Meditation for Anxiety
Anxiety! Nowadays, you must be using this word in daily life and almost everyone is. This shows the prevalence of anxiety has become so much that people have started adjusting to it. You must have heard your friend say that I am really nervous or having anxiety because of some situation. So, let us understand some helpful natural ways like meditation for anxiety to manage it.
Though, it may be normal for some people to feel anxiety before certain situations. But some people are so anxious that they feel anxiety in their daily routine without a situation. Therefore, when something starts interrupting a person’s daily routine or feelings, it is a menace. Now, let us start the article to help manage anxiety.
What is Anxiety?
Many people casually use the word anxiety, but only some people may know the exact meaning of the feeling. So, to define it briefly, anxiety is when a person feels fear, dread, nervousness, and restlessness. Now, if this feels familiar to you, then do you feel it often or just in a stressful situation? If someone experiences such feelings in daily life on small daily events, then it is definitely an anxiety disorder.
In addition, there are different types of anxiety with varying symptoms. So, it is possible that you do not feel anxious in a situation whereas your friend becomes extremely anxious in the same situation.
Furthermore, there are different anxiety types like GAD, social anxiety, Phobia, panic disorder, etc. Also, they depict different symptoms of every kind. For example, social anxiety disorder’s common signs are avoiding crowded places, fearing speaking in public, etc. Whereas phobia symptoms are completely different.
Signs of Anxiety
Though feeling restless is a symptom of anxiety, it is not only restricted to emotions. There are various physical, Mental, and behavioral symptoms that can be produced. So, the anxiety symptoms are:
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety:
- Cold or sweaty hands
- Shivering
- Nausea
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle tension
- Dry mouth
- Heart palpitations
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
Behavioral Symptoms:
- Unable to be calm and still
- Irritability
- Trouble sleeping
- Restlessness
- Hypervigilance
Mental anxiety symptoms:
- Feelings of panic and uneasiness
- Obsessive thoughts that are uncontrollable
- Flashbacks of traumatic experiences
- Lack of concentration
- Unwanted negative thoughts
- Nightmares
If you experience such symptoms, especially if they are interfering with your daily life and decisions, then do consider taking advice from a doctor.
What are anxiety attacks?
An anxiety attack known as a panic attack is a sudden uncontrollable event that may be a result of severe anxiety. A panic attack is severe and can occur anytime irrespective of whether you are feeling calm or anxious. However different people may have different triggers just like anxiety.
Also, anxiety attack symptoms may feel the same as an anxiety disorder but they are much more intense and severe. Also, an attack gives a person the feeling of doom, intense fear, or even out of control. Furthermore, a panic attack can last for 5-20 minutes but the effects can stay longer.
Anxiety and Depression: Can a disorder impact the other?
Anxiety and depression seem to be completely different when they are. But there are various studies that promote the idea of one increasing the chances for the other. However, the symptoms for both are different but people with depression develop some level of anxiety. In addition, people with severe anxiety for a long time can develop depression.
Studies done in past years also suggest that more than 41.5% of people experienced anxiety and depression simultaneously in the period of one year. In addition, the symptoms of anxiety can be severe worry, and nervousness whereas depression symptoms include sadness, hopelessness, and emptiness as a constant feeling.
Furthermore, sometimes it is difficult for an individual to understand the symptoms. Because everyone can have a different set of symptoms in both disorders. However, there are also some signs that can occur in both. So, the overlapping symptoms include:
- Sleeping problems
- Increased irritability
- Focus and concentration problems
- Memory issues like brain fog
- Changes in energy levels
- Stomach issues
- Aches and pains without any clear cause
So, if you experience these symptoms, look for other symptoms too for a clear diagnosis. Also, if these symptoms persist, make sure to make an appointment with the doctor.
Anxiety Treatment
Now, the treatment will take place according to your health condition and symptoms. For that, you must have certain criteria of symptoms and duration to diagnose it as a doctor. Also, doctors recommend different treatment options that are suitable for the overall health situation.
Some of the effective and widely used treatment options are:
- Stress management
- CBT Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Problem-solving therapy
- Lifestyle changes
- Medications like antidepressants
- Mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation
Does meditation for anxiety improve it?
Meditation is a well-known practice for stress relieving and the well-being of the overall body and mind. Therefore, various studies vouch for the betterment of anxiety and depression with the help of meditation.
Meditation is a form of mindfulness that lets people reduce stress and worry. However, there are different kinds of meditation:
- Mantra meditation
- Guided meditation
- Tai chi
- Transcendental meditation
- Mindfulness
- Yoga
- Qi gong
However, all are benefits-driven meditation for anxiety and depression. But mindfulness meditation tops the list. This meditation for anxiety lets you become more aware of the present, your body and mind state, and your thoughts and emotions. But remember to see your thoughts without judgment will help you understand better. Moreover, meditation for anxiety treatment is a slow process and you have to take out time daily. Some studies show that it can take up to 8 weeks to finally see some effects.
However, other treatments like medications are fast relieving, and work with your doctor to find out the best treatment according to your condition.
Medications
Medications are a great way of treating anxiety but only when the doctor prescribes it. It may not be the best way but it is the fastest way of relieving anxiety. Therefore, in severe cases, your doctor may advise you on some medications for anxiety and depression.
There are different medications but one of the highly prescribed medications is Xanax, a benzodiazepine. Though it is a Schedule IV controlled substance, it is an effective medication for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. The drug is alprazolam which works on the central nervous system by affecting the neurotransmitters and brain chemicals. So, this results in reduced brain activity and a calming effect reducing anxiety and panic.
Last words on Meditation for Anxiety
Anxiety is an overwhelming feeling but also with some effort, one can cope with it. In addition, even if you use medications, it is still helpful to practice meditation for anxiety relief. However if you find it difficult to make time, you can start with even a few seconds or minutes. In addition, you can join meditation classes for more support. So, meditation for anxiety can be a soothing way to treat it.
Furthermore, if you are using the medicine, then you can also buy Xanax online, but with a prescription via a licensed pharmacy. One such pharmacy is Xanax High and it can also provide Xanax overnight delivery and many other benefits.
Lastly, work on your anxiety daily, and do not let it overpower you. Talk with your doctor to come up with a plan and follow it for positive results.