Most people experience anxiety at some point in their lives. Anxiety is the body's natural response to the stressful conditions it faces on a daily basis. Many people cope with stress and recover from these situations. Anxiety becomes an issue when people don't recover from stressful situations or they develop irrational fears that interfere with their daily lives. The National Institute of Mental Health says the five major types of anxieties include general anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and social phobias. The best therapy for anxiety consists of multiple treatment methods.
Take Anti-Anxiety Medications
After physicians and psychiatrists evaluate and diagnose anxiety disorders, patients receive prescriptions to treat their condition. The medications used by doctors for anxiety therapy include antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs and beta-blockers. These medications help patients conduct their daily activities. Doctors often have to try various doses in order to find the right one for their patient's condition. Qualified doctors and psychiatrists will explain how often a patient should take their medication and possible side effects from the drugs. The National Institute of Mental Health says that people should continue taking their medications in order for them to work properly. People who stop taking medications have anxiety relapses.
See a Qualified Therapist
Psychotherapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), is an effective part of therapy for anxiety. In CBT, patients speak to qualified mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and counselors who will help patients deal with the sources of their anxiety. This treatment option works in conjunction to medication or as a solo treatment option. According to The National Institute of Mental Health, CBT helps people change the thinking patterns that lead to fear and anxiety. People become desensitized to anxiety triggers. Therapy can last 12 weeks or longer, depending on the anxiety disorder. Insurance covers many psychotherapy treatments.
Do Relaxation Techniques and Exercise Regularly
Exercise and relaxation techniques are the best therapies for anxiety because these activities reduce stress and anxiety, relax the mind and body, and keep the body healthy. The Treatment for Anxiety, an anxiety and mental health website, suggests that anxiety sufferers engage in 30 minutes of daily exercise to reduce panic attacks and help eliminate anxiety by balancing the brain chemistry. Deep breathing and gentle exercises like Tai Chi and Qi Gong help patients better deal with stress.
Try Complementary Anxiety Therapy Options
Complementary therapy for anxiety includes massages, acupressure, acupuncture, aromatherapy and herbs, which work to restore mental and physical health. Asian and Native American cultures have used herbs to treat anxiety for hundreds of years. Health Guidance, a website offering guidelines for better health, suggests herbal anxiety remedies including passion flower, lavender and lemon balm.
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