Living with an Anxiety Disorder

Maintaining a regular routine. It's important to not allow anxiety take over your day-to-day life. This means those affected must make an effort to maintain their activities without trying to avoid situations that lead to anxiety. For example, if you’ve managed to start taking the tube to work again after treatment, even if it still makes you a bit anxious, it's essential to keep doing it so the anxiety gradually fades.

Exercising. Regular physical activity is recommended for almost everyone, including those with anxiety disorders. In fact, some scientific studies conclude that physical exercise can help reduce and relieve anxiety symptoms.

Having good eating and sleeping habits. Maintaining proper eating and sleeping habits is essential to maintain an overall healthy lifestyle. Not getting enough sleep over time can lead to irritability or stress, which can make anxiety symptoms worse.

Do not consume stimulants in excess. The use of stimulants such as coffee in high amounts and for long periods can increase anxiety levels.

Avoiding harmful substances. Some people with anxiety disorders may use substances such as alcohol or cannabis to relieve the discomfort caused by certain symptoms. Although this might provide short-term relief, regular use can lead to other serious issues. 

Share discomfort with the surrounding environment. Some people can benefit from sharing their discomfort with the people around them or with support groups. It is important for patients to relive their discomfort and it can also help the people surrounding the patient to identify the first symptoms of a relapse.

Following the treatment plan. Adhering to treatment guidelines is crucial for managing anxiety symptoms. Some people with anxiety disorders may need to take medication for extended periods. In these cases, it’s common to lose motivation, consider stopping treatment, or become tired of side effects. It’s very important to share these concerns with your healthcare team so that the best treatment options can be considered.

The importance of social support. A strong supportive network can help manage stressful situations, which in turn may reduce the risk of relapse.