Help For GAD
Therapy and Counselling
GAD has been shown to respond best to cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
Different styles of counseling will suit different people. Unfortunately, without trial and error you will not know which one will help you and which ones may potentially make your condition worse. Having been to many different counselors myself, I can understand how frustrating it is to seek help and pour your heart and soul out in the hope of getting better, only to be given theories from well meaning counselors that only actually make you feel even more terrible than when you went in! I had up to this point seen around seven counselors or more, and had had so many awful experiences, that I was beginning to lose hope that any therapy could help me. Then I came across CBT. I personally found this the most helpful therapy I had ever had. Ironically this was the last type of counseling I tried and yet it was the one that I found suited me the most!
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on the present and equipping a person with the necessary tools and techniques they need to help them deal with their current situation and condition. CBT) combines the processes of changing both thoughts and behaviors. It looks at the thought process and challenges negative thoughts, turning them into something more positive and helpful. It offers a new perspective on habitual ways of thinking and it’s also a very interactive form of counseling, whereby activities set by the counselor help to rewire unhelpful thought processes
Medication
There are three types of medication which are usually prescribed for GAD.
Buspirone– This is an anti-anxiety drug, known by the brand name Buspar. It is generally considered to be the safest drug for generalized anxiety disorder. Unlike the benzodiazepines, buspirone isn’t sedating or addictive. Although buspirone will take the edge off, it will not entirely eliminate anxiety.
Benzodiazepines – These anti-anxiety drugs act very quickly (usually within 30 minutes to an hour) but physical and psychological dependence is common after more than a few weeks of use. They are generally recommended only for severe, paralyzing episodes of anxiety and for short term use
Antidepressants – Antidepressants are commonly used to help increase the serotonin levels in the brain which can then help to lift mood.
Buspirone– This is an anti-anxiety drug, known by the brand name Buspar. It is generally considered to be the safest drug for generalized anxiety disorder. Unlike the benzodiazepines, buspirone isn’t sedating or addictive. Although buspirone will take the edge off, it will not entirely eliminate anxiety.
Benzodiazepines – These anti-anxiety drugs act very quickly (usually within 30 minutes to an hour) but physical and psychological dependence is common after more than a few weeks of use. They are generally recommended only for severe, paralyzing episodes of anxiety and for short term use
Antidepressants – Antidepressants are commonly used to help increase the serotonin levels in the brain which can then help to lift mood.
Alternative Treatment
NOTE: Always check with a doctor before self medicating
Passionflower
This herb was traditionally used as a remedy for anxiety and insomnia.
However side effects may include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and rapid heartbeat. Passionflower may not be suitable for pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with kidney or liver disease.
Valerian
This herb is well renowned as a remedy for insomnia. Valerian is also used in patients with mild anxiety. Valerian is usually taken an hour before bedtime. It takes about two to three weeks to work and shouldn't be used for long periods of time. Side effects of valerian may include mild indigestion, headache, palpitations, and dizziness.
Kava
This herb has been found to have anti-anxiety effects. Kava is a GABA. This is an amino acid that plays a role in the physiology of anxiety. Other natural remedies can include, Chamomile, B vitamins, Calcium and Magnesium
Passionflower
This herb was traditionally used as a remedy for anxiety and insomnia.
However side effects may include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and rapid heartbeat. Passionflower may not be suitable for pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with kidney or liver disease.
Valerian
This herb is well renowned as a remedy for insomnia. Valerian is also used in patients with mild anxiety. Valerian is usually taken an hour before bedtime. It takes about two to three weeks to work and shouldn't be used for long periods of time. Side effects of valerian may include mild indigestion, headache, palpitations, and dizziness.
Kava
This herb has been found to have anti-anxiety effects. Kava is a GABA. This is an amino acid that plays a role in the physiology of anxiety. Other natural remedies can include, Chamomile, B vitamins, Calcium and Magnesium
Mind and Body Techniques
Mind/body breathing exercises, can include activities like exercise. Yoga and tai chi are very good for relaxing the body and mind. Self-hypnosis, meditation and acupuncture are other techniques that can be used for anxiety.
Mood Food!
Certain food can act as natural mood boosters. Improving your diet can actually help to improve your mood! A healthy body is a healthy mind…
Foods such as pumpkin seeds contain plenty of Zinc and Magnesium, as well as plenty of vitamin B and high in fibre cereals can help the physical side of Anxiety. Oatmeal may is rich in fibre, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and mood. Other foods which contain a lot of fibre include beans, prunes, figs, peas, barley, citrus fruits and apples. Walnuts are conation omega-3 essential fatty acids, which is good for healthy brain function, and can help lift mood. Fish flaxseeds are also good sources of omega-3
Foods such as pumpkin seeds contain plenty of Zinc and Magnesium, as well as plenty of vitamin B and high in fibre cereals can help the physical side of Anxiety. Oatmeal may is rich in fibre, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and mood. Other foods which contain a lot of fibre include beans, prunes, figs, peas, barley, citrus fruits and apples. Walnuts are conation omega-3 essential fatty acids, which is good for healthy brain function, and can help lift mood. Fish flaxseeds are also good sources of omega-3