Anxiety is a normal part of life, but when it takes over and gets out of control, it can be a big problem. The good news is that anxiety disorders can be treated.
Treatment is usually done with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Lifestyle changes also can be helpful.
Triggers
Anxiety is a mental health condition that can be triggered by different things. It can affect a person’s mood, body chemistry and thoughts.
Triggers can be a variety of things, from major life stressors to past trauma. Identifying these triggers can help you cope better and manage anxiety more effectively.
Identifying your triggers can also help you figure out what causes you to feel anxious. You can keep a journal or download an anxiety app to track your feelings and see if there are common triggers for you.
The media can also be a trigger for some people, as it often reports on young deaths and dangers. This can make you think about a situation that could happen to you or someone you know, creating anxiety.
A health diagnosis that’s upsetting or difficult, such as cancer or a chronic illness, can also cause anxiety. Some medications, particularly stimulants, can increase your symptoms.
Symptoms
Everyone feels anxiety or fear from time to time, but it can become excessive and irrational. If you feel this is impacting on your life, it could be that you have an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders are very common, and are most often caused by a combination of stressful or traumatic events in your life. These can include the death of a loved one, trauma or prolonged illness.
Panic attacks are a type of panic disorder, and may cause physical reactions including sweating, trembling, faintness, rapid heartbeat, difficulties breathing or nausea. Some people may go to extreme lengths to avoid situations they think could bring on an attack.
If you think you might have an anxiety disorder, see your doctor. They will check for underlying health conditions and refer you to a mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Behavioral choices can increase anxiety
Anxiety can be a debilitating condition. It can limit your ability to work or study and can interfere with your family life. However, you can overcome anxiety with the right treatment.
In order to find the most effective method, you will want to consider a number of factors. First, your doctor will need to know what type of anxiety you have. He or she may prescribe antidepressants or tranquilisers to help you relax. They should also monitor you for side effects.
Second, you should consider the various coping strategies you can try. For instance, you could learn how to use breathing techniques to calm your nerves. Or, you could join a support group.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety is one of the most effective treatments available today. It works by challenging automatic thoughts and changing your behavior to alleviate symptoms. The effects of CBT last long after the treatment is complete.
It’s important to make a commitment to treatment. Many people choose to combine medication with CBT, but both approaches are effective. You can also use hypnosis or mindfulness meditation to help you manage your anxiety.
The goal of therapy is to change your behavior so you can stop worrying about things that won’t happen. In most cases, patients start by learning how to identify their problem behaviors.
Exposure therapy
Exposure therapy is a mental health treatment used to decrease anxiety and reduce fear. It can be performed in a clinical setting or in a more casual environment. The goal is to help the patient learn to face situations that they previously avoided.
Exposure therapy is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy. In this form of therapy, the patient is asked to perform a predetermined task when they begin to feel anxious. For instance, if they are experiencing social anxiety, the therapist might ask them to remember a traumatic experience. Or, they might be told to handle a snake.
There are two types of exposure-based therapy: in vivo and in vitro. The latter is particularly effective for phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Anti-anxiety medicines
Anti-anxiety medicines may be prescribed to help you feel more relaxed and calm. These medications work by blocking certain chemicals in your brain that cause anxiety. You can use them to relieve symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and an increased heart rate.
There are several different types of anti-anxiety medicines, such as benzodiazepines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Each one has its own benefits and risks.
Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Klonopin, and Ativan are used to treat panic and anxiety attacks. They reduce the amount of stress in your body and give you instant relief. However, they are also habit-forming. If you take them long-term, they can affect your memory and breathing.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatments available for anxiety. They include psychological therapies and medication.
Psychological therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), teaches you to change your thinking and behavior. It may also involve exposure therapy – where you learn to face and overcome fears that trigger anxiety symptoms.
Medications, such as benzodiazepines and SSRI antidepressants, can help relieve symptoms of anxiety. They have a range of side effects and should be taken under the supervision of a doctor.
Your doctor will work with you to find the best combination of medications for you. They’ll check to make sure that you don’t have any serious side effects and that you don’t build up a tolerance to them.
Many people who have anxiety disorders find they get better with treatment. You can try different types of treatments, such as mindfulness, hypnotherapy and self-help techniques, to see which works for you. You can also join support groups to meet others with the same condition as you.
Prevention
Several factors can contribute to anxiety, including genetics and environmental stressors. Children who have been abused or who witnessed traumatic events are at higher risk of developing anxiety disorders, as are people who have chronic health problems that can cause them to be anxious.
Personality traits and family history also may predispose someone to developing an anxiety disorder, although these tend to be less common than other mental health conditions. Having a medical condition, such as a thyroid problem or heart arrhythmia, can produce or aggravate anxiety symptoms, and drug or alcohol use can trigger them as well.
Another prevention strategy is to identify your triggers, which can help you understand when an episode of anxiety is most likely to occur. This can be done by keeping a diary or tracking your thoughts and feelings over time. You can even find a support group or an online forum to help you with this process.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatments available for anxiety. They include psychological therapies and medication.
Psychological therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), teaches you to change your thinking and behavior. It may also involve exposure therapy – where you learn to face and overcome fears that trigger anxiety symptoms.
Medications, such as benzodiazepines and SSRI antidepressants, can help relieve symptoms of anxiety. They have a range of side effects and should be taken under the supervision of a doctor.
Your doctor will work with you to find the best combination of medications for you. They’ll check to make sure that you don’t have any serious side effects and that you don’t build up a tolerance to them.
Many people who have anxiety disorders find they get better with treatment. You can try different types of treatments, such as mindfulness, hypnotherapy and self-help techniques, to see which works for you. You can also join support groups to meet others with the same condition as you.
Prevention
Several factors can contribute to anxiety, including genetics and environmental stressors. Children who have been abused or who witnessed traumatic events are at higher risk of developing anxiety disorders, as are people who have chronic health problems that can cause them to be anxious.
Personality traits and family history also may predispose someone to developing an anxiety disorder, although these tend to be less common than other mental health conditions. Having a medical condition, such as a thyroid problem or heart arrhythmia, can produce or aggravate anxiety symptoms, and drug or alcohol use can trigger them as well.
Another prevention strategy is to identify your triggers, which can help you understand when an episode of anxiety is most likely to occur. This can be done by keeping a diary or tracking your thoughts and feelings over time. You can even find a support