Every person worries or gets frightened from time to time, and these are normal responses to threatening situations. However, if you feel extremely worried or afraid most of the time, or often feel anxious, consider talking about it with your doctor.
Most people are ashamed to admit that they have phobias and persistent worries, which seem like signs of weakness. Nevertheless, without treatment, they become even more fearful and isolated. In extreme cases, they are so imprisoned by their anxiety that they are unable to leave home.
There are plenty of therapies to help control anxiety and improve quality of life for sufferers. In many cases, medications can reduce or eliminate symptoms. Several types of psychosocial therapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy, also help by teaching people to adopt more positive thoughts and behavior. Some medications that are under development may even help prevent anxiety disorders in people genetically predisposed to them.
However, not everyone who suffers from frequent worry has an anxiety disorder. If you do not have an anxiety disorder, but think you worry too much, doing the following activities may help.
- Listen to music, a relaxing one, to take your mind off whatever it is that is worrying you.
- Exercise regularly. It improves mood and slowly decreases anxiety symptoms. Do at least 30 minutes of moderate activity everyday or at least four times a week.
- Become aware of your body’s responses to stress and teach yourself how to control them using relaxation and cognitive techniques.
