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What is anxiety?

The first step to treating anxiety is understanding the symptoms of anxiety.

There are several types of anxiety disorders - generalized anxiety disorder, panic attack disorder, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Additionally, phobias and performance anxiety are usually triggered by a specific object or situation, also known as situational anxiety.

It is normal to feel anxious during stressful times or when life becomes too busy, but when these feelings of anxiety interfere with your ability to perform day to day functions or diminish your quality of life, then it may be time to seek professional help. 

General symptoms of anxiety include:

• Feeling tense, uneasy, or fearful
  

• Difficulty sleeping
  

• Shortness of breath
  

• Racing thoughts
  

• Muscle tension
  

• Difficulty concentrating
  

• Feelings of panic or irritability
  

• Becoming easily fatigued or tired
  

• Repetitive or uncontrollable thoughts
  

• Inability to be still or calm
  

Treatment options for anxiety:

There are many anxiety treatments that are helpful for reducing anxiety symptoms.  Many of these treatments reduce symptoms in a relatively short period of time.

• Psychological Treatment for Anxiety – One of the most common and effective anxiety treatments is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).  The expert application of CBT can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms.  Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), hypnotherapy, and mindfulness training are also effective psychological processes to treat anxiety.
  

• Relaxation Exercises – Guided imagery, hypnosis, or other relaxation exercises can help calm the body, quiet the mind, and restore the emotions to a more balanced, peaceful state. 
  

• Breathing Exercises – There are many deep breathing techniques to help relax the mind and body.  Deep breathing exercise are simple, easy to learn and very effective in reducing anxiety.  Deep breathing exercises can reduce the duration, intensity, and frequency symptoms of anxiety.
  

• Medication – Use of medication can be helpful for clients with moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety.  If you are in need of a prescription, discuss this with your your primary care doctor or psychiatrist. S/he can monitor the dose and prescribe the best medication for you.
  

• Physical Exercise – Daily exercise can significantly reduce anxiety.  Exercise releases endorphins, decreases stress, and helps clear the mind.  There are several effective mental focusing exercises you can learn in conjunction with physical exercise to minimize symptoms of anxiety.
  

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