Anxiety is a natural sensation for everyone, and therefore there is no cure, as it is the body’s way of realizing that it is facing a challenging or dangerous situation, such as a job interview, exam, first date or even crossing a street. busy.
However, for a person with an anxiety disorder, this feeling does not disappear, it can worsen over time or happen very frequently, even in common and familiar situations, and this can cause psychological and physical suffering, since anxiety It has many levels, and different symptoms at each level.
Despite having a genetic component, childhood and adolescence are crucial factors in the appearance of generalized anxiety. There are factors that promote increased anxiety, such as excessive consumption of alcohol, caffeine, illicit drugs such as cocaine or cannabis and medications such as insulin or antihistamines, for example. Find out the possible causes of generalized anxiety.
Although the probability of anxiety remission is low and relapses are frequent, treatment with professional guidance, when followed carefully, can help people deal with chronic anxiety, making it possible to lead a balanced, lighter life with the opportunity to manage sudden feelings of distress caused by anxiety.
How the treatment is carried out
Anxiety treatment begins with an emotional health examination, where the psychiatrist or psychologist asks questions about the symptoms and how long they have been present, to clarify the level of anxiety and whether it is related to another psychological disorder such as depression or bipolarity, for example.
Anxiety disorders are usually treated with psychotherapy, medication or both, in addition to relaxation activities, lifestyle changes and improved diet:
1. Medicines
First-line treatment is serotonin receptor inhibitor antidepressants for about 6 to 12 months. Additionally, the psychiatrist can assess the need to include anxiolytic medications such as benzodiazepines for a short period of time. Discover other remedies used to treat anxiety.
This treatment does not usually last long, as its purpose is for the person to be able to return to daily activities that were affected by anxiety, while they are in the process of learning to deal with anxiety.
2. Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used psychotherapy for treating generalized anxiety. In this type of therapy, the person is trained to identify recurring negative and irrational thoughts, and how to behave and react during situations that can cause anxiety and fear. The practice of social skills is also trained, as they are essential to avoid situations where the person loses control.
Psychotherapy is normally indicated around 8 weeks after the start of pharmacological treatment and lasts approximately 6 to 12 sessions in which different tools are developed to cope with anxiety.
Psychotherapy allows the person to manage the symptoms of anxiety more efficiently, preparing themselves for situations that may be triggers. Check out what types of psychotherapy are and how they are done.
3. Meditation
One of the principles of meditation is to be present and anxiety can steal a person’s presence in the moment, taking them into a future with conflicts that may not happen.
In the same way that negative anxious thoughts become a habit, the practice of thoughts focused on reality also, this practice associated with breathing exercises and thought analysis, which meditation provides, is the complement in treatment that most alleviates suffering. of the anxious.
4. Physical exercises
Physical exercise can make a big difference in treating anxiety, as during practice, the brain releases natural chemicals that can improve the feeling of well-being, such as endorphins that reduce the intensity of the cycle of negative thoughts that fuel anxiety.
Physical activity, in addition to good hormones, helps to increase self-confidence, improves social interaction, and is a healthy way of dealing with problems. Find out how to start practicing physical exercise.
5. Food
Although there are no dietary changes that can cure anxiety, being mindful of what you eat can help complement treatment. Actions such as including some protein in your first meal can help you feel fuller and keep your blood sugar stable, so you have more energy to start the day, avoiding the feeling of tiredness that generalized anxiety can cause.
Another example are foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, oats or quinoa, which can increase the amount of serotonin in the brain, which has a calming effect. See other foods that can help treat anxiety.
