Erin began experiencing anxiety from when she was a child. Her pediatric physician diagnosed her with generalize anxiety disorder (GAD). She began meeting with a therapist and continued to for about one year.
During that time, she learned techniques such as "positive self talk," literally talking herself out of anxiety. Every time she used positive self talk to come out of anxiety, it reinforced her self-confidence and it reduced the severity of the anxiety. Her situation gradually improved over the next few years, until the point where she no longer needed the assistance of a therapist.
Regular exercise is one activity among many which can help you to overcome anxiety and anxiety disorders. Developing positive coping tools in your lifestyle can help you to overcome anxieties and anxiety disorders.
One of the options that Erin and her parents decided not to pursue was prescription drugs. She was determined to overcome her anxiety without medication and she succeeded. (Geelan, R., N.J. Family, November, 2010. p.23)
Anxiety disorders are diagnosed when anxieties become so pronounced so as to effect day to day activities. Often times prescription drugs are used to treat anxiety disorders. However, research shows that there are many effective therapies for anxiety disorders. In addition to exercise, relaxing activities, such as in Green Therapy, or using Art as a therapy, various proven psychotherapies can be useful without the need for medications.
Evidence based treatment studies reveal that:
- Individual cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Group cognitive behavioral therapy (GCBT).
- GCBT with parents.
- GCBT for social phobia.
- Social effectiveness training for children with social phobia
These are effective for both
children,
teens,
as well as for adults.
These treatments are in the second tier of treatment efficaciousness, "probably efficacious," with very stringent standards. This treatment plan, need not include medication, according to the article, Journal Highlights Effectiveness of Research Based Psychotherapies for Youth, published in The Journal of Clinical and Adolescent Psychology, and as reported by NIMH.
Art is something to be considered for relief from anxieties as is prayer and attention to
spiritual needs.
Doctor’s Orders:
Cecilia is an artist from Brazil who started painting when her doctor encouraged her to take it up to relieve anxiety. She started, for the first time in February 2007, and since then has produced a couple of dozen of masterful works of art. Her intense anxieties were relieved, and that without medication.
Pages Related to Treatment of Anxiety
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