Summarize:

If you are not seeing a therapist, it’s important that you start to see one when you have a severe disorder. Otherwise, the anxiety can continue to increase. A therapist can track your progress over time and see if the condition is improving or worsening. A therapist can provide a diagnosis as well as help you through recovery. Therapy can help bring awareness to the thoughts and behaviors that drive disorders and teach you how to change those thoughts and behaviors. For more information, check out How to Choose a Therapist. Especially if the anxiety seems unmanageable and you feel you are unable to stop it, medication may be necessary for treatment. Make an appointment with a psychiatrist to talk about the possibility of using anxiety medication. It’s important to note that medication often includes side effects, and most anxiety medications are meant for short-term use. If used over prolonged periods of time, anxiety medications run the risk of dependence. Medication is not a long-term solution for anxiety, and it does not treat any underlying causes of anxiety. It is often recommended to simultaneously take medication while in therapy. Some anxiety is so severe that it requires intensive treatment. Residential treatment (continuous day and overnight care) or day-treatment (four to six hours of care each day)  includes on-site care for both medical and psychological needs. Treatment is intense and often includes individual therapy, group therapy, activities, medical check-ups, and monitoring medication. Depending on one’s condition, treatment can last from weeks to months. Whether you have a career or are in school or university, you can reach out for accommodations for anxiety. Your anxiety may affect your ability to perform in a class or work situation, as well as interfere in the learning process. Obtaining accommodations for your anxiety can alleviate a lot of stress that is created by having an anxiety disorder.  For work, know that you cannot be discriminated against for having anxiety and the Americans with Disabilities Act, and, if you choose to discuss your anxiety with your workplace, can find accommodations for work that are appropriate for your job.  If you’re in  school, make sure you document your anxiety with the appropriate professional. For instance, you might have to go to a clinical psychologist to document how your anxiety is affecting your academic performance. You may be allowed extra time on tests, be able to take tests in another room, and have compromises with class participation (for instance, you and your teacher may work out a signal so that he can alert you that he will be calling on you soon).  To get accommodations for a psychiatric condition, you will need an assessment from a clinical psychologist — this cannot be done by your family doctor. The psychologist can write a formal diagnosis for you to show to your employer or school as well as recommendations for you to help with school or work.
Talk to a therapist. See a psychiatrist. Check out residential treatment. Seek accommodations.