If you’re feeling anxious all the time, and it’s stopping you from fully living your life, it’s time to get help. The good news is there are ways to manage your condition.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) has been shown to be one of the most effective approaches. In short, this is about examining your thought processes and how they drive your actions. You can practise CBT for anxiety with the help of a trained therapist or counsellor, or start with an online self-help course.
Learning to relax, with specific relaxation techniques, is also known to help people struggling with anxiety. As are lifestyle changes, in particular regular exercise.
Medication is usually recommended only as a last resort, particularly as antidepressants can have negative side effects, but they can help you if nothing else does.
It’s worth remembering that anxiety and depression – as well as other issues, such as drug and alcohol misuse – can often be linked. If you’re suffering from a related problem, it’s best to get help for that first, before you begin to address your generalised anxiety.