Everybody experiences anxiety, a normal emotion that occurs when someone is under stress. You might feel anxious when your boss gives you deadlines you don't think you can meet or when your teenage daughter goes on her first date. Many people cope with that stress and anxiety in healthy ways, but some people feel overwhelmed by it and need help in dealing with the resulting anxiety.
Effects of Anxiety
If you constantly feel overwhelmed and anxious, it's probably taking a toll on your relationships and work. You might have a hard time concentrating at work, finishing projects on time and paying attention during business meetings. This could lead to a demotion or job loss which increases financial burdens and anxiety. A lot of energy goes into constant worrying, so you probably don't have the energy to put into cultivating healthy relationships with friends and family members. Your mood will become unstable, you'll find yourself feeling irritable and you'll probably snap at loved ones.
Types of Professional Treatment
There are two main types of professional treatment for anxiety, including therapy and medication. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are the two most common categories of medications used to treat anxiety disorders. Doctors usually prefer prescribing antidepressants, because benzodiazepines, also known as anti-anxiety medications, are known to be addicting and habit-forming. Antidepressants can take up to four weeks to become effective, so benzodiazepines might have to be used for someone needing immediate relief.
Many therapists use cognitive-behavioral therapy to treat anxiety disorders, according to the Mayo Clinic; other options exist such as exposure therapy for specific phobias, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy. Therapy for anxiety disorders is usually short-term lasting between 12 and 16 weeks.
Types of Alternative Treatment
Some people hesitate when doctors recommend medication for anxiety and would rather find alternative treatments to cope with the symptoms. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America reports that acupuncture, yoga, massage therapy and art, music and dance therapy are good alternative ways to treat anxiety. Kava, a plant found in the South Pacific, may also be another option for people looking for natural ways to deal with anxiety.
Considerations
When determining your course of treatment, you should take into consideration your specific diagnosis, other mental health issues such as substance abuse and depression, and the level of support you receive from friends and family members. If you don't have support, you might want to join a support group. If you suffer from mild anxiety, you're less likely to need professional treatment than someone who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Self-help
Helpguide.org reports that there are many things individuals can do on their own to cope with anxiety. These self-help techniques include accepting uncertainty, creating a specific worry period, combating irrational and negative thoughts, practicing and implementing relaxation techniques such as meditation and prioritizing healthy habits such as regular exercise. It's also important to build a healthy support system and to learn how to prevent stress.
