Treatment For Anxiety Using Complementary Therapies

2 June 2016
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If you are suffering from anxiety, there are a number of treatment options available to you that can provide relief. From Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help change thought patterns, to establishing an exercise routine, anxiety often requires a combination of several lifestyle changes in order to get under control. Anxiety is a response to a perceived danger, whether the danger is real or not. Symptoms include an inability to sleep, restlessness, loss of appetite, difficulty focusing, and a marked inability to remain calm even when no threat exists.

CBT for Anxiety Helps Change Thought Patterns

One of the most widely used mental health treatments to help control anxiety is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. In this type of therapy, individuals discuss their thought patterns with the therapist, and new patterns are established to help ease the stress response of anxious thinking. For example, a person suffering from anxiety might think, "If my husband is late from work, he must have gotten into an accident." This is pretty typical thinking of a person suffering from anxiety, and this thought produces a very real physical response in the body. The therapist will work with the individual to change these type of patterns, establishing a more realistic thought, "If my husband is late from work, there is probably a lot of traffic." This therapy takes time and focuses on redirecting negative, anxiety producing thoughts into more productive ones.

Acupuncture Helps Anxiety Symptoms

The goal of acupuncture is to restore the energy flow of the body, giving the body the tools it needs to heal itself. It is believed that anxiety is a symptom of trapped energy, and many people find great relief from anxiety symptoms when they visit an acupuncturist. It's important to know that acupuncture doesn't hurt, and you will sit or lie down quietly for about thirty minutes during your treatment. There are no medications used, and acupuncture can be used as a complementary therapy to traditional treatments such as medication for anxiety.

Exercise and Diet Changes

If you are suffering from anxiety, exercise and diet changes may help. Many people find that a good workout will help reduce feelings of anxiety while at the same time producing feel good chemicals in the body. Reducing or eliminating sugars and caffeine from your diet can also have a great impact on the amount of anxiety you feel.

If you are suffering from anxiety, it's time to get help. A mental health counselor can help you find additional info on your path to wellness once again.