Though many people seem to feel that anxiety is an incurable state that cannot be effectively treated, but this simply isn't true.
Anxiety isn't an inescapable condition; it can be dealt with, and effectively.
With a little understanding and knowledge, it soon becomes clear that change can be affected.
Through therapy, and through some relatively simple changes in lifestyle, improvements can be made.
This isn't to say that there is a magical short-cut to freedom from anxiety, of course, it won't happen overnight, but with some work on your part - and with professional support - you will begin to feel less "imprisoned".
Anxiety can be approached and treated in two different ways: firstly, to concentrate on a reduction of the accompanying symptoms of the condition; secondly, anxiety therapy, which involves discovering and removing anxiety's root causes.
Of course, the anxiety therapy you receive - such as that recommended by a doctor - will vary depending upon the type of anxiety you experience, and to it's severity.
One particularly common form of anxiety therapy is a cognitive approach.
This is based around changing thought patterns in order to better cope with stressful situations as and when they occur.
There are also a number of techniques to reduce anxiety - relaxation methods such as meditation and yoga can often prove helpful, even simple breathing exercises can help alleviate the shortness of breath (and the attendant increase in stress levels it causes) during an anxiety attack.
From time to time, these techniques may be paired with medication.
It is important to understand the medication and its possible side-effects in order to prepare for them.
Discuss it with your doctor as much as is possible.
Do remember, however, that anxiety therapy is a process; that it will take time and effort.
Sadly there are no miracle cures.
Also remember though, that you have some control over the process.
It is important that you feel comfortable with the therapist with whom you are embarking upon this sometimes rather difficult journey.
Ideally, you should feel that you are "working together" and that if you don't, that it is better to change your course of treatment sooner rather than later, as it may be more difficult to do so in mid-course.
Generally, people begin to see an overall improvement in their condition after around ten sessions with a therapist, but obviously, everybody responds differently.
It is essential to be realistic in your expectations: even if you don't feel you're making progress as quickly as you would like, stick to it.
Therapy is an effective way of changing your life, but a long-term one.
The results, however, are worth waiting for, it's important not to forget that.
Anxiety isn't an inescapable condition; it can be dealt with, and effectively.
With a little understanding and knowledge, it soon becomes clear that change can be affected.
Through therapy, and through some relatively simple changes in lifestyle, improvements can be made.
This isn't to say that there is a magical short-cut to freedom from anxiety, of course, it won't happen overnight, but with some work on your part - and with professional support - you will begin to feel less "imprisoned".
Anxiety can be approached and treated in two different ways: firstly, to concentrate on a reduction of the accompanying symptoms of the condition; secondly, anxiety therapy, which involves discovering and removing anxiety's root causes.
Of course, the anxiety therapy you receive - such as that recommended by a doctor - will vary depending upon the type of anxiety you experience, and to it's severity.
One particularly common form of anxiety therapy is a cognitive approach.
This is based around changing thought patterns in order to better cope with stressful situations as and when they occur.
There are also a number of techniques to reduce anxiety - relaxation methods such as meditation and yoga can often prove helpful, even simple breathing exercises can help alleviate the shortness of breath (and the attendant increase in stress levels it causes) during an anxiety attack.
From time to time, these techniques may be paired with medication.
It is important to understand the medication and its possible side-effects in order to prepare for them.
Discuss it with your doctor as much as is possible.
Do remember, however, that anxiety therapy is a process; that it will take time and effort.
Sadly there are no miracle cures.
Also remember though, that you have some control over the process.
It is important that you feel comfortable with the therapist with whom you are embarking upon this sometimes rather difficult journey.
Ideally, you should feel that you are "working together" and that if you don't, that it is better to change your course of treatment sooner rather than later, as it may be more difficult to do so in mid-course.
Generally, people begin to see an overall improvement in their condition after around ten sessions with a therapist, but obviously, everybody responds differently.
It is essential to be realistic in your expectations: even if you don't feel you're making progress as quickly as you would like, stick to it.
Therapy is an effective way of changing your life, but a long-term one.
The results, however, are worth waiting for, it's important not to forget that.