The Best Anxiety Medications to Help You Cope with Stressful Situations

 

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness globally, affecting nearly 4% of the population throughout their lifetime. But what most people don’t realize is that many of those who suffer from anxiety also experience stressful situations, which can make coping with anxiety difficult at best and impossible at worst. If you have an anxiety disorder and find yourself frequently in high-stress situations, it may be time to consider adding an anxiety medication to your treatment plan to help you better manage your symptoms and cope with stress during these challenging times. Read on to learn more about these medications.

1. BuspironeBuspirone is an anti-anxiety medication that can help reduce anxiety symptoms, such as worry, tension, and irritability. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. Buspirone is usually taken twice a day, with or without food. Common side effects include

 

– Headache

– Confusion

– Dizziness

– Nausea

 

2. TricyclicsTricyclics are a type of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. They work by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, which helps to keep these neurotransmitters active in the brain. Tricyclics are generally considered to be less effective than SSRIs, but they may be helpful for people who do not respond well to other types of medication. The most common side effects include;

 

– Drowsiness

– Urinary retention

– Constipation

– Weight gain

– Dizziness

– Confusion

– Blurred vision

 

3. Beta-blockers – anxiety medication for stressful situationBeta-blockers are one of the most commonly prescribed medications for anxiety. They work by blocking the effects of adrenaline, which can help reduce your heart rate and blood pressure. This can make it easier to cope with stressful situations. Beta-blockers are usually taken on an as-needed basis, so they’re not typically used as a long-term treatment. They can also cause some side effects like;

 

– Dizziness

– Drowsiness

– Low blood pressure

– Cold hands and feet

– Difficulty urinating or constipation

Talk to your doctor about other options if you experience any of these side effects or have another medical condition that contraindicates their use (like asthma).

 

4. BenzodiazepinesBenzodiazepines are a class of drugs typically used to calm your mind and relax your muscle. They work by depressing the central nervous system, which can help to reduce feelings of stress and worry. Common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepam (Valium). While they can be effective in managing anxiety, they can also be addictive and should only be used as directed by a doctor. Benzos come with a host of side effects that may be exacerbated if taken for long periods, so their use is limited to about 2-4 weeks. The most common side effects include;

 

– Sedation or excessive sleepiness

– Confusion

– Mood swings

– Personality changes

– Loss of balance or coordination

In some cases, when these symptoms appear, it might be necessary to stop taking benzos entirely and consult with a physician.

 

5. AntidepressantsSSRIs and SNRIs are two popular types of antidepressants that can effectively treat anxiety. If you’re feeling anxious, these medications can help by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain. Antidepressants affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine, which can influence mood. Common side effects include;- Headache- Dry mouth

   – Dizziness

   – Sexual problems

   – Nausea

   – Insomnia

   – Constipation or Diarrhea

   – Fatigue

 

Other Home Remedies to Deal with Anxiety – anxiety medication for stressful situation

While many medications can help you cope with anxiety, some home remedies can be just as effective. Research has found that home remedies such as yoga and deep breathing can reduce chronic anxiety symptoms by 40%.

There are several stress relief techniques, including meditation, exercise, and getting plenty of sleep at night.

You should consult your doctor before trying any new medication or treatment for your condition to ensure it is safe for you and won’t interfere with any other medication or treatment. Here is just a quick overview of these home remedy medications for anxiety.

 

1. ExerciseExercise does wonders for reducing anxiety because it reduces blood pressure and creates a sense of well-being. In addition, studies have shown that people who work out tend to feel less anxious than those who don’t. Exercising releases endorphins which create happy feelings and lead to an overall sense of well-being. Some experts recommend exercising three times per week for 30 minutes, but you should speak with your doctor about what’s best for you, depending on your current physical condition. Find a good cardio workout like running, biking, swimming, or brisk walking. Pick an activity that increases your heart rate, and you’ll start feeling better immediately!

 

2. Deep BreathingDeep breathing is one of the most popular treatments for anxiety because it helps manage panic attacks while lowering cortisol levels in the body. It’s important to take slow breaths when doing this technique – breathe deeply from your stomach, then exhale through pursed lips so that no air escapes. When you’re tense, slowly count from 10 down to zero and release the tension in your muscles when you get down to 0. If this feels too difficult, try lying down on your back and putting one hand on your chest and another hand on your stomach. Hold them tight for ten seconds, then release them without letting go of the breath. Continue releasing tension every ten seconds until you feel calm again. Meditation is another form of relaxation that can ease tension as well. Try going into a dark room where you will not be disturbed and close your eyes. Then focus on your breath – slow, deep breaths from the diaphragm rather than shallow ones from the chest. Imagine all the worry, anxiety, or negative thoughts floating away with each exhalation until you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

 

3. Get enough restGetting enough sleep at night can also help reduce anxiety. Studies have shown that people who get less than 7 hours of sleep at night are more likely to experience high levels of stress and anxiety than those who get 8 or more hours of sleep. According to experts, 6-7 hours is recommended for adults, including naps if you need them and a good night’s rest. However, sleep is different for everyone, and you might need to experiment with how much sleep you need to find the perfect amount for you. The bottom line is that if you want to reduce your anxiety, limit yourself to six or seven hours of sleep or talk with your doctor about finding a better solution.

 

4. Drink lots of waterWater plays a huge role in your mood and mental clarity. Most of us know that it’s important to drink at least eight glasses of water a day for general health purposes, but did you know that it can also help with anxiety? Drinking a lot of water can reduce the production of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as help flush out toxins in your system. If you are someone who is always on the go, keep a bottle of water with you throughout the day to stay hydrated and healthy. Fill your water bottle up at the beginning of the day to ensure you have enough for the whole day. You can also add a slice of lemon or lime to give it some flavor and natural detoxifying properties.

 

5. Eat foods rich in Omega-3sOmega-3 fatty acids are excellent for treating anxiety because they promote serotonin production in the brain, which can help relieve depression and anxiety. They also help balance the effects of cortisol, the hormone that tells your body to store fat. This is why eating a diet rich in Omega-3s can help you lose weight and reduce anxiety. Foods high in Omega-3s include salmon, tuna, sardines, walnuts, flaxseed oil, chia seeds, and eggs.

 

6. Try chamomileChamomile is a flower that you can find in most grocery stores. It’s one of the most common herbs used to treat anxiety because it is known for its calming effects. Other than drinking tea made from chamomile flowers, you can also use chamomile essential oil or tinctures. Add some lavender essential oil and lemon balm essential oil to help relieve your stress even more!

 

7. Smell aromatherapy oilsAromatherapy oils are extremely effective at alleviating stress and anxiety. To make your own aromatherapy oil, you’ll need a four-ounce bottle, a funnel, jojoba oil or almond oil (both work great), vitamin E oil, and 100 percent pure essential oils of lavender, Roman chamomile, bergamot, rosemary, and peppermint. Add 15 drops of each of these essential oils into your bottle. Fill the rest with jojoba or almond oil, and then add five drops of vitamin E oil. Place your lid on top and shake until everything is mixed together before you start using it. Whenever you feel anxious, simply take a few deep breaths while smelling this soothing blend.

 

8. Limit caffeine intakeCaffeine can effectively reduce anxiety, but if you don’t want to cut it out entirely, try limiting your intake. Drink no more than one cup of coffee daily or switch to decaf. Avoid other caffeine-containing drinks like soda, energy drinks, and chocolate. Some people find that eliminating caffeine altogether from their diet helps them avoid panic attacks and severe anxiety. In fact, in a 2012 study, participants who were not allowed to consume caffeinated beverages had fewer anxiety symptoms and anxiety attacks.

 

9. Steer clear of alcoholWhile some people drink alcohol and don’t suffer from anxiety, it can be a big problem for those who do. If you suffer from panic attacks or excessive stress, it’s best to avoid drinking altogether because alcohol actually contributes to these issues rather than alleviating them. According to research, alcohol releases cortisol, which can worsen anxiety symptoms. If you’re going to drink, try to limit yourself to two drinks max. And never drink when you’re feeling overwhelmed, sad, or stressed.And, if anxiety and alcoholism seem to go hand-in-hand for you, talk to your doctor about what may be causing it and how they can help.

 

10. Avoid smoking cigarettesSmoking is a big contributor to anxiety because it releases adrenaline and dopamine, both of which contribute significantly to panic attacks. It also means that your body has more exposure to toxins and carcinogens, which can increase your risk of developing heart disease. If you want to alleviate anxiety without giving up smoking altogether, try switching from regular cigarettes (and lighter fluid) to e-cigarettes or vaping, so you don’t have as much nicotine kick.

 

Talk with your doctor.

Talk to your doctor about cognitive behavioral therapy if medications and home remedies don’t work. They’ll help you learn how to change how you think about the situation and how you behave when faced with it. Some people find that medication can make a big difference in their quality of life while they’re learning these skills. Other people find that they need medication for long-term anxiety disorders. In either case, talk to your doctor about what will work best for you. The goal is to relieve your symptoms so you can live the fullest life possible.

 

Final word

the best way to handle anxiety is to use various treatment methods. From medication and therapy to counseling and relaxation techniques, each individual needs to find what works for them personally. It’s also important to remember that there are other ways of coping with stress than simply taking medication or seeing a doctor. Even if you don’t have anxiety, it’s important not to avoid social situations out of fear or shyness because that will also lead to unnecessary stress. If you’re having a stressful day, try to take some time off from work and do something enjoyable. Plenty of healthy activities like exercising, walking, listening to music, or reading can help relieve stress while keeping your mind occupied. Remember to try new things, too; after all, who knows what might be just the thing to make you feel better!

 

References:

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/01/this-is-the-worlds-biggest-mental-health-problem/#:~:text=goes%20to%20anxiety.-,An%20estimated%20275%20million%20people%20suffer%20from%20anxiety%20disorders.,with%20105%20million%20male%20sufferers.

https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/natural-remedies-for-anxiety

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2756160/

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.714014/full

Anxiety and Sleep

https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2015/11/coffee