People often ask, "how do I deal with anxiety?". Let's take a deep breath – there are ways to manage it, and you won’t be alone as we’re here to help you understand how to deal with anxiety.
Anxiety is an emotion related to things we believe may happen in the future. It is not the same as fear, which is a reaction to present dangers. When experiencing anxiety, one may notice symptoms such as a faster heartbeat, shortness of breath, tense muscles, and dizziness, as well as mental symptoms like intense worry and an inability to stop negative thoughts.[1] These symptoms can vary among individuals and may last longer or occur more severely for those with anxiety disorders.
If you are seeking advice, it’s best to talk to a doctor here at Mosh. You can start by taking a free consultation, which will help your doctor formulate personalised advice. If necessary, they might talk with you about a treatment plan suited for you. You can also learn more about stress management, symptoms of depression, and more here at Mosh.
What causes anxiety varies, and it can affect anyone. Many things can elicit fear, dread, and unease. Final exams, a job interview, or a first date might cause anxiety. Even the event of meeting somebody prominent or famous can, at times, induce anxiety.[2]
However, you or a doctor can identify the triggers for different types of anxiety. Caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can be some obvious examples. Sometimes, the triggers can be rather less obvious, such as events that happened years ago.[3] Long-term difficulties, like finances or employment, may take time to sort out – is it a due date, a person, or the situation? Therapy or having a support system may help.
Triggers can sometimes be crippling. If persistent anxiety has impacted your daily life for at least six months, you’ve had some big changes in your life recently, or your symptoms make it hard for you to do normal things, you should consult a doctor.[5]
There are many medical conditions that are linked to anxiety,[6] so it will be a good idea to turn to Mosh, where after completing a questionnaire, you can receive advice from a doctor who is registered with AHPRA.
When figuring out how to get rid of anxiety, you can look for both short-term and long-term practices. Just note that if you’re unsure of what helps with anxiety, it’s always helpful to seek advice from a doctor. Now, some techniques to deal with anxiety are:
Checking out cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT).
Behavioural therapy teaches people new ways to think about and respond to things that make them anxious. A doctor can help you find ways to change bad ways of thinking and acting before they get worse.[7]
Keeping a journal.
Making it a routine to record your thoughts and feelings in a journal every day might be beneficial. For some people, simply writing your thoughts down can be comforting and can also assist you in keeping notes of when, how, and what kinds of situations cause your anxiety.[8]
Maintaining mental and physical health.
Anxiety symptoms can be mitigated by exercising frequently, having a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and maintaining relationships with loved ones.[9]
Enquiring about medications with your doctor.
There are several ways to proceed based on your symptoms . Your doctor may think you would benefit from medication for anxiety if your condition is severe.[10]
A routine of recognising and controlling your triggers.
When you have identified your trigger, you should make every effort to reduce your exposure.[11]
Having a support network.
Stress reduction comes with knowing that you’re not alone. According to research, having a strong social network can ultimately increase your stress tolerance.[12]
It can be difficult to pinpoint the specific type of anxiety you’re experiencing because each person reacts to the perceived risk in a unique way. Everybody experiences it occasionally since it is a part of our brain’s reaction to a perceived threat, even if that threat may be unfounded.[13]
Nevertheless, there are occasions when anxiety can become severe and manifest as anxiety attacks, which may seem under control at first but could steadily worsen over the course of a few hours. This differs from a panic attack, which strikes without warning and passes.[14]
Mosh can help you match with a doctor that would best suit your needs. Talk to us if you wish to learn how to deal with anxiety, stress, and more.
Yes, for treating anxiety, certain forms of therapy can be quite useful. You can learn techniques on how to deal with anxiety on a daily basis and investigate the underlying causes of it with the aid of therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as mentioned before, is one of the most frequently suggested treatments. By focusing on the present, challenging unhelpful thoughts, and discovering constructive strategies to deal with anxiety, this type of therapy aims to change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns related to anxiety.[15]
Additionally, there is exposure therapy, which involves exposing individuals to situations or things they are afraid of. By exposing clients to their fears repeatedly, they start to feel like they have more control over them, and their excessive worry becomes easier to deal with over time.[16]
Other complementary forms of therapy include mindfulness techniques, exercise, healthy lifestyle changes, and support groups. Many people with anxiety disorders find that joining a support group is a helpful part of their treatment. Support groups can help teens, adults, and older adults feel less alone, deal with social anxiety, and meet people who are going through similar experiences.[17]
Therapy can be beneficial. With an AHPRA-registered therapist, you don't have to worry about being judged in a comfortable setting, where you can talk about anything with someone who is trained to assist you. Mosh recognises that seeking therapy when needed is as important as recognising the importance of mental health.
Anxiety is a very common mental health problem that can happen to anyone. But it can be solved with the right support and with doctors who are willing to listen in order to help you make some changes to your life. By recognising your condition and learning how to deal with anxiety, you can minimise its impact on your life and start to live a happier, more fulfilling life.
At Mosh, we’re here to guide you every step of the way with ongoing support, personalised for the unique person that you are.
If you feel like your anxiety is getting too overwhelming, talk to a Mosh doctor for help and advice.
