Anxiety disorders can cause serious problems if not treated, and they can lead to depression and other health problems. The best way to manage anxiety is to get help from a qualified professional.
Symptoms can vary widely depending on the type of disorder and its severity, so it’s important to speak with your health care provider about your symptoms and ask questions. Your doctor may also perform a psychological evaluation, which can help confirm or rule out an anxiety disorder.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent worry or fear about a wide range of things. The worries may last for hours and interfere with daily life activities. Other GAD symptoms include fatigue, difficulty concentrating and sleep problems.
Panic disorder occurs when you have recurring episodes of intense fear that bring on physical symptoms such as chest pain, a feeling of choking or a pounding heartbeat. These attacks may be triggered by specific situations, such as crossing a bridge or speaking in public.
Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is when you have intense and uncontrollable fears about everyday social situations. These fears can be about being judged, embarrassed or humiliated by others.
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after experiencing a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, injury or death. The disorder involves flashbacks and nightmares that can interfere with your day-to-day life for months or even years after the trauma.
Medications are sometimes used to treat certain types of anxiety disorders. They can be taken alone or with psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy).
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that teaches you how to change your thinking and behavior. It can help you understand what triggers your anxiety and learn new ways to cope with it.
Treatment can be effective for most anxiety disorders. It usually involves medication, along with counseling and other treatments.
Diet and nutrition can play an important role in reducing anxiety. It’s helpful to work with a nutritionist or dietician to plan a healthy diet and to find foods that naturally support your nervous system.
You can also try to eliminate or reduce the factors that trigger your symptoms, such as alcohol and substance use. These changes can help you feel more confident and improve your overall well-being.
If you’re unable to make changes yourself, you can seek support from friends or family members. They can help you identify and address anxiety triggers, as well as share their own experiences with anxiety to offer empathy.
Other strategies that can be useful in managing an anxiety disorder are exercise, meditation and relaxation techniques. You can also consider joining a support group, which may be in-person or online.
Keeping a journal is another way to track your feelings and what triggers them. Writing about your symptoms can help you understand them and identify external factors that may be triggering them, such as time spent on social media or being around certain people.
