Help with Severe Anxiety

Symptoms of severe anxiety include constant worrying, nausea, trouble eating or sleeping, and trouble breathing. Severe anxiety can affect a person's relationships and job. If you're a person who has severe anxiety, you need to know that you don't have to suffer because of it. Many effective treatments exist for severe anxiety. Once you have your severe anxiety under control, you'll be able to live the healthy life you should have.

Get a Physical Examination

• Sometimes, severe anxiety can be caused by an underlying medical condition such as hypoglycemia, asthma or thyroid issues. If you've been suffering from severe anxiety that disrupts your daily life, you need to have a complete physical examination to check for any medical conditions.

  During your physical examination, be sure to tell your doctor about any medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) you're taking, as well as any other supplements. These, as well as recreational drugs, can all be significant causes of severe anxiety.

Therapy

• If you've gotten a full physical examination and it's been determined that you don't have any underlying medical issues, it's time to think about getting therapy. The goal of therapy is to identify, understand and modify your behavior and thinking patterns that have been causing distress.

  Two main types of therapy exist: cognitive and behavioral. In cognitive therapy, you'll learn how to separate unrealistic thoughts from realistic thoughts. You'll also learn how to change unwanted and unpleasant thoughts. Cognitive therapy also requires you to examine your own feelings, which helps diffuse the anxiety.

  In behavioral therapy, you'll learn how to manage unwanted behavior. You might learn behavioral management techniques by being repeatedly exposed to controlled situations that are known to incite your unwanted behavior.

  You need to find out more about a therapist you're considering before actually starting treatment. This way, you can find a therapist who best matches your needs and makes you feel the most comfortable. Ask about the therapist's experience and training, approaches to treatment, and fees.

Lifestyle Changes

• Sometimes, changing your lifestyle can make a significant difference in helping severe anxiety. Don't drink, smoke or do drugs. Seek out the support of family and friends, and don't take on too many large responsibilities at one time.

Exercise

• Not only can exercise help you stay fit, but it can also be quite effective in treating severe anxiety. Thirty minutes of aerobic exercise anywhere from three to five days a week is sufficient. Walking and running are two other helpful ways of exercising to help severe anxiety. If you haven't exercised in a while, pace yourself to gradually to build up your stamina.

Relaxation

• It's important to make sure that you set aside time each day to relax. Meditation, visualization, muscle relaxation and deep breathing are all ways to alleviate severe anxiety. These techniques are the most beneficial when they're practiced on a regular basis.