It’s natural for a person to feel anxious, but it can become a severe problem when that feeling doesn’t seem to go away. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, nearly 40 million people suffer from an anxiety disorder. Characterized by restlessness and frequent panic attacks, anxiety disorder can potentially disrupt daily life.
Dealing With Anxiety Disorder
If you have one, you may miss out on valuable opportunities. Fortunately, there are ways you can overcome this condition and experience normal living. Here are four of the best methods:
1. Talk to a Therapist
If you are suffering from extreme feelings of fear, consult a professional who specializes in anxiety and stress. You won’t need to look or travel far to find someone who can help you attain peace of mind.
With the availability of telemedicine platforms, you can talk to a mental health expert from the comfort of your home. You just need to find a clinic that offers consultations over the phone. A quick Google search will do, but you can also ask for referrals from people who are close to you.
However, for further consideration, you can also check out residential rehab program or other programs that you might feel are perfect for you.
2. Get a Pet
You can never go wrong with having a pet. According to an article by the Mental Health Foundation, pets such as cats and dogs can help ease anxiety. They also provide a sense of security, especially to older patients. Whether it’s a dog or an iguana, a pet lets you get your mind off of the things that stress you out. Just be sure to get an animal that won’t trigger your allergies and build a proper shelter for it.
3. Stay Active and Fit
Exercise and a healthy diet can do more than keep your body fit. Working out, for instance, improves your mood and triggers your body’s reward system. Notice how good you feel after spending an hour or two at the gym every day.
There are also a number of foods you can eat for easing your condition. Look towards fish such as salmon and herring which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. For dessert, go for anything with dark chocolate in it. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants such as catechin which help improve mood and lessen stress.
4. Get the Right Medication for Your Anxiety Disorder
In most cases, an anxiety disorder is best treated using the right medication. Depending on your doctor’s findings, you could be prescribed drugs such as alprazolam or lorazepam for immediate relief from a panic attack.
However, these drugs carry a number of side effects and there is always a risk that they can lead to an addiction. In that case, you can explore organic alternatives with your therapist. You can start with cannabidiol oil or CBD tinctures offered by brands like Joy Organics. CBD oil is known for its anti-anxiety properties, so you might want to ask if it’s possible to include it as part of your treatment plan.