Treating Anxiety

Lifestyle Changes

• Get sufficient rest and sleep .
• If you smoke, quit .
• Reduce or eliminate caffeinated beverages.
• Drink alcohol in moderation.
• Avoid illicit drugs.
• Reduce exposure to stressful environments.
• Exercise regularly .

Relaxation Techniques

• Deep breathing
• Meditation
• Deep muscle relaxation
• Massage
• Engaging in pleasurable activities

Social Support

• Strong support system of family and friends
• Counseling to improve coping skills
• Support groups

Psychotherapy

This therapy addresses thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that play a role in anxiety. It helps you work through traumas and conflicts.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help you identify negative thought patterns and behaviors. Over time, you can learn to retrain your thinking. This will help you choose better options in response to stress and anxiety.

Medication

For severe anxiety or anxiety disorder, medications may include:

• Benzodiazepines
• Buspirone
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

The FDA advises that people taking antidepressants should be closely observed. For some, the medications have been linked to worsening symptoms and suicidal thoughts. These adverse effects are most common in young adults. The effects tend to occur at the beginning of treatment or when there is an increase or decrease in the dose.Although the warning is for all antidepressants, of most concern are the SSRI class such as:

• Prozac ( fluoxetine ), Zoloft ( sertraline ), Paxil ( paroxetine ), Luvox ( fluvoxamine ), Celexa ( citalopram ), Lexapro( escitalopram )