Anxiety can have a serious impact on daily life. Living with constant fear, worry, or obsessive thoughts can be exhausting and frustrating. However, there are several different treatment options that can provide some relief. Here are few ways you can start dealing with anxiety!
Initially, many people try over the counter anxiety medication. One popular herbal supplement that has been used for hundreds of years is Passion Flower. The leaves and petals of this plant are used to make tea. It is used as a calming agent and helps to relieve both anxiety and insomnia. While generally safe to use, it is recommended that adults ingest 200 mg or less per day to avoid overdose. Another popular herbal supplement used is St. John’s Wort. It is mainly used to treat depression and anxiety in children and young adults.
While this is an inexpensive way to naturally treat mild anxiety, there are some side effects. In the beginning, there could be some nausea or upset stomach. St. John’s Wort is also not regulated by the FDA; therefore, the ingredients may not all be listed and there may not be warnings on the package. Another popular over the counter remedy is Valerian Root. The root of the plant is ground and made into tea. It is also available in pill form for those who cannot tolerate the taste of the tea. Valerian Root has been approved by the FDA but should not be used by children, or pregnant or nursing women. Some common side effects include headache, upset stomach, drowsiness, and feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
For more moderate to severe anxiety, a prescription medication may be needed. The three types of drugs that are most commonly used to treat anxiety are antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and beta-blockers. The anxiety medication prescribed varies depending on a specific diagnosis. Antidepressants are used primarily to treat general anxiety disorder, panic attacks, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. There are many types of antidepressants, but the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are most commonly used to treat anxiety. These medications regulate serotonin levels in the brain to elevate mood. Examples of SSRIs are Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, and Celexa. Typically, antidepressants are taken for four to six months, but that also varies among individual patients. Some common side effects of antidepressants include: dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, constipation, headache, and sexual problems. Anti-anxiety medications are also used to treat severe anxiety.
These drugs are also known as tranquilizers, and they work by slowing down the central nervous system. Benzodiazepines are the most common type of anti-anxiety medicine prescribed. This class of medication includes Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, and Ativan. While Benzodiazepines are fast-acting, they can also have many side effects. Many people experience drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, confusion, forgetfulness, impaired thinking, and slow reflexes. The third common type of prescription medication used to treat anxiety is the beta blockers. These are more helpful for the physical symptoms of anxiety such as, shaky hands, rapid heart rate, and sweating. The drugs from this class that are commonly prescribed are propranolol and atenolol. Some side effects to these medications are sleepiness, nausea, dizziness, and slow pulse.
In many cases, simply getting enough exercise can be enough to alleviate mild anxiety. While exercising, the body releases endorphins to the brain, which improve mood. It can also be a great way to relieve stress and clear the mind. In addition to anxiety relief, exercise provides many health benefits. It improves muscle tone, helps with cardiovascular health, and is an important factor in weight management. When beginning a new exercise routine, it is vital to start slowly to prevent injury. Begin with short walks, and gradually increase distance and pace. In addition to cardiovascular exercise, yoga or Pilates can be helpful for relaxation and stress relief.
Meditation and relaxation techniques can be helpful to individuals who suffer from mild to moderate anxiety. When taking meditation into consideration, it is important to choose a quiet location away from all distractions. There are two different types of meditation can alleviate anxiety. The first is breathing meditation. The purpose is to breathe deeply to increase the oxygen supply to the body. Sitting with the spine straight and breathing deeply for approximately ten minutes can help a person feel more energetic and refreshed. Using proper breathing techniques can also improve the function of internal organs. The other form of meditation commonly used for anxiety is called mindfulness meditation. This is done by sitting straight up with hands resting on the thighs. Focus on breathing and clear the mind of all thought and emotion. This type of meditation may be difficult for beginners, so start slowly. Begin by meditating for five minutes and increase the amount of time as it becomes easier to calm and relax the body.
While not as common, massage therapy is another way to treat anxiety through relaxation. It can work well to treat mild to moderate anxiety, especially when used in conjunction with another treatment method. The benefits of therapeutic massage are improved circulation, improved immune function, and better sleep. Although massage can be a great natural way to relieve anxiety, it may not be the most cost effective treatment.
Therapy is the most effective way to treat anxiety as a whole. While medication and other treatment focus on the symptoms of anxiety, therapy can be used to get to the root of the problem. It can be difficult to treat anxiety without understanding the underlying issues that cause constant fear and worry. Therapy can be useful to developing coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills. The type of therapy used is determined based on specific symptoms and varies among individuals. The most common type is cognitive behavior therapy. Cognitive therapy focuses on how negative thoughts can contribute to anxiety. Behavior therapy examines behavior and reaction to situations that cause anxiety.
Treatment for anxiety is different for everyone. A person who suffers from mild anxiety will require different treatment than someone with severe anxiety. Although dealing with anxiety can be a lifelong process, there are many techniques and treatments that can be effective.