How to Cope With an Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental illness in the United States. There are many different types of anxiety disorders. Strategies to cope with an anxiety disorder is an important skill that can help you or if you are in a relationship with someone. Over 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety disorders a year.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Documenting Anxiety

1. List the things that cause persistent feelings of fear and worry.

2. List the feelings associated with your worries such as apprehension, dread, fear of insanity, insecurity, nervousness, confusion and irritability.

3. List the physical symptoms associated with your worries and when they occur. Symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, insomnia, tingling, muscle tension, queasiness, diarrhea and shortness of breath.

Coping

4. Make an appointment with a qualified therapist that specializes in anxiety disorders. Bring your documentation and ideas about causes and anxiety disorder types to your therapist appointment

5. Allow the therapist to diagnose the type of anxiety disorder. Some examples of anxiety disorders are panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety and social anxiety.

6. Recognize the causes of your anxiety disorder. Knowing what causes your anxiety will help you better cope and prepare. Some causes are genetics, trauma, brain chemistry, personality inclinations and your environment.

7. Receive treatment from you therapist. Types of therapy include medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, deep relaxation and lifestyle changes.

8. Find and contact a support group where you can receive encouragement from people in a similar situation.

Tips & Warnings

• See a qualified therapist regularly.
• To cope with your anxiety disorder you must be diligent and try not to get discouraged.
• Remember that you are not alone, and there is always help available.
• If you have thoughts of suicide call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately.

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[hlthychoclitnut]

on 12/28/2008 It is important for people to know they are not alone , there not "a freak" MILLIONS of people are suffering like them but many learn to cope or get better

[CPlatt]

on 9/26/2008 i think it's weird for this to be called a "mental illness." i've struggled with anxiety for years, and while I have given in to medication (which has changed my life), i have found other strategies to beat the nerves as well. i blogged about it here:
http://buzz.prevention.com/community/cplatt/putting-panic-in-its-place