Over the past eight years of my practice, I’ve witnessed a sharp rise in clients presenting with anxiety symptoms. Anxiety related to global events, health, existential concerns, and professional pressure has become a recurring theme in therapy sessions. This reflects a collective feeling of helplessness and a lack of control that many people are experiencing in today’s world. The WHO reports that global anxiety and depression cases rose by 25% during the COVID-19 pandemic, and studies indicate that anxiety rates continue to climb into 2024, particularly among young adults and professionals.
But amid these struggles, one positive trend is clear: more people are seeking professional help. The stigma around therapy and considering medication as part of treatment has significantly decreased, which is a huge step forward in mental health care.
Rising Anxiety Among NYC Professionals
As a therapist based in New York City, I’ve seen how the unique pressures of urban life amplify these challenges. New York is filled with ambitious professionals, but the reality of expensive city living can add an extra layer of stress. The intense pressure to succeed, paired with the rising cost of living, makes it difficult for many of my clients to maintain the clinical progress they once could, back when life seemed slower and more predictable.
Many of my clients feel that for every step forward they make in therapy, the relentless pace of city life pushes them one step back. Busy schedules, unavailable partners, and social isolation contribute to a cycle of self-doubt, rumination, and the development of negative core beliefs, which further fuel their anxiety.
Effective Approaches to Managing Anxiety
From my experience, a combination of therapeutic approaches is most effective in managing chronic anxiety. Some of the strategies I find most beneficial include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), both of which have been proven to help clients regulate their emotions and manage distress. For more information on the effectiveness of CBT, you can visit the Beck Institute, founded by Judith Beck, a leading figure in CBT.For my clients, a multi-pronged approach often works best. Some of the strategies I find most beneficial include:
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): This structured, skills-based therapy helps clients regulate their emotions, manage distress, and improve interpersonal effectiveness.
• Mindfulness Techniques: Both interoceptive (awareness of internal bodily sensations) and exteroceptive (awareness of external stimuli) mindfulness practices help clients stay grounded. These are practical, on-the-go tools they can use in daily life.
• Somatic Practices: Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing are invaluable when clients experience physical symptoms of anxiety. By focusing on their breath, they can calm their nervous system and regain a sense of control.
In addition to these therapeutic methods, lifestyle changes like establishing a structured daily routine, engaging in regular physical activity, improving sleep hygiene, and paying attention to nutrition all play significant roles in managing anxiety and depression.
However, it’s important to note that for some clients, therapy and coping strategies alone may not be enough. In these cases, psychiatric medication can be a game-changer, helping clients achieve a sense of balance and make greater strides in therapy.
The Changing Conversation Around Mental Health
Over the last decade, the way we talk about mental health has shifted. Public figures and celebrities have begun sharing their struggles with anxiety, depression, and the therapeutic processes they’ve undergone. This openness has had a ripple effect, encouraging more people to ask for help without shame or fear of judgment. If you’re interested in learning more about CBT methods for managing anxiety and depression, Dr. David Burns’ Feeling Good website is an excellent resource for both therapists and clients.
This shift has been particularly impactful in the South Asian community. In just the last year, I’ve seen a marked increase in South Asians reaching out for therapy. Common concerns include familial conflicts, professional or academic anxiety, marriage issues, and chronic depression. My client base now consists of 98% South Asian clients—something that would have been unimaginable when I first started my practice eight years ago.
Growing Interest in Somatic Therapies
There has also been an increasing curiosity about non-traditional therapeutic methods, such as somatic experiencing and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), especially for trauma. The growing body of research supporting these approaches has helped legitimize their effectiveness, and clients are more willing than ever to explore new avenues for healing.
Interestingly, I’ve noticed an uptick in inquiries about EMDR after Prince Harry publicly discussed his experience with the therapy in 2021. This media exposure seems to have sparked curiosity and a willingness to try new therapeutic methods.
Teletherapy: Expanding Access to Mental Health Care
Another significant change in the mental health landscape has been the advent of teletherapy. This development has made therapy far more accessible than ever before. Clients who live in areas with limited access to culturally attuned therapists can now connect with a therapist from anywhere in the country, as long as the therapist holds licensure in their state.
For example, an Indian client in Wyoming, where South Asian therapists are few and far between, can now connect with a therapist like me, based in New York, thanks to teletherapy. This has broadened the reach of mental health care and made it easier for people to access the quality support they need.
The mental health field is evolving, and with it, the ways we approach and manage anxiety are changing too. As more people seek professional help, more diverse therapeutic methods and tools are being explored. Whether through traditional talk therapy, somatic practices, or psychiatric support, the goal remains the same: to empower individuals to take control of their mental health and lead fulfilling, balanced lives—even in a fast-paced, anxiety-provoking world.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Beck, A. T., & Haigh, E. A. P. (2014). Advances in cognitive theory and therapy: The generic cognitive model. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 10(1), 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-032813-153734
Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT skills training manual (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Van der Kolk, B. (2015). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. New York, NY: Viking.
Authors
Prerna Menon
LCSW | CCTP
Specialties: survivors of childhood sexual abuse & incest survivors, existential crisis, race-based stress, gender identity & sexuality-related conflicts, cross-cultural issues, addiction, international students, family issues & acculturation
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