therapy sessions per week along with flexible scheduling options.

This way, clients have continued access to our full range of therapeutic modalities while gradually transitioning back to regular life activities.

An IOP is ideal for:

Those stepping down from higher levels of care.
Individuals with moderate anxiety symptoms.
People with strong support systems at home.
Those who need to maintain work or family responsibilities.

Alumni and Aftercare Support

Anxiety management is a lifelong journey, which is why our alumni program is here to provide ongoing support through:

Weekly support meetings.
Access to our clinical team for consultation.
Community events and activities.
Refresher sessions on anxiety management techniques.
Connection with peers in recovery.

Evidence-Based Therapies for Anxiety Management

At Black Horse Health, our anxiety management approach incorporates several evidence-based therapeutic modalities proven effective for anxiety disorders.

Some common anxiety management therapies we utilize include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT for anxiety is a cornerstone of our anxiety management program. This structured approach helps clients:

Identify and challenge anxious thoughts and beliefs.
Recognize cognitive distortions that fuel anxiety.
Develop more balanced, realistic thinking patterns.
Create and practice new behavioral responses to anxiety triggers.
Build skills for long-term anxiety management.

Our skilled therapists may use CBT for anxiety in both individual and group settings by providing personalized guidance while also offering the benefits of peer support and shared learning.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

DBT enhances our anxiety treatment approach by focusing on mindfulness skills to stay present and reduce rumination, emotional regulation techniques to manage intense feelings, and distress tolerance strategies for coping with anxiety triggers.

While DBT was originally crafted for borderline personality disorder, it’s been adapted to help other conditions as well, such as anxiety.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

For anxiety related to traumatic experiences, EMDR therapy helps process traumatic memories that fuel anxiety and reduce emotional reactivity to anxiety triggers.

This way, individuals can develop new, adaptive beliefs about oneself and the world while alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety.

Somatic Experiencing Therapy

This body-centered approach to anxiety treatment focuses on:

Releasing trapped nervous system energy.
Restoring the body’s natural self-regulation.
Developing awareness of body sensations related to anxiety.
Building capacity to tolerate complex sensations.
Creating new patterns of physical response to stress.

Medication Management for Anxiety

When appropriate, our medical team may recommend anxiety medication as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Alongside medication management, we provide regular monitoring of effectiveness and side effects to ensure it’s working as part of the holistic treatment plan.

Holistic and Experiential Therapies for Anxiety Relief

At Black Horse Health, we believe effective anxiety management requires addressing the whole person, which is why we offer holistic approaches to complement evidence-based therapies and provide comprehensive care.

Some holistic anxiety management therapies we utilize include:

Mindfulness and Meditation Practices

Our anxiety management program incorporates various mindfulness practices, such as guided meditation sessions focused on anxiety reduction, body scan meditations to release physical tension, and mindful movement practices.

These practices help clients develop a different relationship with anxious thoughts and sensations, creating space for more effective responses.

Yoga and Body-Based Therapies

Physical practices are essential components of our anxiety management approach. Techniques such as trauma-releasing exercises, gentle movement therapies, and cold plunge therapy for nervous system regulation help address the physical manifestations of anxiety while still promoting overall wellness.

Expressive Arts Therapies

Creative expression offers powerful avenues for anxiety management. Some anxiety management art techniques we utilize in treatment include:

Art therapy to externalize and process anxious feelings.
Music therapy for emotional regulation.
Psychodrama to explore anxiety-provoking situations safely.
Journaling and narrative therapy.
Sound bath therapy for deep relaxation.

These modalities provide alternative ways to process emotions that may be difficult to access through traditional talk therapy alone.

Managing Co-Occurring Disorders Alongside Anxiety

At Black Horse Health, we recognize that anxiety often exists alongside other mental health and substance use disorders, which is why we prioritize an integrated approach to anxiety management that addresses these complex presentations.

Anxiety and Depression

Depression and anxiety frequently co-occur. Studies show that up to 63% of individuals diagnosed with an anxiety disorder meet criteria for concurrent unipolar depression, creating a challenging cycle.⁴

These disorders both have shared risk factors and overlapping symptoms, meaning each condition potentially worsens the other.

Our anxiety management program incorporates specific strategies for addressing this common combination, including residential treatment for depression and anxiety when needed.

Anxiety and Trauma/PTSD

Trauma and anxiety are deeply intertwined. Traumatic experiences can overwhelm coping mechanisms, leading to lasting anxiety. This can manifest as generalized anxiety, panic disorders, or PTSD.

Trauma can also alter brain structures that are involved in fear and stress responses, causing heightened vigilance and reactivity. Memories of the event can trigger intense anxiety flashbacks as well, creating a cycle of fear and avoidance.

Understanding this connection is crucial for effective treatment. Our team works hard to address both the trauma’s impact and the resulting anxiety symptoms, promoting healing and resilience.⁵

Anxiety and Substance Use Disorders

The relationship between anxiety and substance use is often bidirectional. For example, individuals often turn to substances to self-medicate their anxiety symptoms, but substance use and withdrawal can, in turn, worsen anxiety.

Because of this complex interplay, simultaneous treatment of both conditions is crucial. Our dual diagnosis approach ensures that all co-occurring conditions receive appropriate attention within our anxiety management program.

Anxiety and Process Addictions

Process addictions like gambling, gaming, or compulsive behaviors can also co-occur with anxiety:⁶

Our team at Black Horse Health provides our clients with an understanding of the function of addictive behaviors in anxiety management. This way, we can help them develop healthier coping strategies and address underlying anxiety driving addictive behaviors.

Anxiety Management at Black Horse Health

Black Horse Health stands apart in our approach to anxiety management, offering several unique advantages for those seeking relief from anxiety disorders.

Expert Clinical Team

Our team brings unparalleled expertise to anxiety management. Our team provides:

Over 100 years of collective experience in mental health treatment.
A multidisciplinary team, including LCDCs, LMFTs, LPCs, LCSWs, PhDs, MDs, and RNs.
Specialized training in trauma and anxiety treatment.
Commitment to evidence-based practices.
Compassionate, client-centered approach.

Holistic, Individualized Approach

We recognize that effective anxiety management requires personalized care, so we ensure that every client starts off with a comprehensive assessment to understand your unique needs. Then, we’ll create a customized treatment plan that evolves as you progress.

This way, you have the attention to physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions you deserve during your healing journey.

Therapeutic Environment

Our facility is designed to support the anxiety management process. We offer:

A peaceful, calming atmosphere.
Access to top medical resources.
Personalized attention due to our 1:4 staff-to-client ratio.
Spaces designed for both privacy and community.

Focus on Sustainable Recovery

Our approach to anxiety management emphasizes long-term wellness through the development of practical skills, attention to relapse prevention, and family involvement for continued support (when appropriate).

At Black Horse Health, we believe that effective anxiety management is not just about symptom reduction – it’s about transformation, empowerment, and reclaiming your life from anxiety’s grip.

Begin Your Journey to Anxiety Relief Today

Living with anxiety doesn’t have to be your permanent reality. At Black Horse Health, we’ve helped countless individuals develop effective anxiety management skills and find relief from even the most severe anxiety disorders.

Our comprehensive approach to anxiety management addresses the symptoms and the underlying causes of anxiety, giving you the tools, insights, and support needed for lasting change. No matter what type of anxiety you’re struggling with, our expert team is ready to help.

The journey to effective anxiety management begins with a single step: reaching out for help. Our compassionate admissions team is available to answer your questions, address your concerns, and guide you through beginning treatment at Black Horse Health.

You Are More Than Your Mental Health Challenges

Together, We Can Create a Life You Love

Don’t let anxiety continue to limit your life and potential. Contact Black Horse Health today to learn more about our anxiety management programs and how we can help you find the strength, courage, and freedom to overcome anxiety and embrace a more balanced, connected life.

Our approach to anxiety management embodies our core philosophy: Ground. Balance. Connect. We’ll help you ground yourself in the present moment, find balance in your thoughts and emotions, and connect with your inner strength and the support you need to thrive.

Take the first step toward effective anxiety management today. A life free from the constraints of anxiety is possible, and we’re here to help you achieve it.

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