||| - Alternative medicine
Several herbal remedies have been studied as treatments for anxiety.
Results tend to be mixed, and in several studies people report no benefits from their use.
More research is needed to fully understand the risks and benefits.
Some herbal supplements, such as kava and valerian, increase the risk of serious liver damage.
Other supplements, such as passionflower or theanine, may have a calming effect, but they're often combined with other products so it's hard to tell whether they help with symptoms of anxiety.
(( Before taking any herbal remedies or supplements, talk with your doctor to make sure they're safe and won't interact with any medications you take.))
Coping and support
To cope with generalized anxiety disorder, here's what you can do:
1- Stick to your treatment plan.
2- Take medications as directed.
3- Keep therapy appointments.
4- Practice the skills you learn in psychotherapy.
5- Consistency can make a big difference, especially when it comes to taking your medication.
6- Take action. Work with your mental health professional to figure out what's making you anxious and address it.
7- Let it go. Don't dwell on past concerns.
8- Change what you can in the present moment and let the rest take its course.
9- Break the cycle. When you feel anxious, take a brisk walk or delve into a hobby to refocus your mind away from your worries.
10- Socialize. Don't let worries isolate you from loved ones or enjoyable activities. Social interaction and caring relationships can lessen your worries.
11- Join a support group for people with anxiety. Here, you can find compassion, understanding and shared experiences.
You may find support groups in your community or on the internet, for example, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
And finally, how about preparing for your appointment with your doctor?
You may see your primary care doctor, or your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
What you can do
Before your appointment, make a list of:
- Any symptoms you've been experiencing, including when they occur, what seems to make them better or worse, and how much they affect your day-to-day activities, such as work, school or relationships
- Key personal information, including major life changes or stressful events you've dealt with recently and any traumatic experiences you've had in the past
- Medical information, including other physical or mental health conditions with which you've been diagnosed
- Any medications, vitamins, herbs or other supplements you're taking, including the dosages
- Questions to ask your doctor or mental health professional
- Some questions to ask your doctor may include:
1- What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
2- Are there other possible issues or physical health problems that could be causing or worsening my anxiety?
3- Do I need any tests?
4- What treatment do you recommend?
5- Should I see a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional?
6- Would medication help? If so, is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
7- Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can have? What websites do you recommend?
8- Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment.
9- What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor or mental health professional will likely ask you a number of questions. Be ready to answer them to reserve time to go over any points you want to focus on. Questions may include:
What are your symptoms?
What things do you tend to worry about?
Do your symptoms interfere with your daily activities?
Do you avoid anything because of your anxiety?
Have your feelings of anxiety been occasional or continuous?
When did you first begin noticing your anxiety?
Does anything in particular seem to trigger your anxiety or make it worse?
What, if anything, seems to improve your feelings of anxiety?
What, if any, physical or mental health conditions do you have?
What traumatic experiences have you had recently or in the past?
Do you regularly drink alcohol or use recreational drugs?
Do you have any blood relatives with anxiety or other mental health conditions, such as depression?
And in the final of our article we would like to wish you a happy balanced life without any problems and with full of welfare.
Stay safe 😊😊