Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States. It affects 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older. That is nearly 20% of the population! If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from anxiety, you know how debilitating it can be. In this blog post, we will discuss some severe anxiety treatment options that can help you control your triggers.
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What Is Severe Anxiety?
Severe anxiety is an extreme form of anxiety that can interfere with daily activities, and disrupt normal functioning. This makes it difficult to engage in social interaction and other activities. Symptoms of severe anxiety often include panic attacks and irrational fears. Some physical symptoms such as sweating or shaking, difficulty concentrating, and racing thoughts.
The Best Severe Anxiety Treatment
There are a variety of available treatments for severe anxiety:
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychological treatment. It helps individuals identify and change distorted thinking patterns, negative thoughts, and behaviors associated with anxiety. This type of therapy focuses on teaching individuals how to manage stress, and challenge irrational beliefs. This helps to learn to cope more effectively with difficult situations. The mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is another type of CBT that is effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is a type of behavioral therapy that involves gradually exposing individuals to the objects or situations they fear most. The goal is to help them become more comfortable and confident in those situations. This type of treatment is often used when dealing with phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. It works by teaching individuals how to cope with their fears and anxieties in a safe environment.
Medication
Antidepressants, anxiolytics, and other medications can also be used to treat severe anxiety. It’s important to work with a mental health professional when considering medication as it may have side effects, interactions with other medications, or potential risks if not taken properly. The SSRI and SNRI medications are the most commonly prescribed medications for treating anxiety.
Benzodiazepines and other anti-anxiety medications may also be prescribed in some cases. Many antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are available as generic drugs, which can make them more affordable. Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety.
Meditation And Relaxation Techniques
Meditation and relaxation techniques such as yoga, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help to reduce stress levels and cope with anxious thoughts. These techniques can be used anywhere, making them a helpful tool to have in your arsenal when dealing with severe anxiety.
How To Cure Severe Anxiety Naturally?
There are a variety of natural treatments that can help to reduce symptoms of severe anxiety:
Exercises
Regular exercise can help to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. Exercise is known to increase the production of endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals in the brain. It has also been found to reduce levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with increased stress. It is a good idea to stick to low-impact exercises such as yoga, swimming, or walking if you have anxiety.
Proper Sleep And a Healthy Diet
Getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet can help to reduce stress levels. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins may be beneficial for reducing anxiety. It is also important to get at least seven hours of sleep per night to give your body time to rest and recover from daily stressors.
Stop Caffeine And Alcohol Intake
Caffeine and alcohol can both increase anxiety levels, so it is important to limit or avoid these substances. Try to stick to water, herbal teas, and other non-stimulant drinks throughout the day.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies, such as valerian root and chamomile tea, have been used for centuries to help reduce stress and improve sleep. While there is limited scientific evidence for the effectiveness of these remedies, some people find that they can help manage symptoms of anxiety. It is the best practice to consult a doctor before using any herbal remedies.
Alternative Therapies
Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and aromatherapy may also help to reduce anxiety symptoms. Music, art, and light therapies may also be beneficial for managing anxiety. These therapies are often used in conjunction with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy and medications.
Nutritional Supplement
Some research has suggested that certain vitamins and minerals may play a role in reducing symptoms of anxiety. For example, taking a vitamin B complex supplement may be beneficial for people with anxiety. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements to make sure they are right for you.
These treatments are thought to work by activating the body’s relaxation response, which can counteract the effects of stress and anxiety. Additionally, many people find that talking to a counselor or therapist can be beneficial in managing their anxious thoughts and feelings.
Can Severe Anxiety Be Cured?
Although there is no cure for severe anxiety, it can be managed and controlled with the right treatment. Working with a qualified mental health professional is the best way to ensure that you have access to the most appropriate treatment and resources. With proper therapy, medication, lifestyle adjustments, and relaxation techniques, individuals living with severe anxiety can learn to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.
How To Start Dealing With Severe Anxiety?
Here are some tips on how to start dealing with severe anxiety:
- Track Negative Thoughts: Start to track your negative thoughts and note how they make you feel. This will help you to become more aware of anxious thoughts so that you can take steps to replace them with more positive ones.
- Talk To A Mental Health Professional: Talking to a mental health professional about your anxiety is the best way to get started in managing it. The therapist can help you identify the underlying causes of your anxiety and develop a treatment plan that works for you.
- Set Realistic Goals And Expectations: Setting realistic goals and expectations will create structure and purpose in your life which can help reduce stress levels associated with serious anxiety.
- Reconnect With Friends: Reconnecting with friends and family can help to reduce the feeling of isolation that often comes along with severe anxiety. Talking to loved ones about your feelings can help manage stress levels.
- Practice Self-Care: Taking care of yourself should always be a priority when dealing with severe anxiety. Make sure you are taking time for yourself each day to relax, recharge and do things that make you happy.
Conclusion
Severe anxiety can be a debilitating condition, but it can be managed with the right treatment. It is important to talk to a mental health professional about your symptoms and work together to develop an individualized treatment plan that works for you. Making lifestyle changes such as exercise, proper sleep, and nutrition, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, and trying herbal remedies or nutritional supplements may also help reduce stress levels associated with severe anxiety.
For more information, please contact MantraCare. Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, and unease often related to an upcoming event or uncertain outcome. If you have any queries regarding Online Anxiety Counseling experienced therapists at MantraCare can help: Book a trial Anxiety therapy session
