From time to time, anxiety creeps into our lives. Certain things make our nerves bolt into action. Our senses become more alert. Our mind becomes more focused. Our body becomes more alive. But despite the uneasiness that this feeling stirs in us, anxiety serves to protect us from all that is dangerous. Somehow, our bodies made this alarm system to make sure of the preservation of our total being.
However, for some 20 million of U.S. citizens, this supposedly helpful alarm system has turned against them. The anxiety, which is supposed to be triggered at moments when threat is at hand, appears spontaneously for no apparent reason. With its unexpected occurrence and intense physical symptoms, sufferers become quite peeved and fearful for the next attack. Their fear for another episode of this horrifying feeling plagues their every minute. For this reason, they find themselves losing interest and satisfaction in things that life has to offer.
For these people who have suffered from the terrors of anxiety attacks, some of the most common symptoms provoked in them include heart palpitations or chest pains; trouble breathing, choking sensation or feeling of smothering; hot flashes or chills; dizziness or lightheadedness; numbness or tingling sensations; abdominal cramps or nausea; shaking or trembling; sweating; loss of reality; fear of death; and feelings of going crazy. These symptoms usually peak within 10 minutes and settle down over the next few hours. Not all of them, however, need to be manifested in order to qualify as an anxiety attack. At least four in this list of symptoms should be experienced.
People with this kind of condition should know that as frightening as these feelings can be, they are not unshakable. Over the years, techniques have been developed to help conquer and relieve them. A specialist or trained therapist can be consulted to assist in the determination of appropriate course of treatment. Some techniques implemented to help manage these anxiety attacks include psychotherapy, pharmacological treatment, and complimentary techniques.
Psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy wherein a patient suffering from mental or emotional problems talks to a trained mental health professional and together looks for solutions on how to deal with difficulties such as generalized anxiety disorder.
This therapy helps clients understand what they are going through so that they can identify feelings and perceptions that lead them to fits of anxiety. When they are able to accept the reasons that led them to this path and starts to embrace steps to resolve them, only then are they able to rise above these anxieties.
But in order for this technique to work, a trusting relationship between the client and the psychotherapist must be first established. Only with trust can the client be able to bear all the things that bother them. Typically, psychotherapy sessions may last for several months. But they can also be extended for years. This can be practiced on a one-to-one basis, in pairs, or in a group.
Pharmacological interventions are also used to help alleviate anxiety symptoms. Experts believe that by affecting specific changes in the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, anxiety symptoms will be eliminated.
Most common medications used in the treatment of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder include antidepressant and anxiolytics. Anti-depressants are categorized as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Drugs of the benzodiazepine group are the most common anxiolytics prescribed.
Because these drugs cause unpleasant side effects and significant health risks, most psychologists advise patients to explore first some non-pharmacological methods. These methods are called complimentary techniques.
Complimentary techniques are examples of personal management strategies that may help relieve stress, anxieties and worries. They are incorporated in the client’s daily routine and diet to further solidify other treatment programs. These strategies include relaxation techniques, regular exercise, nutritional supplements, and herbal remedies.
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation activate the body’s natural relaxation responses. Through these exercises, they help bring back the state of equilibrium of the nervous system that has been disrupted by tension and anxiety. Regular exercise like brisk walking, running or swimming also works in this way. They promote not only physical but psychological well-being as well.
Eating a variety of foods that are rich in essential B vitamins, magnesium and calcium, protein, carbohydrates, and anti-oxidants are also recommended. Healthy diet helps boost the immune system and maintain proper functioning of the nerves.
Herbs such as valerian root, kava kava, passionflower and St. John’s Wort have been used, too. Active ingredients present in them help to manage anxieties with little to no side effects.
Managing anxiety symptoms cannot be singularly addressed by one treatment option. A combination of the above-stated treatment techniques should be employed by health professionals and their clients to effectively resolve the problem.