According to Dr. Jeanne Segal, a psychologist and managing editor of HelpGuide.org, there is a difference between normal feelings of nervousness and extreme feelings of fear. Segal also states that most who suffer from anxiety suffer from depression at some point. One condition tends to aggravate the other, making it necessary to treat both simultaneously. This can be done a variety of ways, the most common of which is a combination of therapy and medication.
Step 1
Recognize the physical symptoms. Know what the physical symptoms of anxiety disorder are so you don't mistake it for another health condition that can be responsible for similar symptoms. Symptoms include pounding heart, shortness of breath, headaches, diarrhea, sweating, dizziness, insomnia and fatigue.
Step 2
Visit your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you find you are experiencing some or all of the physical symptoms. He can rule out another medical condition that could be responsible for your condition, such as asthma, hypoglycemia and problems with your thyroid. Tell him about other medications you are taking, including supplements or herbal remedies, because those might be an underlying cause.
Step 3
Seek therapy. Talk to a therapist about cognitive-behavior and exposure therapy. According to Segal, these are effective treatments for those suffering from anxiety and depression. Both are types of behavioral therapy that focus on your behavior rather than any psychological issues that might be causing the behavior.
Step 4
Practice relaxation techniques. Include some form of exercise into your daily routine. Thirty minutes a day is usually what you'll need to relieve stress. Add in another technique such as deep-breathing exercises or meditation on a daily basis. Whether it be 10 minutes or 30 minutes, any type of relaxation can help.
Step 5
Take medication. Ask your doctor or therapist about benzodiazepines (tranquilizers), or antidepressants. These might help reduce your bouts of anxiety and depression. Segal does state that these medications are most effective when used in combination with another treatment such as behavioral therapy. Doing so may help reduce your risk of relapsing.
Things You'll Need
- List of symptoms
- Physical exam
- Behavioral therapy
- Relaxation techniques
- Medication
