Anxiety disorders can cause havoc in your life once symptoms start. It is important to consult your doctor for a formal diagnosis before starting any treatment plan. Anxiety disorders come in many forms such as obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder and generalized anxiety. In these disorders the main complaint is feeling extreme nervousness or fear that is debilitating. Treating anxiety effectively will help you cope with these fears and behaviors.
Step 1
Take prescription medications such as antidepressants, mild tranquilizers or anti-anxiety medications as directed by your physician. According to the Mayo Clinic, some common medications to treat this condition include flouexitine, buspar and lorazepam. These medications work by affecting the chemicals in your body that affect mood.
Step 2
Seek psychotherapy from a licensed therapist. This requires regular visits to talk about your feelings and triggers that cause anxiety attacks. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, your therapist can help you understand the thought patterns that contribute to your anxiety, teach you relaxation techniques to help you cope with attacks and also help you determine the subconscious reasoning behind your anxiety and fears.
Step 3
Get plenty of exercise. Take long walks, attend Pilates classes or go cycling to calm yourself. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise is a powerful stress reducer and can not only improve your mood but keep you healthy. Start routines slowly and work your way up to exercising most days of the week, recommends the Mayo Clinic.
Step 4
Get plenty of sleep at night. Anxiety can cause sleep pattern disturbances that your doctor can help you treat with medication and using some relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises and stretching. According to the Mayo Clinic, your sleep quality can greatly affect your mood.
Step 5
Kick bad habits to the curb. Drinking, drug use and smoking all have a sedative affect that can worsen anxiety symptoms along with depression. According to the Mayo Clinic, caffeine also has an adverse effect on anxiety and should be avoided.
Step 6
Eat a well balanced diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids and B vitamins, recommends the Mayo Clinic. These foods help your body to produce normal amounts of seratonin. Seratonin is responsible for fighting depression and anxiety while keeping you energetic and in good spirits.
