Anxiety sufferers know that excessive nervousness and worry can get in the way of life at home, work and school. Whether anxiety is mild or severe, it is important to find a healthy way of managing it so that it does not life. Medication and psychological counseling are good options for those who frequently suffer from severe anxiety or nervousness. Relaxation techniques and herbal remedies may help with milder cases of anxiety or provide supplemental treatment for an existing treatment plan.
Medication
If anxiety problems are severe enough, as in the case of acute anxiety attacks, medication may be used as a method of treatment. Buspirone, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants are all sometimes used to treat anxiety. Benzodiazepines have a sedative effect that can be helpful during an anxiety attack, but these are habit-forming and should not be used long term. Antidepressants take several weeks to begin improving mood and may not provide full relief from anxiety. Buspirone is more commonly prescribed because it is effective and non-habit forming. Medication is usually only a temporary fix for anxiety problems. Serious anxiety may require therapy in addition to medication.
Therapy
If anxiety is severe enough to your daily life, consider starting some type of therapy. A therapist can help you understand the reason for your anxiety as well as better control it. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of therapy that has been particularly useful in the treatment of anxiety. This type of therapy involves teaching the patient to identify irrational thoughts that cause anxiety and to employ techniques to rationalize his thinking.
Relaxation Strategies
Relaxation techniques are a good solution for anyone looking to complement an existing anxiety treatment plan or for anyone who would like to pursue a self-help approach to beating anxiety. These strategies can be used every day or in stressful or anxiety-provoking situations to lower a person's level of arousal or nervousness and restore a calm physical and mental state. Some relaxation strategies that are useful for anxiety problems include yoga, tai chi, meditation, visualization, aromatherapy, journal keeping, deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.
Herbal Remedies
Some herbal supplements can sometimes be used to treat mild anxiety. Herbal practitioners recommend ginkgo biloba, St. John's wort, kava kava and chamomile. If you decide to use any type of herbal supplement to treat anxiety, consult a physician or herbal practitioner beforehand. Herbs can sometimes cause allergic reactions or dangerous interactions with other medications.
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