(Newswire.net — February 18, 2023) — Do you suffer from anxiety? For many of us, we live with an invisible layer of pressure and stress that can be difficult to manage in daily life. While you may have seen plenty of articles on ways to cope with these feelings – everything from drinking herbal tea and using aromatherapy, to getting enough sleep and avoiding caffeine. For those that suffer from it, it can feel like an overwhelming burden – leaving you stuck in a never-ending cycle of worrying and overthinking. But is there any way out? Can anxiety be cured?
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a term many people are familiar with, but one that few can adequately define. Anxiety is an intense and vague feeling of unease or displeasure, often accompanied by physical sensations such as a racing heart, shallow breaths, tightness in the chest, and uncontrollable shaking. It is inextricably linked to stress, but unlike stress, it is primarily an emotional response – a reaction to unpredictable changes and uncertainty. If you ever feel like you need help dealing with anxiety or understanding it better, there are countless professionals out there who specialize in treating it.
Studies suggest that nearly one in five adults struggle with an anxiety disorder, and the rate of occurrence appears to be increasing. For those of us who don’t struggle with the more serious forms of anxiety, it’s still extremely common to experience mild levels of anxiety from time to time when faced with stressful situations. With its prevalence at such high levels, it’s important for individuals to discuss how they feel about their own anxieties and for society as a whole to create more effective solutions for prevention and treatment.
What causes anxiety?
Some of the most frequent causes of anxiety are life events such as a major move, changing jobs or schools, the loss of a loved one, or being in an unfamiliar environment. Even recurrent traffic jams and daily life commutes can contribute to elevated stress levels. Furthermore, medical conditions like hyperthyroidism or irregular blood sugar can cause accelerated anxiety which can be a symptom of underlying health issues. The first step towards managing anxiety is getting to the bottom of what’s causing it in the first place.
Can anxiety be cured?
The answer is yes, anxiety can be cured. With the right kind of professional help and support, people with anxiety can learn to better manage and even overcome their symptoms. Therapy, medications, lifestyle modifications, and other strategies are all potential components of a successful treatment plan for those battling anxiety.
Therapy is often an essential component in managing and overcoming anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found to be one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy for treating anxiety disorders. It is designed to help individuals identify unhealthy patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to their anxious feelings – then work on changing them. Other forms of therapy such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) may also be beneficial.
Medication is another option for those whose anxiety is severe or disabling. There are several different types of medications that can be prescribed to help manage and reduce symptoms of anxiety, but they should only be used as a supplement to therapy and other lifestyle changes, not as a substitute.
In addition to medications and therapy, making lifestyle changes can also help improve symptoms of anxiety. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep are all important habits to establish in order to better cope with stress and anxious feelings. Additionally, learning relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation can at times provide some relief from the symptoms of anxiety.
Overall, the message is clear – there is hope for those suffering from anxiety. Seeking professional help from a therapist is key to getting the best treatment plan for you. Therapists can provide support, and guidance, and help you learn to manage your emotions better. They can also refer you to other professionals if necessary, such as psychiatrists who are trained to prescribe medication when needed.