Treating Anxiety Health Article
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Treating Anxiety
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Anxiety—feeling frightened, tense, uneasy—is a normal response to a threat. Anxiety can disrupt your life, but it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Don’t suffer in silence. Anxiety disorders are covered by most health plans. Check what’s covered under your plan. Then ask your doctor or another mental health professional for help.
Helping Yourself
If anxiety is wearing you down, here are some things you can do to cope:
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Don’t fight your feelings. Anxiety feeds itself—the more you worry about it, the worse it gets. Instead, try to identify what might have triggered your anxiety. Then try to put this threat in perspective.
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Keep in mind that you can’t control everything about a situation. Change what you can and let the rest take its course.
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Exercise—it’s a great way to relieve tension and help your body feel relaxed.
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Examine your life for stress, and try to find ways to reduce it.
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Avoid caffeine and nicotine, which can make anxiety symptoms worse.
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Fight the temptation to turn to alcohol or unprescribed drugs for relief. They only make things worse in the long run.
Your Evaluation
To evaluate your anxiety, you’ll be asked about your symptoms and feelings. Answer these questions honestly and openly. You may need a physical exam to be sure that no underlying medical illness is causing your symptoms. You may also be evaluated for depression, which can develop along with anxiety. After you’ve been evaluated, the best treatment can be decided on. Treatment often involves counseling and, occasionally, medications.
Medications
If you’re having anxiety attacks or need extra help for a short period of time, your doctor may prescribe medication. Several types of medication are prescribed for anxiety. Many are habit-forming, so take them exactly as you’re instructed.
Counseling
Counseling can help you change the behaviors and thoughts that contribute to your anxiety. With counseling, you can better understand what makes you feel anxious, develop skills that help you cope with stress, and learn ways to relax. Counseling can also help you face and overcome your fears instead of trying to escape them.