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Dealing with anxiety isn’t easy, but it is possible to live a normal life with the right treatment and support. Learn how anxiety can be managed successfully
Dealing with anxiety isn’t easy, but it is possible to live a normal life with the right treatment and support.
Normalizing your anxiety and finding strategies to reduce stress, change negative thought patterns, and invest in self-care are key to managing your condition successfully.
What is anxiety?
We all have anxious moments sometimes. But if you constantly experience fear, dread, or uneasiness even in nonthreatening situations, you may have an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders can interfere with your ability to function on a daily basis, affecting your work, school performance, social interactions, and all other aspects of your life.
What are the signs and symptoms of anxiety?
Common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Palpitations
- Chest tightness
- Panic attacks
- Feelings of apprehension
- Irritability
- Tremors or twitches
- Frequent urination or diarrhea
How is anxiety treated?
Treatment of anxiety depends on the nature and severity of the disorder, and usually involves a combination of medications, therapy, and self-care.
Medication
Medications can help improve symptoms of anxiety and usually include:
- Anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines work quickly and are effective in reducing uneasiness and stress.
- Antidepressants can help change the way the brain processes specific chemicals to regulate mood and reduce stress.
- Beta-blockers can help alleviate some of the physical symptoms of anxiety disorder, such as palpitation and sweating.
Counseling and therapy
Standard treatment for anxiety includes psychological counseling and therapy. Approaches include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) involves teaching you techniques to recognize your thought patterns and behavior and then work towards improving them.
- Exposure therapy aims to help you confront your feelings instead of avoiding them and then deal with them in a healthy way.
Self-care
In mild cases, anxiety can be managed at home without clinical supervision:
- Stress management: Limiting potential triggers and managing stress levels.
- Relaxation techniques: Practicing breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, etc.
- Support networks: Talking about anxious feelings with a loved one.
- Exercise: Physical activities can help trigger the release of chemicals in the brain that stimulate positive feelings.
