Taking medications, especially new medications, can cause concern and worry about effectiveness and possible side effects. But having anxiety itself can cause health problems, including decreased appetite, fatigue, elevated heart rate and sleeplessness, which will only add to your health problems rather than making them better. Anxious thoughts usually stem from your current beliefs, according to Health Guide. Confronting your fears can help you dispel your anxiety.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor. The physician who is prescribing your medication is the best person to explain its function, effectiveness and side effects. He should be well versed in your particular medical condition and the best course of treatments, and he most likely has treated other patients with the same medication.
Step 2
Seek a second opinion. Visit other physicians in this particular specialty and inquire about their preferred method of treatment and drugs. Clearly explain your concern over the drug that you are or will be taking and ask the doctor to address each side effect so you have a clear picture of the drug's properties.
Step 3
Talk to other patients who have your particular medical condition or who have taken the specific drug. People who have first-hand experience with a medication are often able to give you an honest and accurate review of the drug's effectiveness and side effects.
Step 4
Find a support group of family and friends with whom you can discuss your concerns. When trying to manage anxiety alone it can often become worse; the absence of realistic feedback can cause you to develop more fear on top of your current anxieties, according to Johns Hopkins Health Alerts.
Step 5
Write your anxieties down on paper and attack them one at a time. Keeping your anxieties in your head can cause you to lose grasp and things can seem worse than they really are. Writing your fears down helps get them out of your head, while also allowing you to map out a game plan for attacking each one.
Step 6
Eat a healthy diet. Eating foods high in sugar or fat can actually make your anxiety worse, as these substances put stress on your body, which is already under stress due to your anxiety.
Step 7
Exercise regularly. Exercise is an effective method for relieving stress and helping your body and mind to relax. Aim for three to five cardiovascular workouts per week, such as on the stationary bike, elliptical trainer or treadmill.
Things You'll Need
- Cardiovascular exercise equipment
