Besides psychotherapy, medications and support groups, there are other techniques that can help with managing anxiety symptoms. Here are some of the stress management techniques recommended by the adaa:
breathe deeply. Cut caffeine and alcohol intake. Eat balanced meals and keep snacks on-hand. Get eight hours of sleep a night. Try to exercise daily to maintain a healthy
body
. Volunteer in a local community to build a support network.
Practice yoga. Look for help online via a mental health screening. Talk to family and friends for support.
Anxiety What therapy can help with
Challenging negative thoughts
negative thought #1: what if i pass out on the subway?
cognitive distortion: predicting the worst. More realistic thought: i've never passed out before, so it's unlikely that i will pass out on the subway. Negative thought #2: if i pass out, it will be terrible!
cognitive distortion: blowing things out of proportion.
More realistic thought: if i faint, i'll come to in a few moments. That's not so terrible. Negative thought #3: people will think i'm crazy. Cognitive distortion: jumping to conclusions. More realistic thought: people are more likely to be concerned if i'm okay. Efficacy of applied relaxation and cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.
There are a number of effective methods for treating anxiety disorders. Professional counseling, medication, peer support, and other coping skills like exercise can all play an important role in helping people manage their symptoms. Some people may find success utilizing just one method, but most find a combination of techniques work best. The most common form of treating anxiety disorders is with psychological counseling. This may include psychotherapy, cbt or dbt, exposure therapy, or a combination of techniques. This therapy may occur in a group therapy setting or in individual sessions with the client and the counselor. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (cbt) is a popular and effective treatment method for anxiety disorders.