Treating Anxiety

Anxiety is an emotion that can affect you in many ways. It can feel intense, and it might cause you to stop doing things that you usually enjoy. It can interfere with your ability to perform at work and socialize with your friends and whanau.

It can also cause physical symptoms like a pounding heart or stomach cramps. These can be a sign of an anxiety disorder and they need to be treated.

Most people feel some anxiety at times. This is normal, but when it is too much and interferes with your daily life, you may have an anxiety disorder.

Some people with an anxiety disorder have panic attacks, where their feelings of fear or danger get too much and they can’t control them. These episodes happen in a flash and leave you feeling helpless and overwhelmed.

Panic attacks are often treated by setting you up with therapy or medication. These can do a lot to stop the episode from happening again.

Your doctor can talk to you about your symptoms and what might be causing them. They can also do tests to see if you have a medical condition that is causing your anxiety.

Psychotherapy is an effective treatment for most kinds of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It teaches you how to recognize thoughts and behaviors that make you anxious. It can help you change these habits and beliefs so that they no longer influence your actions.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that can help you understand how your thoughts and behavior make you anxious. You can do this through talking with a psychologist or through online or smartphone programs.

Self-help strategies are also an important part of your treatment plan. Using relaxation techniques and breathing exercises can ease your anxiety.

Other strategies include a healthy diet, exercise and stress management. Some dietary supplements are also used to treat anxiety, but you need to talk with your doctor before taking them.

Getting enough sleep is important for your mental and physical health. You need at least 7 hours of sleep a night to function well. If you’re not sleeping enough, it can make your anxiety worse.

Avoiding alcohol and other drugs can also reduce your symptoms of anxiety. If you’re having trouble quitting, see your doctor or find a support group.

Keep active, stay social and avoid letting your worries isolate you. Participate in activities that make you feel good about yourself, such as spending time with your family or playing a sport.

Learn new coping skills and try out different ones to see which works best for you. It might take some trial and error, but with dedication and patience, you can overcome your anxiety.

When your anxiety is controlled, you can start living a more normal life. Some people have to work harder at coping with their feelings of anxiety and worry, but the good news is that most people who suffer from anxiety can lead a healthy life.