Treatment for Anxiety 

What is Anxiety Disorder?

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by persistent and excessive worry, fear, or anxiety that interferes with daily activities. Some common types of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Symptoms of anxiety can vary from person to person, but some common physical and emotional symptoms include:

• Feelings of apprehension or dread
• Restlessness or agitation
• Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
• Muscle tension or soreness
• Fatigue or weakness
• Sweating or chills
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Nausea or stomach upset
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Irritability or moodiness

Treatment for anxiety disorders

Treatment for anxiety disorders may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both, depending on the severity of symptoms and the individual’s needs. It is important to seek professional help if anxiety is interfering with daily activities or quality of life.

What causes anxiety disorders?

The exact causes of anxiety disorders are not fully understood, and it is likely that a combination of factors contributes to the development of these disorders. Some potential causes of anxiety disorders include:

1. Genetics. There is evidence to suggest that anxiety disorders may run in families, and certain genetic variations may increase the risk of developing these disorders.
2. Brain chemistry: Imbalances in certain neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain), such as serotonin and dopamine, may contribute to the development of anxiety disorders.
3. Environmental factors: Traumatic or stressful life events, such as abuse, loss, or significant changes in life circumstances, may increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders.
4. Personality traits: Certain personality traits, such as perfectionism, a tendency toward negativity or pessimism, or a history of anxious behaviour, may also contribute to the development of anxiety disorders.
5. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or thyroid problems, may also increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders.
6. Substance abuse: The use of certain substances, such as drugs, alcohol, or caffeine, may trigger or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

It is important to note that anxiety disorders are complex conditions, multiple factors  likely contribute to their development. Treatment for anxiety disorders typically involves a combination of medication and therapy, and it is important to seek professional help if anxiety symptoms are interfering with daily life or quality of life.

What can I do to reduce my anxiety?

There are several strategies you can use to help reduce feelings of anxiety. Here are some suggestions:

1. Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation are all effective ways to reduce feelings of anxiety.
2. Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help to reduce stress and anxiety and improve mood. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day.
3. Get enough sleep: Aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep per night to help reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being.
4. Eat a healthy diet: Eating a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains can help to support overall health and well-being, and may also help to reduce anxiety.
5. Avoid or limit caffeine and alcohol: Both caffeine and alcohol can trigger or exacerbate anxiety symptoms in some people, so it may be helpful to limit or avoid these substances.
6. Stay connected with others: Social support can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and provide a sense of belonging and connectedness.
7. Consider therapy or counselling: Therapy can help you develop coping skills to manage anxiety and improve overall well-being.

It is important to note that if anxiety is interfering with daily life or quality of life, it may be helpful to seek professional help from a mental health provider who can provide a more tailored and comprehensive treatment plan.

What are my treatment options for anxiety?

There are several treatment options available for anxiety disorders, and the most effective approach will depend on the severity of symptoms, individual needs, and preferences. Here are some common treatment options:

1. Therapy or counselling: Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), can be an effective treatment for anxiety disorders. CBT helps individuals to identify negative thought patterns and develop new, more positive ways of thinking and behaving.
2. Medication: Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepines, may be prescribed to help manage anxiety symptoms. These medications should be used under the guidance of your GP or consultant.
3. Relaxation techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and promote relaxation.
4. Lifestyle changes: Making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and engaging in regular physical activity, can help to support overall well-being and reduce anxiety symptoms.
5. Complementary therapies: Some people find complementary therapies such as acupuncture helpful in reducing anxiety symptoms. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider before trying any new therapies. Additionally, massage can help reduce anxiety and induce a sense of calm and well-being. Through gentle and rhythmic strokes, massage stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting and pain-relieving chemicals. 

It is important to note that the most effective treatment approach for anxiety disorders will vary depending on the individual’s specific needs and preferences. It may take some time to find the right treatment approach, so it is important to be patient and work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

For the past 40 years, we have used an individualized approach to helping our patients with their symptoms of anxiety, blending acupuncture, massage, and diaphragmatic breathing plus lifestyle changes eg walking in your local park and engaging with others socially, yoga classes.

What causes stress?

Stress can be caused by a wide range of factors, including physical or emotional stressors such as illness, injury, relationship problems, financial difficulties, work-related stress, or major life changes. While stress is a natural and normal part of life, prolonged or chronic stress can have negative effects on physical and mental health, including increased risk of heart disease, depression, anxiety, and other health problems.

It is important to manage stress effectively through healthy coping strategies, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, social support, and time management, to reduce the negative effects of stress on overall health and well-being.

Is stress good or bad for me?

Yes and no! Try crossing a busy road in a super relaxed state – not a good idea. After two weeks of relaxing on a beach, you’re likely to be in a suitably relaxed state. Both states are appropriate for their context.
The stress response can help you to stay focused, motivated, and alert, and can even improve performance in some situations, such as during an important exam or job interview, sporting events or other situations that demand focus.

What are the effects of stress?

However, when high levels of stress become your new ‘normal’, it can have negative effects on your physical and mental health. Prolonged or chronic stress can increase the risk of developing a range of health problems, including heart disease, depression, anxiety, and other health problems.

How do I manage my stress?

It is important to manage stress effectively through healthy coping strategies, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, social support, and time management, to reduce the negative effects of stress on overall health and well-being.

What treatment can help my stress?
Chronic Stress is longstanding and overwhelming stress. This kind of stress causes profound changes in brain chemistry and is implicated in triggering and aggravating many disease processes.
Having a safe place to talk about what’s happening can provide a ‘time out’ to step back and gain some perspective from intense and overwhelming stress. Skilful questioning can help you to see your situation in a fresh light. Together many people can begin to self manage their stress better.

In addition, acupuncture seems to help promote a reduction in the ‘stress hormones’ and an increase in the ‘relaxation hormones’ that drive our responses to our particular circumstances. Massage seems to have similar effects.

When should I worry about my stress?

When stress becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can negatively affect our mental and physical health. Here are some signs that you may need to take action to manage your stress:

1. You are experiencing physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or muscle tension.
2. You are feeling overwhelmed or constantly worrying.
3. You are having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
4. You are becoming irritable or moody.
5. You are losing interest in activities you used to enjoy.
6. You are using drugs or alcohol to cope with stress.
7. You are experiencing changes in your appetite or weight.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or are finding it difficult to cope with stress on your own, it may be time to seek support from a healthcare professional. They can help you identify the root causes of your stress and develop a plan to manage it effectively.