Doctors calm anxiety using a combination of psychological therapies (like CBT to change thought patterns), medications (like SSRIs or short-term anti-anxiety drugs), and lifestyle recommendations (exercise, relaxation), often starting with therapy as the most effective long-term solution, sometimes supported by short-term medication for severe cases. They focus on identifying triggers, teaching coping mechanisms, and tailoring treatments to the individual's specific needs for lasting management.
Things you can try to help with anxiety, fear and panic
To calm severe anxiety, use immediate techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness, challenge negative thoughts, stay physically active, maintain healthy habits (sleep, diet), and seek professional help like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) for long-term management, as avoiding triggers can worsen anxiety over time.
The two main treatments for anxiety disorders are psychotherapy and medications. You may benefit most from a combination of the two. It may take some trial and error to discover which treatments work best for you.
Severity of symptoms
The severity of your anxiety symptoms is another important factor to consider. If your anxiety is so intense that it significantly impairs your ability to function at work, school or in your relationships, it's a clear indication that you may benefit from medication.
A big event or a buildup of smaller stressful life situations may trigger excessive anxiety — for example, a death in the family, work stress or ongoing worry about finances. Personality. People with certain personality types are more prone to anxiety disorders than others are.
The main treatments a GP may offer include: talking therapies – usually cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with the support of a therapist, either by yourself or in a group. medicines that can help to treat anxiety – usually a type of antidepressant called an SSRI.
Worry excessively about everyday things. Have trouble controlling their worries or feelings of nervousness. Feel irritable or “on edge” frequently. Feel restless or have trouble relaxing.
Yes. A student with an anxiety disorder has a disability if their anxiety disorder substantially limits one or more of their major life activities. An anxiety disorder can, for example, substantially limit concentrating, which is a major life activity under Section 504.
A panic attack is an episode of severe anxiety. It usually causes symptoms such as shortness of breath, racing heart, sweating and nausea. Infrequent panic attacks can be normal. But repeated panic attacks that happen for no obvious reason are more likely a sign of an anxiety disorder.
Teas for stress and anxiety relief
Here's what we know — and don't know — about some herbal supplements:
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition where you feel excessive worry about everyday situations. It happens often and may be hard to manage.
If you are 18 or over, the doctor can prescribe pregabalin for you as a licensed medicine for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).
To diagnose an anxiety disorder, a doctor performs a physical exam, asks about your symptoms, and recommends a blood test, which helps the doctor determine if another condition, such as hypothyroidism, may be causing your symptoms. The doctor may also ask about any medications you are taking.
Panic is the most severe form of anxiety. You may start to avoid certain situations because you fear they'll trigger another attack. This can create a cycle of living "in fear of fear". It can add to your sense of panic and may cause you to have more attacks.
Five common anxiety symptoms include excessive worry, restlessness, a racing heart/shortness of breath, difficulty sleeping, and trouble concentrating, often accompanied by physical signs like muscle tension, sweating, trembling, or digestive upset, and behavioral changes such as avoiding triggers.
Anxiety itself can cause symptoms like headaches or a racing heartbeat, and you may mistake these for signs of illness.
Medications for anxiety
Talk to a doctor about how you're feeling.
The doctor or nurse may also check to see if you have another health condition (like heart disease or diabetes) that can cause anxiety or make it worse. If you have one of these health conditions, it's important to get treatment right away.
Triggers of an Anxiety Attack
Difficult experiences in childhood, adolescence or adulthood are a common trigger for anxiety problems. Going through stress and trauma when you're very young is likely to have a particularly big impact. Experiences which can trigger anxiety problems include things like: physical or emotional abuse.
Supplement options
Although further studies are needed, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to anxiety and depression. Supplements may help manage symptoms of stress and anxiety in those who are deficient. Vitamin B complex supplements may also help lower stress and anxiety levels.
People with a psychological tendency towards biased thinking (see above) are more at risk of developing anxiety-related problems. Mood also affects the way we see things: if we are unhappy we are more likely to be prone to distort or biased thinking.