Photo courtesy of Meredith Farmer

If you have suffered with anxiety for any length of time, then you will know how debilitating it can be. It is something that can effectively stop you from living the life you want to lead. I am fully aware of this, as I have suffered from anxiety in the past. Learning how to deal with anxiety is no easy path.

Although my primary issue was panic attacks, I also experienced a lot of anxiety in anticipation of them. My anxiety would prevent me from doing everyday things. Even a trip to the hairdressers would become nearly unbearable. Life becomes a struggle when things get that tough.

If you are nodding your head, then please know that I understand what you are going through. It is time for you to realize that you can beat your anxiety. Below I reveal some tips that helped me in overcoming my anxiety. I have also provided links where you can find further help.

If you are confused at this stage, check out this article: Dealing With Anxiety.

Therapy

There is nothing more important in treating anxiety than therapy. I myself sought cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and saw someone for many months. It was a total revelation for me. With the passing of time, I was eventually able to rationalize my thought processes. Before long, I was able to change my deep-rooted instinctive reactions to stimuli and wrest control over my anxiety.

Frame Of Mind

Anxiety isn’t physical – it’s all in your head. With that in mind, you can conquer it with your thought processes alone. Attitude and mindset are incredibly important.

Of course, it is easier to say that than actually do it. And often you will lose the struggle against anxiety – but that is okay. As long as you are winning the ‘war’, losing battles is acceptable.

And accept that you can never truly “beat” anxiety. It is something you control, not defeat. After all, everyone struggles with anxiety at times.

Prescription Drugs

Medication can be very useful in masking the symptoms of your anxiety. But it is not a long-term solution. You should never view it as a ‘crutch’ – it is just a means to an end.

I personally took Citalopram. It worked very well in blunting my anxiety, but I know that therapy would ultimately ‘cure’ me. Medication is a tool – it is not the solution. Always bear that in mind.