Anxiety can come in many forms. Even the most confident individuals will likely suffer from worry and stress at some point in their lives. But what if anxiety starts to dominate your life? What can you do?
Health
Looking after your physical health can have a significant impact on your psychological wellbeing. Regular exercise and healthy eating are vital to keeping the nervous system functioning well. In addition, chemicals such as caffeine found in chocolate and coffee can negatively affect the nerves, cause anxiety, or worsen existing symptoms.
Food can directly affect how you feel, so explore how you can use food effectively to improve your mood and energize you to help mitigate the effects of anxiety.
Eating regularly will help stabilize blood sugar which helps maintain energy and staying hydrated is also crucial for a healthy mind and body.
Being physically active is a natural anti-depressant. It has a profound effect on mental health and provides an excellent treatment for anxiety and depression—exercise releases endorphins which are the feel-good chemicals that improve mood and promote feelings of happiness. So, exercising mindfully can help you focus on the now and releases stress, and is a fantastic treat for the body.
Talking/self-help
It’s tempting to shy away from sharing feelings linked to anxiety. There is often a stigma associated with mental health, but it’s crucial to seek help from those who understand and won’t judge. A trusted friend is invaluable in times of need and can help to get things off your chest. If you’re unable to talk to someone you trust, seek out assistance from a professional therapist trained to help people overcome issues such as depression and anxiety.
The first step is to see your doctor, who can refer you to a specialist or suggest the type of therapist to talk to. It’s not a sign of weakness asking for help; it takes courage to admit you’re struggling and is the first step to recovery.
Self-help and self-care is the process of doing things that are positive for your mental wellbeing. For example, if you can identify what has caused your anxiety, such as work stress or family issues, spend some time being kind to yourself and engage in some activities you enjoy. It’s not selfish taking time for yourself and can help prevent more serious mental issues from developing.
Practices such as meditation and yoga have been shown to have many beneficial effects, so you could incorporate them into your daily routine.
Medication
Taking medication should be a last resort and not a decision to be taken lightly. Some people have developed worse symptoms due to taking medication designed to help them; you must investigate any prescribed medication and decide for yourself if it’s right for you.
If you have been prescribed medicines such as Luvox, you must be aware of the dangers. In addition, if you know anyone that has been misled by the false information provided by the manufacturing company, you must seek justice.
Anti-depressants are potent chemicals that can have some benefits in extreme cases of anxiety, but it’s wise to exhaust all other options first.
There are various natural medications available that can provide the benefits of anti-depressants without the side effects. Still, again, you should research the pros and cons to make an informed choice.
Anxiety is undoubtedly on the rise, and although challenging, there are ways to combat it. Armed with new skills and a positive attitude, it’s possible to overcome anxiety and live a happy and fulfilled life.
