Ways to Treat Anxiety

Many people suffer from different levels of anxiety. Anxiety can range from a general nervous or anxious feeling to debilitating panic. Anxiety sufferers are not powerless. There are several things sufferers can easily do to stop, or at least decrease, anxiety.

Relaxation

• Find distraction from anxiety in a favorite book or hobby. This seems like too simple of a solution to work but often the cause of anxiety is an overemphasis on the negatives in life. Take time to do something enjoyable and relaxing.

  Try meditation and visualization. Meditation takes the mind outside of the daily drama it is subjected to. Guided imagery recordings are an effective relaxation tool. These are spoken recordings that guide the listener through a meditation session in detail. The goal is to visualize stress as a tangible object, then visualize it being excised from the mind and body. For instance stress can be visualized as a balloon that is floating far away from its victim.

  Aromatherapy can be an effective treatment for anxiety. Candles, incense and essential oils are all good sources of relaxing scents. Some recommended scents for relieving stress and anxiety are lavender, cucumber, vanilla and green apple.

Herbal Treatments

• Herbal pills are available as over-the-counter treatments for anxiety. Herbal remedies do not carry as much potential for dependency and side effects as prescription medications.

  Valerian is one of the most popular natural remedies for anxiety. The root of the valerian plant is available in pill form at most drug stores and health food stores. Valerian root extract is sometimes used as a natural, non-habit-forming sleep aid. Look for a combination of valerian and passion flower. Valerian is made more effective when it is combined with passion flower extract. Either product can be used alone but they are far more effective when combined.

Vitamins

• Vitamins B6 and B12 help regulate mood. A deficiency in these vitamins may increase anxiety and depression.

  Minerals are often combined with vitamins in multivitamin supplements. Some minerals that aid the body's relaxation response are calcium, magnesium and zinc. The body does not naturally produce zinc. It is important to get a daily nutritional intake of this mineral.

Resistant Anxiety

• If anxiety does not decrease with the aid of relaxation and dietary supplements it may be time to seek out a professional for help. If left untreated, severe anxiety can be dangerous to mental health. Doctors can prescribe anti-anxiety medications for resistant anxiety. Some sufferers may benefit from cognitive therapy with a professional counselor.