Anxiety is a problem that is relatively common and affects people of all ages and walks of life. Overcoming the issues that are related to anxiety, is often a long battle that could last a lifetime. For some people, anxiety comes and goes and can usually get worse during times of stress. Many factors contribute to someone feeling anxious. However, eliminating all of them is not easy. Learning ways to cope is a way out. Nevertheless, there are many doctors and other professionals around the world who specialize in treating anxiety conditions. Patients who have this problem can ultimately be helped.
According to Dr. Clarence Clottey, people may experience anxiety or worry, or nervousness as part of their common daily experience, however, if this worry or anxiety is very severe and lasts for a long time and affects their daily function, then this is abnormal. There are many types of clinical anxiety. However, this description is more related to generalized anxiety.
Usually, treatment would involve either psychotherapy or medication or a combination of both. Fortunately, however, the treatment can also include a lot of steps that someone who struggles with anxiety can take themselves. So, what are three things that people could change immediately to get a jump-start on the recovery process?
Live in the Present
Anxiety is an emotion that comes from the brain and is triggered by external factors that affect a person’s life. Most of the time, it is mild and short-lived and is a normal response. The problem, however, arises when someone’s anxiety levels exceed the normal range and they succumb to the constant feelings of stress, worry, and fear. Some of the solutions will include a combination of changes in a person’s behavior.
Anxiety sufferers must find a way to live in the present. In other words, focusing on the current and not solely worrying about what already happened in the past or fear of what will happen in the future. It is important to learn to ignore that and focus on what is happening at the present moment.
Seek Positive Perspectives
In general, Dr. Clarence Clottey believes persons experiencing high anxiety levels need to adopt and seek more positive perspectives on the issues they are facing. For example, losing a job is one scenario in which someone will most likely start feeling overwhelming anxiety. In this circumstance, it is very hard not to dwell on one losing their income, spend time looking for a new job and having to figure out a way to establish a new daily routine. Well, when things are looked at from this angle, it is impossible not to feel a sudden rush of anxiety.
A more beneficial approach would be first to accept the situation that one cannot change. Next one can use this experience as a positive change and to self-improve and find better opportunities. For instance, though this is admittedly very difficult, in this scenario, losing a job can be looked at as a perfect chance to pursue that career change that a lot of people never develop the courage to do. One can utilize the opportunity to do things one previously did not have time for, like spending more time with their family and loved ones.
Take a Minute to Relax
Besides finding a different angle in which to look at the current situation, one can try to alleviate some of their anxiety by taking time to relax. Dr. Clarence Clottey, recommends that breathing exercises that have arguably become popular byproducts of the growth of meditation and yoga practices are indeed useful. So, when someone can feel their anxiety levels rising and potentially anticipates a panic attack, taking a minute to do nothing but take deep breaths can noticeably improve their state.
This helps the body to become less tense, the body’s adrenaline levels fall and the defensive state of mind that could lead to a panic attack changes to a state of more calm. If the person is persistent and takes deep breaths every time that they are facing some adversity, they will eventually train their body to deal with difficult situations more predictably and patiently. So, the benefits of this approach and the others discussed above could help translate to long-term success when it comes to overcoming anxiety.
An insightful piece!