Alternative Treatments For Anxiety
Everyone feels nervous when they are in a stressful or new circumstance, such as the first date or an important public speech. However, if these feelings do not go away it could be an indication of anxiety disorder.
The traditional treatment for anxiety is talk therapy and medication. But there are also meds that treat anxiety and holistic treatments that can ease anxiety.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Anxiety is a common mental health problem that can cause extreme and painful symptoms. However, it is also highly treatable. Psychotherapy and prescription drugs can help with anxiety. Many people with anxiety use natural remedies and lifestyle changes to reduce their symptoms.
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a form of talk therapy that can help you manage your anxiety. It is based upon the notion that your feelings and thoughts are connected. It helps you break down problems into smaller pieces and teaches you how to handle them in an effective way. It also helps you recognize and alter negative thoughts patterns and behaviors which may contribute to anxiety.
Acupuncture is a different treatment that involves insertion of needles into specific points on your body to balance the flow of energy. It has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety as well as relax muscles. In addition, massage therapy can ease anxiety by relieving tension in the muscles and calming the mind. It is also believed that exercising is an effective way to reduce anxiety. Regular exercise has been found to improve mood as well as boost self-esteem and brain functioning.
Online therapy is a method of relieving anxiety symptoms. Unlike traditional therapies online therapy is done from the comfort of your home. These programs provide you an experienced therapist who will guide you through the process.
Anxiety can be a debilitating illness, but there are ways to treat it. If conventional treatment doesn't work, you might want to consider alternative and complementary treatment.
Eye movement desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
This treatment for psychotherapy has been proven to be efficient in helping millions of people overcome traumas, such as PTSD and C-PTSD. The EMDR technique has been proven to reduce symptoms such as flashbacks, disturbing imagery and hypervigilance. It is a form bilateral stimulation that utilizes eye motions, audio tones or even tiny handheld buzzers. It continuously stimulates the right and left sides of your brain to help process painful memories. EMDR can be utilized in combination with other treatments.
The EMDR procedure involves a series of eight phases. The first is history-taking that involves discussing your past experiences that could be connected to your anxiety symptoms, and to determine if EMDR is able to aid you. Your healthcare provider will also inform you about what to expect and provide tools to ensure that you feel comfortable during sessions.
EMDR is a treatment alternative for anxiety that assists your brain to heal. In a session, you will follow the fingers of your healthcare professional with your eyes as you remember traumatizing experiences or a negative self-assessment. This method is designed to distract your attention from the stimuli which trigger anxiety. It can be performed either alone or with a professional.
Another view of the way EMDR functions is that it increases the communication between the right and left hemispheres of your brain, making it easier to recall unpleasant memories without negative arousal. This is also called the "working memory" explanation.
Many natural methods are available to treat anxiety disorders. There are a variety of natural approaches to combat anxiety disorders, such as nutritional supplements such as chamomile or lavender as well as exercises and practices such as meditation and acupuncture. These techniques may not be as effective as conventional treatments, but they can help relieve your anxiety symptoms.
Exposure therapy
Based on the idea that anxiety is sustained and aggravated by avoiding fearful things, activities or situations exposure therapy assists individuals confront their triggers under the assistance of the therapist. In exposure therapy, patients confront their fears in a controlled and secure environment. This can be accomplished by creating or participating in a real-life exposure. Depending on the kind of anxiety disorder, a variety of exposure techniques are used. There are a number of exposure methods, including imaginal, where patients are asked imagine the scenario that makes them anxious. Another option is systematic desensitization, or exposed in a graded manner, where patients are first exposed to the less frightening scenarios before moving on to scenarios that are more difficult.
Therapy for exposure can help overcome fears, like the fear of spiders (arachnophobia). For example therapy may begin by asking the patient to imagine a picture of a spider in their mind. Then, they gradually increase the intensity of the images while also teaching the skills to cope and offering support. Once the patient has developed an appreciation for these images, they are able to then begin actual exposure with a therapist in a safe environment.
Studies have shown that exposure therapy is effective in treating social anxiety disorders. In an article published by the Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, exposure therapy (including imagery writing and rescripting, as well as in-vivo treatments) was shown to be a highly effective treatment option for patients suffering from social anxiety. Exposure therapy is also used to treat PTSD and other anxiety disorders related to trauma by using a technique known as prolonged exposure (PE). PE involves exposing a person to painful memories and aversive thoughts, emotions and behaviors, in the absence of safety cues. This can be achieved by a variety of methods that include virtual reality and behavioral intervention.
Support groups
Support groups are one way to deal with anxiety. Anxiety can be a crippling issue making life-long tasks and relationships challenging. Consider joining an online or physical anxiety support group if you are looking for an alternative to traditional treatment. These groups offer peer support for people suffering from anxiety disorders. These groups are not supervised and should be utilized with caution.
Anxiety support groups are usually free to join and can be found online or in person. Some groups are led by psychologists, while others are self help groups where participants can share their experiences. In addition, some are specifically designed to assist people who struggle with specific kinds of anxiety, such as social fear. Some of these groups provide a directory of therapists that can provide individual therapy.
Some of these groups employ a therapeutic approach, while others focus on a specific topic, such as meditation or yoga. These groups are usually led by people who have experienced anxiety disorders. Facilitators can provide helpful advice on managing anxiety, however, they aren't qualified to provide professional medical treatment. They can help you feel less alone and inspire you to make positive life changes.
Another approach to overcoming anxiety is to use herbal supplements like the kava plant, melatonin, or chamomile. Although the evidence isn't all that clear the supplements could reduce the symptoms of anxiety and improve feelings of calm. But before you begin taking these supplements, consult your physician to determine whether they're safe for you.
Therapy online
Online therapy can be an excellent method to help you overcome anxiety. A counselor will assist you in figuring out what triggers your anxiety, and will teach you relaxation techniques that you can apply in between sessions. Some therapists may also recommend natural remedies and lifestyle changes. Some therapists might recommend the use of dietary supplements, such as chamomile and lavender omega-3 fats, omega-3 fats and L-theanine and magnesium, or lifestyle changes. Before trying any natural over the counter supplements, it is important to consult with your physician. They can help you decide which supplements are safe for you, and won't interact with your medication.
Anxiety is the natural reaction to stress. However, if it becomes extreme and lasts for a long period of time, it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can also cause addiction to substances, such as alcohol and drugs, which can cause harmful side effects. Many people who have anxiety disorders don't seek treatment due to a lack of resources or the cultural stigma that surrounds mental health issues.
There are a variety of treatment options available for anxiety disorders. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), herbal medicine, and psychotherapy. Your therapist could suggest one or more of these treatments, depending on your needs. These alternative methods are typically efficient, but they may not be a good option for everyone.
Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that has been shown in studies to reduce anxiety. Acupuncture is the practice of inserting needles into specific points on the human body to regulate energy and improve physical and mental wellness. Another technique that is popular is aromatherapy, which utilizes the aromas of different plants to relax and soothe. The calming effect of these oils can help ease the symptoms of anxiety and depression.