Beyond Anxiety Therapy

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Registered: 03-11-2004
Beyond Anxiety Therapy
Wed, 05-18-2005 - 8:27am





May 18, 2005

Welcome to today's edition of Emotional Health.

The "Tip of the Day" information is provided herein by the National Institute Mental Health (NIMH). The NIMH does not recommend or endorse any company advertised in this newsletter.






Beyond Anxiety Therapy

Many people with anxiety disorders benefit from joining a self-help group and sharing their challenges and achievements with others. Talking with friends or a trusted member of the clergy can also be very helpful, although it's not a substitute for mental health care.

Family support is also important for people recovering from an anxiety disorder. Ideally, the family should be supportive without helping to perpetuate the person's symptoms. If the family tends to trivialize the disorder or demand that the person get better without treatment, the affected person will suffer.

Stress management techniques and meditation may help the person stay calm and could enhance the effects of therapy. There is preliminary evidence that aerobic exercise can help, and it is known that caffeine, illicit drugs, and even some over-the-counter cold medications can aggravate the symptoms of an anxiety disorder. Check with your physician or pharmacist before taking any additional medicines.