The Effects Of Living with Anxiety

Anxiety disorders can be managed. People with anxiety disorders have options when it comes to treatment. Many people choose to work with their doctors and personal therapists to better cope with anxiety and stress. Sometimes medication will be prescribed along with counselling and therapy as a way to manage anxiety and perhaps reduce some of the symptoms or severity of an anxiety disorder

Just as there are many types of anxiety disorders, there are many types of therapies. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that therapy is the key to reducing and overcoming the effects of anxiety. Therapy can help you better understand what your anxiety is trying to tell you, it can then guide you through various techniques that can help reduce the uncomfortable feelings that often accompany anxiety.

Although many types of therapy are used to treat anxiety disorders, studies show that cognitive-behavioral therapy is particularly helpful. This type of psychotherapy (or “talk therapy”) teaches you how to change the way you react to certain situations and allows you to better control your anxiety.

Complementary Treatments

Complementary treatments for anxiety, in addition to counselling, are gaining popularity as people look to utilize any means of addressing their symptoms. Complementary treatments are utilized in conjunction with traditional medical therapies. 

The symptoms of anxiety disorders can often be debilitating and make it difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks or meet the demands of your work, home, or school life. Below are some things you can do to treat your anxiety in addition to therapy:

• Exercise and stay active.  Exercise has been shown to assist in mood improvement and overall feelings of well-being. 
• Healthy lifestyle choices.  In addition to a regular exercise regimen, a healthy diet can also be used to combat anxiety.
• Social interaction.  Although this may be initially hard, pursuing social interaction and developing caring relationships can be a healthy distraction that can lessen feelings of worry and anxiety.

• Avoid caffeine, drugs and alcohol. Substance use and misuse can cause or worsen feelings of anxiety. In addition, having to quit caffeine which is classified as a stimulant, drugs or alcohol can further exacerbate anxious feelings.

Anxiety is not a character flaw but a common experience that can be managed through various means such as therapy or counselling and medication. Anxiety can accompany many different sensations, including physical, emotional and cognitive symptoms. A qualified therapist can help you understand your anxiety and teach you how to manage it. 

Like many other health conditions, anxiety can be harder to treat the longer you wait. It’s important to get help early on so you can tackle the issues you are facing and start living a happier and more productive life.