By Ricky O' Shea
If you're aware of your anxiety and panic related disorders then you've already taken the first steps on the path to recovery. As you become more aware and educated on anxiety and panic you can better apply strategies to help you cope.
For the most part therapeutic and self-help related therapies can be sufficient enough to address the issue without the need of medications or costly therapies with specialists. However, I never advise against seeking help from medical professionals (especially in extreme cases).
Yet you really can learn to deal with anxiety better by carrying out a few simple coping strategies and lifestyle changes. That's why in the following article I want to look at a few key areas for dealing with anxiety and panic that you should consider:
STOP avoiding the cause
Whilst this may seem counter-intuitive as you would naturally want to avoid anxiety and panic inducing situations it can also fuel your fear of the situation, heightening your anxiety long-term. If you allow the fear of something that "might happen" to dominate your thoughts then you're simply paving the way for anxiety and panic to surface.
Face Your Fears
Easier said than done right!
The thought of facing your fears may strike the fear of god into you but if you simply avoid the issue then you're going to fuel your anxiety further. Remember fear and worry are the two main catalysts for anxiety and panic so you want to address the underlying causes that trigger your anxiety.
Now let's say for example you have a crippling fear of heights, it doesn't make sense to try skydiving to simply overcome this fear but you can take small progressive steps. The key is to slowly build your confidence in situations you fear yet you find you can cope in. Basically, strive to step outside your comfort zone and face these fears without over-whelming yourself to quickly.
Lifestyle
Look at key areas of your lifestyle such as rest, diet and exercise as well as social activities such as alcohol or even drug consumption. Is your lifestyle perhaps contributing to your anxiety? Whilst this may seem irrelevant to some you'd be surprised just how bigger impact our lifestyle can have on your anxiety.
Stress Management
Stress is a catalyst for anxiety and anyone who's subject to a lot of stress is much more likely to experience anxiety and/ or panic attacks. Determine the key areas contributing to your stress (perhaps work, family or finances) and seek ways in which you can relieve your stress levels. This will go a long way in dealing with your anxiety and panic.
Sometimes if anxiety and panic have become unbearable and is impacting on your quality of life then it's wise to seek help from professionals. Your GP can run an assessment and help you better determine a course of treatment based on your needs and circumstances. There are also a number of anxiety recovery programs online that you could consider.
Wrapping it up
To sum up anxiety and panic are a common mental disorder which affect the lives of many yet you needn't let it ruin your life. Regardless of how long you've suffered with anxiety and panic attacks you can start taking corrective measures and start getting your life back on track.
Article Source: http://www.streetarticles.com/anxiety/how-to-deal-with-anxiety-4-tips-for-dealing-with-anxiety-and-panic-related-disorders
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