Anxiety disorders are very common and can stem from any number of events or stresses in life. Many people manage their anxiety effectively enough that most people would never know they have an anxiety disorder. However, until you’ve found an anxiety disorder treatment option that works for you, anxiety may feel overwhelming and crippling. Consider the following treatment options that help other people manage their anxiety disorders:
Medication + Psychotherapy
Has anxiety has reached the level of crippling your ability to work, sleep, eat, or perform necessary tasks for daily life? If so, medication may help you regain control. Research has shown that pairing medically recommended medication for anxiety treatment with psychotherapy can bring the most effective results and relief for anxiety disorders. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3918025/)
EFT Tapping
If anxiety feels manageable on a day to day level, but occasionally catches you off guard and stops you from doing something when you least expect it, you may find relief with EFT Tapping techniques. Recent studies have shown that EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) Tapping of various acupressure points can provide relief of sudden onsets of anxiety symptoms or fearful emotions, often associated with PTSD or previous trauma. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5499602/)
Mindfulness Exercises
If anxiety is at a low level but creates distractions and a general worries in your daily life, you may find improvement with Mindfulness based therapies like meditation, nonjudgemental awareness, and breath-work informed by a professional practitioner who can identify the most beneficial practice for who you are and what you feel comfortable with. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2848393/)
Weekly Individual or Group Therapy
Simply knowing that you have scheduled regular and recurring support into your week can help reduce generalized anxiety that stems from workplace issues, home life issues, relationship issues, or previous traumatic events in life. Consider whether you feel most supported in a one-on-one therapeutic setting, or if you prefer being able to share and listen to other people in a group therapeutic setting.
Identifying Supportive Friends and Family
Sometimes anxiety can strain friend and family relationships when it is hidden. Friends or family members may misinterpret signs and signals, taking them personally rather than responding empathetically. By identifying a few close people you feel comfortable sharing your anxiety disorder with, you can create a safe place for yourself in social gatherings where you will feel understood. When a friend or family member understands that you’re working on managing anxiety, they can help create a buffer in social situations and support you when you feel overwhelmed and need some time away.
If you’re unsure which strategy will work best for you, please don’t hesitate to set up an appointment with our professional psychotherapists who can help you sort through your options and figure out what to focus on based on how you experience anxiety in your daily life.
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