Anxiety management relates to the treatment of various anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is also related to developing coping mechanisms to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder. Management techniques can range from drug therapy to psychotherapy as well as holistic approaches such as meditation. Though anxiety can be debilitating in the most severe cases, anxiety can be managed and treated with much success.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, is a tried and true method of managing anxiety. Psychotherapy involves meeting with a psychologist or psychiatrist who teaches you techniques to help you cope with your particular anxiety disorder.
Talking with a professional therapist can help you learn to think positive when the negative thoughts become overwhelming, teach you how to curb excessive worrying and help you develop methods of dealing with past traumatic experiences that may be causing anxiety.
Drug Therapy
Drug therapy involves taking various medications to alleviate symptoms of anxiety. The Mayo Clinic lists three major types of medications used to treat anxiety: antidepressants, benzodiazepines and buspirone. Antidepressants work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain that are thought to be one of the major causes of anxiety.
Benzodiazepines are usually prescribed for the "short-term relief of acute anxiety." Benzodiazepines can lead to dependence, and prolonged use is not recommended. Buspirone is an anti-anxiety medication that works like an antidepressant, and can be used for a longer period of time than benzodiazepines.
Home Remedies
The Mayo Clinic lists several home remedies and lifestyle changes that aid in anxiety management. Exercise, a good night's sleep and a healthy diet can all help reduce mild to moderate anxiety. Regular exercise is well known as a means of reducing stress and increasing endorphins in the brain, which are chemicals that promote a general sense of well-being. Sleeping and eating well help keep the body balanced so it's less likely to succumb to anxiety symptoms.
Support Groups
Joining an anxiety support group can be extremely beneficial in managing worries and negative thoughts. In a support group, you can share your personal experiences with others who have most likely endured similar struggles, and who will be able to teach you new ways of coping.
Sometimes being surrounded by people who understand your plight can be highly rewarding, especially if you feel that family members and friends do not fully understand your condition. Medline Plus also recommends seeking therapeutic treatment in a group setting, which can be more beneficial than typical one-on-one sessions with a therapist.
Meditation
Meditation, which involves techniques like finding a quiet place to relax, breathe deeply and be alone with your thoughts, can help with anxiety management. Psychology researcher Phillipe Goldin, whose study was published in the "Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy," asked participants with social anxiety disorder to perform several different meditation techniques--lying down, walking around and controlling their breathing--for a period of two months.
Goldin found that after the two-month period, participants worried less and generally had a more positive outlook on life.
You can also try meditation techniques such as the ones described above as anxiety management tools. It will take time, but regular meditation can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety without the use of medication.
