A member asked:

How do you control anxiety?

21 doctors weighed in across 12 answers

Deal with the underl: The issue is not controlling but dismantling anxiety. What is the person frightened of? The situation, embarrassment, ridicule, injury, etc. Try a cognitive behavioral approach: have the rational adult part of the brain prevail over the irrational immature part of the brain. Short-term relief from yogic controlled breathing, muscle relaxation techniques and visualization are helpful coping techni.

Answered 5/25/2013

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Managing anxiety:: The most effective treatment for anxiety is relaxation training coupled with cognitive therapy that helps you modify the thoughts, perceptions and beliefs that trigger the anxiety. Learning to calm your body and your mind is the key. You can learn these skills on your own, but having a mental health professional "coach" you is quicker and more effective. Entrenched anxiety may require meds.

Answered 10/30/2020

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Dr. Susan Uhrich answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Learning process: Cbt or cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn how to overcome your anxiety. While learning, medications can also help.

Answered 10/3/2016

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Meds or therapy: Depending on how much distress this is causing you, you could take medications such as zoloft (sertraline) or Prozac for anxiety. However cognitive behavior therapy is also extremely effective for anxiety. It can also teach you coping skills that are longer lasting than the medication. You could start with self-help books on controlling anxiety and seek a therapist if the book is insufficient.

Answered 6/30/2014

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Dr. Alan Ali answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Anxiety: Although cognitive therapy or medications help, combining the two has best prognosis.

Answered 3/26/2013

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Dr. Jeffrey Satinover answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

4 Major Ways: 1) excercises, mental and physical 2) behavioral conditioning 3) psychotherapy 4) medication. Which of these methods, alone or combination are best varies from person to person. Ask your physicina for a referral to a psychiatrist who can recommend what is likely to be most effective for you.

Answered 10/31/2013

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

There are many : Options. There a # of ways to address anxiety: cognitive behavioral therapy, behavior modification, individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, psychotropic medications, qi gong, tai chi, acupuncture, acupressure, homeopathy, meditation, yoga, exercise program or progressive muscle relaxation (to mention a few). Aim for 7.5 - 8 hours of sleep/ night. Shoot for daily physical activity

Answered 11/1/2013

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Dr. Antoanella Calame answered

Specializes in Pathology

Different options: There are a lot of things to do that can help you control your anxiety. I personally love yoga, it helps you learn how to breath and relax and creates confidence and learn about inner self. Eating right can also help, try not to drink a lot of caffeine. Get good sleep, and maintain a positive attitude.

Answered 8/15/2013

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Dr. Pamela Pappas answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

First: BREATHE: When anxious, the first thing to do is BREATHE slowly and fully -- allowing your belly to expand with your in-breath, and go back down when you exhale. You can breathe in to the count of 4, hold your breath for 7 counts, and breathe out to the count of 8. Do this 4-6 times for 1 round. You might practice multiple times/day. See a psychologist or psychiatrist for eval & treatment can help also.

Answered 12/2/2014

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Multiple hints: 1- speak to a trained psychologist for CBT or RET 2- get a full medical exam including thyroid evaluation 3- exercise-as much as possible 4- progressive relaxation, meditation, prayer: read The Relaxation response by Herbert Benson, M.D. 5- massage therapy, aromatherapy, pick up a musical instrument 6- support groups These should get you started- but relaxation response is very important.

Answered 7/30/2019

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Dr. answered

Anxiety: Anxiety is a common problem. Depending on personal preference anxiety can be controlled through medications or through counselling , cognitive and behaviour therapy etc. http://patient.info/health/anxiety

Answered 11/12/2016

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Start w med eval.: It may uncover underlying medical problems that need to be addressed. Cognitive Behavioral therapy can be effective. Psych meds may be indicated. Aim for daily exercise, 8 hrs sleep /night & good nutrition w 5 servings of veggies & 4 of fruit per day. Try tai chi, yoga, Qi Gong, progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises or meditation. Take care.

Answered 7/30/2019

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