Excessive worry, fear and overwhelm in response to everyday situations could indicate an anxiety disorder. This type of anxiety response is unhealthy and can prevent you from functioning properly at work and in the community.
Each of us will have reason to feel anxious at some point. Anxiety is a normal physiological response to a challenging life experience. For most of us, the anxious feelings soon pass.
The symptoms for anxiety are many, but a few of the most common include:
- Nervousness
- Feeling helpless
- An overwhelming sense of panic or danger for no apparent reason
- Hyperventilation
- Rapid heart rate
- Unexplained trembling
- Sweating
- Obsessing over a trigger situation
When you are overcome with anxiety, it can be challenging to control the symptoms. When you struggle with anxiety, it can be hard to get through your regular daily activities. Many find that anxiety makes it difficult to settle down in the evening and get enough sleep at night.
The following strategies may also help you cope with the symptoms of anxiety:
1. Know Your Triggers
Some actions or situations are more likely to trigger an episode than others. Learn what these are by working with a mental health professional. When you understand your triggers, you will be ready for them and more in control when they occur.
2. Start a Journal
Keeping a journal of your personal life can teach you much about your condition. Journaling can be cathartic, but when you mentally review your day by writing it down, it can help you identify your triggers, as well as the things that make you feel better.
3. Eat a Healthy Diet
The brain is a complex biological organism we know precious little about, but we know a healthy diet rich in fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and fish can help reduce anxiety and stress levels.
4. Get Plenty of Sleep
Even people without anxiety issues have trouble getting through a day when they haven’t gotten enough sleep. If you are having trouble sleeping, health care professionals can help.
5. Learn Stress Management Techniques
There are a lot of stress management techniques to help you manage anxiety, so if you don’t like one, there’s bound to be something else you will enjoy. Try meditation, yoga, visualization, or deep breathing exercises.
6. Avoid Drug and Alcohol Use
Drugs and alcohol are more substances that people often turn to for relief. However, they only end up causing other issues and introducing more sources of stress into your life.
7. Stay Active
Add physical activity to your routine, so you are doing a little bit every day. It doesn’t have to be the gym or Pilates class. Twenty to thirty minutes a day of vigorous gardening or walking the dog will do the trick, with fresh air and sunshine added bonuses.
8. Reach out for Support
Issues with extreme anxiety rarely fix themselves, and in many instances, unresolved cases can worsen without help. Consult a mental health care provider and get the help you need before your anxiety takes an even deeper hold.
Therapy is a great place to start. When a therapist understands more about what is causing your anxiety, she can recommend lifestyle changes and coping strategies that can make a big difference in helping you to feel calmer and more in control.
For more information, visit here: Anxiety Treatment