Are you mentally and physically exhausted, consumed with worry to the point that it interferes with every aspect of your life? If so, you are suffering some form of anxiety. When you are caught in the vice-like grip of anxiety, it can be nearly impossible to imagine ever being free. Fortunately, however, anxiety can be effectively treated. For the vast majority of patients, their quality of life improves dramatically. Read on for treatment options for various forms of anxiety.
Treating Generalised Anxiety – There is a plethora of ways to treat Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD); so choose one (or a combination) which suits you.
Changing thought patterns – When you worry, you engage in negative self-talk about trying circumstances. While you may think worrying is preparing you to face the worst-case scenario, more often than not, it is unproductive. Once you give up the idea that worrying is helpful, you can challenge these irrational fears and learn to accept that life has uncertainties.
Connect with others – GAD often leaves you feeling powerless and alone. However, the more connected you are, the less vulnerable you’ll feel. Building a strong support system will dramatically improve your physical and emotional health while providing confidence that someone will always be there for you.
Self-management techniques like these are sufficient for most GAD sufferers. However, if you still feel overburdened, seek professional help.
Treating Hereditary Anxiety – According to common belief, hereditary traits and problems are hardwired and therefore, can’t be fixed. Fortunately, this is not the case for hereditary anxiety. Traditional anxiety treatments, such as medication, cognitive behavioural therapy and self-care techniques are just as effective in treating hereditary anxiety.
Treating Organic Anxiety – Talk therapy is the most efficient way to help manage organic anxiety. Even if nothing can be done to ease physical pain, talking to a psychologist can help you get on top of the “worry factors” that provoke the anxiety.
Treating Phobia-related Anxiety – While phobia-related anxiety can be paralysing, with simple self-help techniques, you can overcome these fears and restore your quality of life.
Challenge negative thoughts – Identify the negative thought patterns, which underlie your fear. For instance, if you are anxious in social situations, the underlying negative thought may be: “I won’t have anything to say. People will think I’m boring”. Then, challenge the validity of these ideas by questioning them. Ask yourself, “Why wouldn’t people be interested in what I have to say?” Through logical evaluation of negative thoughts, you can replace them with positive ways of looking at social situations.
Control your breathing – Your body experiences many changes when anxious; one of the most noticeable changes is rapid breathing. This can throw oxygen levels off-balance, leading to physical anxiety symptoms, including dizziness, increased heart rate and muscle tension. Next time you start feeling anxious, practice simple breathing exercises to decrease anxiety symptoms.
Face your fear – While much easier said than done, facing the trigger(s) of your phobia will help you overcome it. Avoiding phobia triggers will only make the situation worse in your mind, and thus harder to deal with when you encounter it.
Whatever its origin, anxiety can be truly debilitating. The good news is, vast arrays of treatment options are available. From self-care techniques, to talk therapy or medication, patient outcomes are very positive, with a patient’s quality of life improving dramatically. You do not have to live with anxiety. Seek help and regain control of your life.