A treatment for mental health issues that is effective for one individual may not be as effective for another. Even while taking medicine is one of the most prevalent treatments for anxiety, it isn’t always the best option. Certain individuals encounter unfavorable side effects, whereas others are unable to take anti-anxiety drugs due to pre-existing medical issues or pharmaceutical interactions. Others might not even have a mental health professional who can prescribe. Some people might only want to experiment with non-pharmaceutical natural cures or therapy modalities. Treatment approaches for mental health disorders that involve both medication and non-medication can be successful when carried out under the guidance of a professional clinician. See below for individuals who would like to learn more about non-pharmaceutical approaches to managing anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety disorder symptoms
There are various different types of anxiety disorders, and the symptoms differ depending on which one you have—generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, particular phobias, social anxiety disorder, and so on. But all of these are marked, at least in part, by a continuous feeling of worry, fear, or anxiety that obstructs day-to-day activities or functioning. Other typical signs of anxiety disorders could be:
Physical symptoms include
Physical symptoms include sweating, shaking, tense muscles, quick, shallow breathing, elevated blood pressure, racing heart rate, headaches, and stomachaches that have no apparent explanation. behavioral signs such as being easily agitated, drastically altering sleeping or eating patterns, and going to great efforts to stay away from situations that make them anxious psychological symptoms such as the previously mentioned difficulty concentrating, mood swings, fogging of the brain, panic attacks, and a continuous sensation of fear, worry, or impending doom or danger All of these symptoms have the potential to have a detrimental effect on a person’s relationships, employment, daily functioning, and general well-being. Because receiving successful treatment can reduce anxiety and greatly enhance a person’s quality of life, getting treatment for anxiety symptoms might be crucial.
Non-pharmacological methods for controlling the symptoms of anxiety
Psychotherapy is typically the first line of defense when it comes to treating anxiety problems. It is frequently advised to receive psychotherapy in addition to medicine, even when it is prescribed. Additional talk therapy modalities can also help lower anxiety. Without the need for prescription medicine, anxiety can be treated with dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and exposure therapy. Non-pharmacological anxiety coping mechanisms Your physician, therapist, or psychiatrist may also suggest some at-home treatments or lifestyle modifications in addition to psychotherapy to help you manage your anxiety. A selection of these coping strategies is provided below.
Movement and exercise
Engaging in some kind of physical activity can be beneficial for people who are having anxiety symptoms. For instance, aerobic exercise helps alleviate tense muscles and improve mood by releasing feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin. In fact, exercise “may be the single best non-medical solution we have for preventing and treating anxiety,” according to a Harvard Health Publishing article.
Groups of Assistance
The relationship between social support and mental health is well-established. A support group can help people get in touch with a preexisting network of people going through comparable struggles. While attending to their own issues, members can offer advise and emotional support to one another. Members of support groups may also be able to learn and put non-pharmacological anxiety relief techniques—like art therapy, meditation, or deep breathing exercises—to use.
Meditation with mindfulness
India is the birthplace of meditation, an age-old religious and cultural practice that is currently carried out all across the world. The abundance of research indicating its possible health advantages is probably one factor contributing to its growing popularity. Numerous research back up the idea that regular practice of mindfulness meditation, in particular, can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and promote feelings of calm. The main goals of mindfulness meditation include acceptance, non-judgment, and deep breathing to help the practitioner become more aware of the present moment.
Nutrition
Your eating habits might have an effect on your mental and physical well-being. Diets high in fruits and vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals like zinc and magnesium and low in fat and sugar have been linked to decreased anxiety levels, according to a 2021 review on the subject. More of these nutrient-dense foods may help you manage your anxiety symptoms, but it’s advised that you consult a doctor or nutritionist before making any major dietary changes.
Oil of lavender
The scientific literature on this subject is scant, yet one review states that the treatment of anxiety can be effectively achieved by oral administration of lavender essential oil. It does point out that additional research is required to verify the consistency of these findings. It might be advisable to speak with your doctor before ingesting any essential oils. However, using lavender-based items, like lotions or diffusers, is usually seen to be harmless and may help promote a more tranquil atmosphere.
Cut back on caffeine
Although some people find solace or comfort in the morning coffee ritual, caffeine can exacerbate the jittery, wired sensation that many anxiety sufferers already experience. Inadequate sleep hygiene brought on by caffeine use might exacerbate or even cause anxiety. If you’re interested in non-pharmacological anxiety management techniques, cutting back on your daily caffeine intake or giving it up completely can be a worthwhile experiment. Using a decaf substitute, such as herbal tea, can prevent your anxiety and tension from getting worse. Alternatively, you might think about making the transition to green tea, which has an L-theanine content that helps enhance alertness and energy levels while also possibly promoting feelings of calm.
Sensual warmth
According to one study, warmth on the skin helps reduce fear. This is because it functions as a “prepared safety stimulus,” or a stimulus that is less likely to elicit the fear response because it isn’t typically connected to threats. We tend to equate it with interpersonal warmth from strong social connections, which could perhaps be the reason for this impact. In any case, you may discover that immediately relieving tension can be achieved by covering up warmly in a blanket or by having a hot shower.