Coping with an anxiety disorder is no easy feat. And these disorders are on the rise with approximately 30% of all US adults experiencing some form of it, including: panic disorder, phobias, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and social anxiety. While anxiety can be helpful in certain situations, if we are experiencing it on a constant basis it can become debilitating. Here are a few approaches that can help to ease anxiety so you can cultivate a happier, more serene life.
Pharmaceuticals or Herbal Support
Pharmaceuticals can help us to control or reduce symptoms related to an anxiety disorder. But they often take time to reach peak effectiveness. If the idea of using pharmaceuticals makes you uncomfortable, you may want to consider herbal support instead. Today, cannabis is exceedingly popular for promoting relaxation. If a full strength product is not appealing to you, providers like baysmokes.com offer lower strength alternatives. It's important to note that any form of pharmaceutical or herbal support is more effective when used in a combination with other treatments, including the following:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
When we incorporate CBT into our lives, it is the way to retrain our brain to think and feel better despite external situations. CBT addresses the thoughts and behavior patterns at the root of anxiety. Rather than eliminating the symptoms, it focuses on treating the underlying cause. For example, if someone is experiencing negative thoughts about a certain situation, they can retrain their brain to think more positively and control their reactions to the situation. CBT is incredibly effective and there are many resources online to get you started like moodgym.com.
Exposure Therapy
With exposure therapy, a person is exposed to the same physical sensations that they would experience during a panic attack or anxiety attack in a controlled environment. The idea behind it is that by repeating things that may cause anxiety, the triggers will lose their power. This therapy is effective over time as we gradually learn not to be overwhelmed by the stimulus associated with a panic or anxiety attack.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
A combination of acupuncture, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), and Thought Field Therapy (TFT), Emotional Freedom Technique is based on tapping specific meridian points while also repeating a phrase to ease anxiety, such as:
Even though I am experiencing [the symptom] I deeply and completely accept myself.
EFT has helped individuals with PTSD and many other psychological disorders. The meridian points are tapped in this order:
Side of the hand
Top of the head
Eyebrows
Side of the eyes
Under the eye
Under the nose
Chin
Collarbone
Under the arm
While the technique is still in its infancy and requires more research, it has proven to be effective for those who struggle with anxiety. You can learn more and receive a free guidebook at eftinternational.org.
We may feel anxiety is preventing us from being confident and self-assured and living life fully, but it is important to keep in mind that a wide-variety of people from a range of backgrounds experience anxiety and panic disorders. It is extremely common, so you are in good company. Thankfully there are many tools and techniques that are available which can help you to heal. It will take a bit of time but the eventual peace of mind is priceless.
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