Experiencing occasional anxiety is normal. However, many people today experience daily anxiety that can develop into an anxiety disorder, characterized by a debilitating sense of nervousness or fear that interferes with day-to-day activities. If you struggle with daily anxiety, here are four treatment options that may benefit you.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Also known as CBT, cognitive behavioral therapy is rooted in the theory that a person’s thoughts can trigger certain feelings and beliefs, ultimately influencing their behavior. Supported by research, CBT can effectively treat anxiety by making you more aware of your negative beliefs and restructuring your thinking.
For example, an anxious person may have a tendency to assume that positive or negative interactions with others are based on how “likeable” they are, making it easier to spiral into anxious thoughts. In this case, CBT can be beneficial by challenging this false assumption and retraining the brain to think more rationally with the help of a trained expert.
Medication
There is a huge emphasis on pharmaceutical interventions when you seek psychiatric services for your anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRI’s, are the most commonly prescribed medications for chronic anxiety. They work by preventing the reabsorption of serotonin within the brain, promoting an increased sense of calm and well-being. Benzodiazepines may be prescribed for more immediate relief for people with acute anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder.
Lifestyle Changes
Exercise, deep breathing techniques, and meditation are some of the non-pharmaceutical treatments that are shown to be effective against anxiety. Valued for being safe, non-invasive, and drug-free, this holistic approach aims to lower your anxiety by improving your overall quality of life.
Support Groups
Anxiety support groups are beneficial for this condition by providing a community of like-minded individuals. Activities in a support group may include sharing experiences, learning coping strategies, and receiving emotional support that may be lacking in other parts of your life. Along with general anxiety, there are groups for subcategories of anxiety, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety, agoraphobia, and more. Support groups tend to be less expensive than one-on-one counseling sessions and can be free or require a small fee.
Mental health is an important aspect of your overall health. In this day and age, many people struggle to balance the various demands of modern life, which opens the door for anxiety. Fortunately, recovery is possible with professional guidance, medication, and proper self-care.
About the author:
Dixie Somers is a freelance writer and blogger for business, home, and family niches. Dixie lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and is the proud mother of three beautiful girls and wife to a wonderful husband.