Anxiety has a number of shapes and forms. For some people, anxiety is absolutely debilitating---preventing them from leaving their homes. For others, anxiety is an acute problem that prevents them from living their lives to the fullest. There are several ways to lessen moderate to severe anxiety; the level of anxiety will determine the type of treatment that is right for you.
Psychotherapy
Anxiety is a common mental health issue plaguing more than 18 percent of Americans over the age of 18, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. These anxieties manifest in a number of ways, from obsessive-compulsive disorder to social phobias. A mental health professional can help you sort out the causes of your anxiety and diagnose any anxiety disorder you may have. Psychotherapy will also aid in identifying techniques that work best for you to limit or eliminate your anxiety.
Medications
A psychiatrist or physician may determine that your anxiety is severe enough to treat with medication. Not all anxieties are curable by medications, but symptoms are often reduced under treatment, making your anxiety more manageable. Commonly, you can expect your doctor to prescribe an antidepressant, anti-anxiety drug or a beta-blocker. Physicians often prescribe antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs to cure long-term or chronic anxiety conditions. However, beta-blockers can treat phobias, such as public speaking, instantly when a predictable situation is arriving, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Herbal Remedies
Kava is an herbal remedy that may reduce varying degrees of anxiety, according to Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, a Mayo Clinic psychiatrist. The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about the use of kava in 2002 because of the potential for liver damage. Other herbal remedies that may reduce anxiety include valerian, passionflower and theanine. However, Hall-Flavin notes that these alternatives may be less effective than kava.
Physical Activity
Exercise has long been thought to elevate mood. It now appears that exercise may do much more than that by reducing depression, blood pressure and anxiety, according to Dr. Daniel M. Landers of Arizona State University. Landers states that optimal results are seen in patients with high levels of anxiety who engage in aerobic exercise over several weeks. Whether you suffer from severe or acute anxiety, exercise can be among the easiest and cheapest ways to lessen anxiety.
