Managing the stress of anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder

As we age, our mental health remains just as crucial as our physical health. Despite this, mental health issues can sometimes take a backseat in discussions about senior wellness. Some of the less-understood conditions seniors struggle with are anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Anxiety disorders and OCD are different—but sometimes related—conditions. Both can be made worse by stress and put a lot of strain on our daily lives. 

If you or someone you care for are dealing with this, recognizing and understanding these conditions is the first step toward managing them. CenterWell Pharmacy® is here to help you navigate that journey.

Understanding anxiety

Anxiety is a normal emotional response to things in the world that we see as threats. Anxiety can be triggered by big life changes such as retirement, health issues or losing a loved one. People with anxiety may be on edge, have trouble controlling their worry, have trouble sleeping and even get muscle aches and pains. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can last for weeks, months or even years.¹

In addition to GAD, some people have panic disorder, where they have regular unexpected panic attacks. Others get social anxiety disorder, which is the fear of social situations.¹ Some experience phobia, which is an intense fear of something specific—like heights or snakes.

Experiencing anxiety is common and nothing to be ashamed of. It’s also manageable with the right strategies and support.

Understanding OCD

People struggling with OCD may have uncomfortable and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) or feel a strong need to repeatedly perform certain tasks (compulsions). They can also experience both at once.² Someone with OCD might worry too much about germs (the obsession) and wash their hands repeatedly (the compulsion) to ease their worry.

OCD could include thoughts about doing things we don’t want to do, or an irresistible urge to put things in a specific order.² OCD is like having a song stuck in your head that won't stop playing, and the only way to feel better is to sing along every time it plays. 

While OCD looks different from person to person, it can have a common cause. Many experts believe OCD is caused by too much activity in certain parts of the brain, and that it can be passed down through families. OCD may also lead to substance abuse, eating disorders and other anxiety disorders.³

Get the help you need with CenterWell

If you’ve felt any of these symptoms and are curious about getting help, CenterWell® is here for you. 

Here’s how you can start your wellness journey:

1. Visit a healthcare provider. Your doctor can conduct a physical and psychological exam to find out whether your symptoms are caused by an anxiety disorder, OCD or another condition. If you’re looking for a doctor, consider becoming a CenterWell Primary Care® patient.*
2. Follow your treatment plan. Based on the exam, your doctor can recommend therapy, lifestyle changes and medication. Medications may include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications or beta-blockers.³ If you’re prescribed a medication, you can fill it with CenterWell Pharmacy to get 90-day supplies delivered right to your door.
3. Find a therapy that works for you. Your doctor may refer therapists who provide cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps you learn to change thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety.⁴ Other therapies include exposure and response prevention, which challenges you to face an anxiety trigger without reacting to it, and acceptance and commitment therapy, which uses mindfulness exercises to help you accept your triggers and focus on your life goals instead.⁵ 
4. Schedule regular follow-ups. This allows your doctors to check on your progress, make changes to your treatment and provide more support.

In addition to medication and therapy, you can manage your symptoms by recognizing when you’re feeling anxious, using mindfulness and relaxation techniques, making lifestyle changes and staying connected.

Care that puts you at the center

These anxiety conditions can be frustrating and time-consuming, but here’s the good news: both are treatable. If you’ve started a healthcare journey with CenterWell and need support, or you’re just curious about getting started, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Sources:

1. “Anxiety Disorders,” National Institute of Mental Health, last accessed Dec. 20, 2024.
2. “Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: When Unwanted Thoughts or Repetitive Behaviors Take Over,” National Institute of Mental Health, last accessed Dec. 20, 2024.
3. “Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD),” Johns Hopkins Medicine, last accessed Dec. 20, 2024.
4. “Treatment,” Anxiety & Depression Association of America, last accessed Dec. 20, 2024.
5. “Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD),” Anxiety & Depression Association of America, last accessed Dec. 20, 2024.

* CenterWell Primary Care providers may not be available in all areas. Other primary care providers may be available in your insurance network.

Disclaimer: Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries are committed to keeping humans in the loop. We used artificial intelligence (AI) to help write this. You should speak with a healthcare professional for your health needs, as this article is for informational purposes only.