Not exactly stress and not quite overwhelming, anxiety is and can be a normal reaction to a coming event that causes doubt and uncertainty. Sometimes, mild anxiety can be a trigger that pushes us to act, but it can also freeze us out into inaction. Other anxieties often hide behind the surface of our consciousness and can have a negative impact on our everyday lives, hindering us from living our lives to our highest potential. The key in overcoming anxiety is to successfully manage your anxiety instead of giving it power to “manage” your life.
Causes of Anxiety
The Australian Psychological Society has identified the six leading causes of anxiety:
- Hereditary factors may play a role in anxiety in some people.
- Chemical imbalances in the brain can sometimes trigger persistent anxiety.
- Previous life experiences can trigger anxiety attacks when similar events arise later in life.
- Personality factors such as poor self-esteem make some people prone to anxiety.
- Thinking patterns, such as a need to feel in control or excessive perfectionism, may lead to persistent anxiety.
- Behavioural styles, such as risk avoidance, can cause anxiety.
Managing your anxiety starts with acknowledging that it is a problem. Sometimes you can self-manage anxiety while at other times we may seek help from a professional therapist.
Self-Managing Your Anxiety
If an outside event like school examinations, an impending job interview, or other coming challenge is the cause of your anxiety, the following are some effective ways to self-manage it:
- Meditation can alleviate anxiety and help you to tackle more calmly any undertakings before facing the anxiety-triggering situation.
- You can use meridian tapping protocols like Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Thought Field Therapy to "short circuit" anxiety and put yourself back into action.
- Engaging in Yoga, Tai Chi and other energising and stress-reducing exercises can be excellent ways to self-manage your anxiety.
If your anxiety seems to be chronic and without an outside cause, you may benefit from seeking professional assistance to help you manage it.
Assisted Anxiety Management
Anxieties that lurk in the shadowy regions of your consciousness can be difficult or even seem impossible to be managed by on your own. Depending on the type of anxiety being experienced and its underlying cause, some natural therapies may work better for you.
Anxiety that is hereditary or is caused by biochemical imbalances may need the assistance of a holistic doctor. Drug treatments are available that help manage anxiety, or you may respond well to a natural treatment. Natural treatments having best record for effectiveness include:
- Herbalists often recommend Kava, St. Johns Wort, Gotu Kola, Valerian and other relaxing herbs to fight anxiety. It is best to contact first a qualified herbalist or homoeopath instead of self-medicating, especially if you regularly feel the need to use calming herbal treatments.
- Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective way to treat anxiety. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture works by balancing the energy flow (Ki or Qi) throughout the body.
Chronic anxiety that has its roots in life experiences, personality, behaviour or thinking patterns may require a different approach. For these, there are some natural therapies that were deemed effective which include:
- Psychotherapy: A psychotherapist may be able to help you uncover the psychological roots of your anxiety.
- Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapists have a great history in helping people overcome their phobias. A hypnotherapist may also be able to help you in digging into your past and uncovering life events that continue to trigger your anxiety.
- Life Coaching: A qualified life coach may be just what you need if you are facing a challenge like a change in career or other situation that triggers anxiety.
You don't need to be a victim of anxiety. Instead, start managing your anxiety by finding the right kind of help you need. You might be surprised by how quickly a solution can be found.
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