Treatments for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can vary from one person to another. Whether treatment involves seeking help from a mental health professional, implementing better health practices, or both, it is possible to treat GAD.
Ready to learn about ten ways to treat GAD? Keep reading…
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of many forms of psychotherapy used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). CBT is a type of talk therapy in which the mental health provider uses a variety of techniques to both challenge and change negative cognitions or beliefs. CBT is also a common therapy for other mental health conditions, including depression.
Sometimes therapy is combined with the following treatment option…
2. Medication
Doctors can prescribe many different kinds of medications to treat generalized anxiety disorder. The most common medications are antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). The right medication will vary from one person to another, so it’s critical to discuss all options with your medical provider.
The following two methods are a wholesome way of unwinding from the woes of GAD…
3. Yoga & Meditation
Meditation and yoga are relaxation techniques that have been proven to relieve symptoms of GAD. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry states these methods have shown more positive results than standard stress management techniques.
That said, there are other ways to treat GAD…
4. Physical Activity
Exercises like running, swimming, walking, and dancing effectively reduce GAD symptoms. Physical movement not only keeps you physically healthy, but it also reduces anxiety-induced fatigue and strengthens cognitive function.
In order for GAD treatment to work, you need to do the following…
5. Prioritize Sleep
While dozing off might be difficult for people with GAD, quality sleep remains critical in treating this mental health condition. To sleep better, try employing methods like building a sleep routine and making your bedroom more comfortable. Meditation is another great nighttime option to help you prioritize sleep.
The next treatment option is another powerful medicine on its own…
6. Eat Healthy
Maintaining a healthy diet that includes various vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and omega-3-rich fish and meats can reduce the effects of GAD in the body. Plus, a healthy diet will help you maintain physical health, too.
There might be some things in your diet you should limit, though…
7. Reduce Caffeine Intake
Consuming high amounts of caffeine can induce and worsen problems with anxiety, such as a racing heart or a panic attack. Along with a healthy diet and exercise, avoiding caffeine can improve and lessen symptoms in some cases. Green tea, on the other hand, is a suitable substitute for caffeinated beverages. If you enjoy caffeine, just be sure to limit how much you consume.
Some habits need to be kicked completely in order to improve GAD symptoms…
8. Avoid Drugs
According to Addiction Center, about 20 percent of people with GAD have a history of substance abuse. Improper use of such drugs, like cannabis or hallucinogens, can actually exacerbate symptoms of anxiety, so it’s important to stay away from them altogether.
Anxiety treatment might also involve limiting something else…
9. Limit Alcohol Intake
Alcohol can trigger anxiety symptoms by drastically altering serotonin and hormone levels in the brain. Too much alcohol is not good for anyone, but especially people with GAD. Limiting alcohol intake is usually part of an anxiety treatment plan, especially because alcohol use can interfere with some therapies.
For our last GAD treatment option, we recommend the following…
10. Quit Smoking
Cigarette smoking is known to worsen anxiety symptoms, due to the presence of nicotine. Quitting the habit might be difficult, but it can significantly lessen symptoms and improve mental and physical health altogether.
