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Anxiety is a natural sensation for all people, and therefore has no cure, since it is the body's way of perceiving that it is facing a challenging or dangerous situation, such as a job interview, exam, first meeting or even crossing a street busy.
However, for a person with anxiety disorder, this feeling does not go away, it can get worse over time or happen very often, even in common and well-known situations, and this can cause psychological and physical suffering, since the anxiety it has many levels, and different symptoms at each level.
Despite having a genetic component, the way childhood and adolescence started were crucial factors for the onset of generalized anxiety. There are factors that promote increased anxiety, such as excessive consumption of alcohol, caffeine, illicit drugs such as cocaine or cannabis and medications such as insulin or antihistamines, for example .. Find out what are the possible causes of generalized anxiety.
Although the likelihood of remission of anxiety is low and relapses are frequent, treatment with professional guidance, when followed carefully, can help the person to deal with chronic anxiety, making possible a balanced, lighter life with the opportunity to manage the sudden feelings of distress caused by anxiety.
How the treatment is done
Anxiety treatment begins with an emotional health check, where the psychiatrist or psychologist asks questions about the symptoms and how long they have been present to clarify the level of anxiety and whether it is related to another psychological disorder such as depression or bipolarity, for example.
Anxiety disorders are usually treated with psychotherapy, medication or both, in addition to complementing relaxation activities, lifestyle changes and improved eating habits:
1. Medicines
The first-line treatment is serotonin receptor inhibitor antidepressants for about 6 to 12 months. In addition, the psychiatrist can assess the need to include anxiolytic drugs such as benzodiazepines for a short period of time. Know other remedies used to treat anxiety.
This treatment does not usually last long, as its purpose is for the person to be able to go back to doing the daily activities that were hampered by anxiety, while in the process of learning to deal with anxiety.
2. Psychotherapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most used psychotherapy for the treatment of generalized anxiety. In this type of therapy the person is trained to identify recurring negative and irrational thoughts, and how to behave and react during situations that can cause anxiety and fear. The practice of social skills are also trained, as they are essential to avoid situations where the person loses control.
Psychotherapy is usually indicated about 8 weeks after the start of pharmacological treatment and lasts approximately 6 to 12 sessions in which different tools are developed to face anxiety.
Psychotherapy allows the person to manage anxiety symptoms more efficiently, preparing for situations that can be trigger. Check out what kind of psychotherapy and how they are done.
3. Meditation
One of the principles of meditation is to be present and anxiety can steal the person's presence in the moment, leading them to a future with conflicts that may not happen.
In the same way that negative anxious thoughts become a habit, the practice of thoughts turned to reality also, this practice associated with breathing exercises and analysis of thoughts, which meditation provides, is the complement in the treatment that most relieves suffering. of the anxious.
4. Physical exercises
Physical exercise can make a big difference in the treatment of anxiety, because during practice, the brain releases natural chemicals that can improve the feeling of well-being, such as endorphins that decrease the intensity of the cycle of negative thoughts that feed anxiety.
Physical activity, in addition to good hormones, helps increase self-confidence, improves social interaction, is a healthy way to deal with problems. Learn how to start practicing physical exercises.
5. Food
While there are no dietary changes that can cure anxiety, being aware of what you eat can help complement your treatment. Attitudes like including some protein in the first meal can help you feel fuller and keep your blood sugar stable, so you have more energy when starting the day, avoiding the tired feeling that generalized anxiety can cause.
Another example is foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, oats or quinoa, which can increase the amount of serotonin in the brain, which has a calming effect. See other foods that can help treat anxiety.