AD – This is a paid advertorial but all thoughts are my own. I am not a medical professional and information within this post should not be taken as such. Please consult your own GP to discuss treatments for anxiety if you feel like it’s impacting your daily life.
Now we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about treatments for anxiety. If you’ve been reading this blog for long enough, you’ll know I have a VAST history of an anxiety disorder. Generalised Anxiety Disorder to be specific. It ruled my life for almost a decade. It turned my life entire upside down. Lost me friends. Lost me jobs. And just about everything else a girl could possibly lose. The last 8 years of my life have been controlled by anxiety.
Good thing is though, following on from my latest stint in CBT last Winter, I’ve now been formally told that I no longer have an anxiety disorder! Cool, huh? The disorder itself may have gone but the remnants of how it changed and ruined my life will always be here. Guess that’s something I’ll always have to live with.
But over the years of having that disorder (and even now, after it’s gone), I’ve tried and experimented with a bunch of different treatments for anxiety. Because getting treatment for mental health conditions is NOT weak. It’s the strongest damn thing you can do. Of course it’s such a personal thing too. We all have such different needs.
So today I wanted to discuss 6 different treatments for anxiety (5 of which I’ve personally tried myself) for anyone who’s struggling and needs some advice on what to do next:
Traditional medication for anxiety
Probably the most obvious one here and that’s traditional medication prescribed by your doctor. The decision to go on medication for anxiety should not be taken lightly and should always be discussed thoroughly with your GP. It took me 8 years to pluck up the courage to take medication for my anxiety. And what do you know… it changed my life.
Medication doesn’t work for everyone and there’s always side effects to be wary of. For me, I had an UNBEARABLY dry mouth for months after I started taking it! I was drinking constantly all day and no amount of liquid would help. I also lost my appetite for a the first 2 weeks but other than that, I got on pretty well with my medication.
NHS therapy
I’ve been referred to CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) through the NHS twice now. The first time was around a year after I started experiencing my anxiety disorder. And the second was last Winter but that time was in a group setting. For me, personally, CBT doesn’t help. But I can appreciate what it’s trying to do and how helpful it is for so many people. For me, the group session did wonders because it really brought me out of my shell and out of my comfort zone and I’ve made some incredible friends through it.
Private therapy
My private therapy was what helped me the most at the time. This was years before I touched medication and also during probably one of the darkest times of my mental illness. Finding a private counselor absolutely changed my life. I know I’m very lucky to have been in a position to do that as so many people aren’t but I’m adding it into list because it IS another treatment for anxiety to consider if you can.
CBD
This is only point on here that I don’t have any personal experience with. However I do know of people who have had huge success with CBD and I’d be more than happy to try it myself – was I not on medication. So for this point, I’m delighted to introduce Enhance – a company founded in 2019 and who’s goal is to help YOU find the right CBD supplement. They provide the education and resources to help you take control of your well-being and using CBD to enhance that further.
Founder Tom, has had some fantastic positive experiences with CBD himself. He says:
“When I was suffering with anxiety I was apprehensive about trying CBD as like most supplements, I thought it wouldn’t provide a noticeable effect. However, after 2-3 weeks of taking it regularly I began to see some benefits which have continued over time. These benefits included sleeping deeper, less restless sleep and ultimately feeling more refreshed upon awakening, reduction in stress and mental fogginess.
Seeing these benefits pushed me down the path to creating EnhanceCBD. Working with CBD for the last couple of years has shown me that everyone is different and finding the right CBD for you is key. That’s why we created our 5ml variants to help people start CBD without the large price block as well as our taster packs to allow people to start CBD easily.
One I have seen is that people view CBD as a ‘magic potion’ that will cure their problem quickly. It’s important to remember that CBD is a supplement and the best way to view it is there to support you.”
So if you’re struggling with anxiety or stress, CBD could certainly be an option for you. As Enhance have told us, it’s so important to find the right product for you and do your research beforehand. Check out their website and about page for more information on Enhance.
Other natural treatments for anxiety
This is what I used to rely on before I was put on traditional medication. And looking back now, I know that I needed MUCH MORE than just natural remedies to help control and manage my anxiety. But I’m glad I tried it and the products that I did try, I really liked. This option would be great for those who need something to take the edge off – not for during full-blown anxiety attacks.
Self care and looking after your well-being
Okay, this one isn’t a “treatment”. And it’s something we should all be doing anyway. And absolutely NOT something that you should rely on if you have a severe anxiety disorder – like I did. Of course it helps but if your anxiety is impacting your day to day life to the point where you can’t continue as normal then you should seek alternative treatment options – such as the suggestions above.
But I wanted to include this point here because it IS important. We so often neglect our self care, especially when we’re feeling low or stressed. When that’s the EXACT time we need to be focusing on it the most. Why is it we focus more on self care when we’re already happy and content? Even the most basic acts of self care are so important when we literally don’t want to get out of bed.
This is more a point for anyone who gets stressed easily or gets a little anxious during certain situations. Because as human beings, we all suffer from a bit of anxiety every now and again. So just put yourself first sometimes, okay?
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[…] 6 Treatments For Stress and Anxiety […]
[…] now, after a lot of treatments for anxiety, I’ve managed to overcome my anxiety disorder and live a mostly anxiety-free life. I’m […]
Hi, I’m actually in treatment for anxiety disorder right now and I am literally using all the methods you listed. Medication was my last resort but when I started on the smallest dose combined with CBT, I experienced relief pretty quickly. I took a break from work for treatment and self-care. Praying and leaning into God is also a big part of this. Since this is all still new to me, I want to say seeking help is the first step and finding what works for you! I got CBD as well, but stopped using it because of pregnancy, otherwise I would.
Medication and therapy combined was incredible for me. I’m glad you’re taking action!
[…] 6 Treatments For Stress and Anxiety […]
Its very helpful article. i hope you will write more about it… 🙂 <3
Spiritual ways to Release Stress
I like this article! I have also struggled with anxiety but have found somethings. May I share some with you?
Of course!
Here you go! Let me know if you like the article! https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-no4-2017-july/what-does-the-bible-say-about-anxiety/
Thank you for this! So intrigued by CBD 🙂
Loved the post! Lots of great, detailed information!
One of the very right point you have mentioned is
: Self care and looking after your well-being.
Thanks for the useful post. 🙂
Thank you 🙂
Thanks for this post, I’ve been struggling with anxiety for a while and felt there was no hope- I’ll definitely look into these and hopefully they work! 💛
I hope they help!
Thanks for posting this, it’s very helpful and I will definitely be trying the methods!
Hope they help!
Really helpful – great post!
Thank you for this post, sharing that you were told you no longer have an anxiety disorder is so inspiring ❤️ I have used self care definitely, mindfulness, meditation and walks in nature 😊
Thank you! It’s pretty cool 🙂
[…] stories about people who have used it to help de-stress or ease pain. It’s an extremely valid treatment for stress and anxiety now and even my aunt uses it for pain in her knees. CBD is long losing it’s taboo status and […]
This an amazing post!
I think it’s very important to take care of your mental health, especially right now!
Hey , I liked your blog it’s very Important not to neglect your mental health which is very important in todays world, with your blog providing awareness about anxiety stress it will really help people who are fighting it and those who are still figuring it out how to deal with it in the initial days.
Wow! I had no idea there were so many options to treat anxiety and stress!
There’s probably more too
I’ve been using breathing exercises and yoga to help. I also have used CBD and it made me feel good overall.
Thanks for the tips!
Tonyalee @ https://www.vivaciouabibliophile.com
Glad you’ve found some methods that work for you!
I’ve been using breathing exercises and yoga to help. I also have used CBD and it made me feel good overall.
Self care is so important, too!
Tonyalee @ https://www.vivaciouabibliophile.com
I am defo not someone who officially suffers with anxiety but I am an anxious person! Some of these may really help me!
Rosie
I hope they do!
I found CBT really helped me as well as medication. I also try to have relaxing baths as much as I can in the evenings xx
Glad CBT helped you. I need to have more baths!
As always, you’re completely bang on with how we need to look after ourselves most in the times when we don’t think we’re capable. I know I’m in a bad mental health patch when things like brushing my hair get thrown to the wayside, and then I end up with practically matted hair. Taking care of the little things can really help make the bigger things seem more manageable. I’ve tried a few of these treatments and not quite found the one for me, but I hold out hope that it’ll come! Thank you for your brilliant advice 🙂 x
It’ll come! It can certainly take a while. It’s great that you’re aware of when you’re starting to get into a bad headspace though. The awareness is important!
I struggle with it, even on days when there’s nothing to be anxious about – I need to try some of these x
Oh yeah that sounds like how I used to be.
Thanks, that is a great post. As strong as any of us are, there are always times in out lives when we suffer form stress and anxiety. So its good to know how to deal with it.
Totally agree 🙂
I love how you talk about all types here, from meds to ‘talking therapy’ to indeed the little things like self care that, although it won’t completely fix it, it can be a step in the right direction already.
And I love how you’ve nuanced that CBT didn’t work for you, but it can work for others. Everyone has different needs and issues, so different therapies fit with different types of people. I’ve for instance read a lot about ‘provocative therapy’, which is basically everything that you shouldn’t do if you ask a regular psychologist, but it can work wonders for some!
Thanks so much! Yes it’s so important to mention that everything won’t work for everybody. I found CBT essentially useless but I know so many people who swear by it and that’s fine! I’ve never heard of that type of therapy – I’ll be looking that up!
I have anxiety and I have been through a lot of the steps you have, CBT, medication which I am still on. But I have started taking cbd and having a routine. That’s awesome you have been told you don’t have one. Although it does change your life. These are some great ideas to help. Self care is so important!
Glad you’ve found some things that work for you!
Thank you for sharing this. In this day and age anxiety and stress is something almost everyone encounters be it at school or work – I myself suffer from both really badly.
I’m sorry to hear that. I hope you find or have some some therapies that work for you!
CBD is something I’ve been meaning to try out for a while, but keep wondering if I’ll just be wasting my money. I guess if other people have results with it then I can too. I’ve been working on CBT to help me with my OCD/Anxiety and that helps a lot.
I’ve heard of a LOT of bloggers in particular (because they write about it) who have had some positive effects from it! You never know until you try!
Perfect time for sharing this! The uncertainty of the pandemic is definitely challenging for our mental health. Thank you!
Lindifique
It definitely is x
Self care is such an important element!!! So happy you mentioned it. Great post!
Thank you 🙂
I’ve tried a few of these, too – unfortunately NHS counselling isn’t an option for me (six month waiting list, so by the time I’ve referred myself for waiting my SAD has gone again for the year, and apparently you can’t refer yourself in advance, which is so annoying), but medication is what really works for me, and of course self-care. You’ve also just reminded me that I can go back on CBD oil now that I’m off my meds, so that will be good for my slight lingering anxiety! I’ve found it really good, plus of course it’s great for physical pain as well.
I’d perhaps get yourself on the CBT wait list anyway and see what happens. Even if you’re not going when you actively have SAD, it might provide you with some helpful tips for when it does hit. But I’m glad medication works well for you!
Great list! I’m looking forward to getting into therapy once my benefits kick in 🙂
I’m looking forward for you!
Private therapy was one of the best decisions I ever made in regards to my Generalised Anxiety. It really helped me understand a lot of why I react to things in certain ways and struggle in certain situations. I really hope to go back one day.
I’m so glad to hear that! It helped me in the same way – I don’t know where I’d have been without it!
I don’t know if I’ve been missing something my whole life but I had NO idea you could formally recover from anxiety. Thank you so much for sharing this – like you my anxiety has taken a lot from me and this was a really inspiring read for an anxious gal. Unfortunatly my experience with my NHS counsellor wasn’t the best but I’ve always known that I want to try private counselling as soon as it’s an option for me.
Sorry to hear your experience with your NHS wasn’t great. And yes, you can! I had NO anxiety at all until I was 19, when out of the blue, after a period of illness, I developed a crippling anxiety disorder which lasted around a decade until now! I’m nowhere near how I was before but I don’t officiall have a disorder anymore x
Such an important read for anyone struggling right now. I personally found that counselling was hugely beneficial during my early twenties and really encouraged me to establish my own routine, boundaries and work ethic.
Thanks for sharing Jenny.
Kate | thelittlecrunch.co.uk
I’m so glad to hear that!
I feel like I’ve tried EVERYTHING when it comes to managing anxiety. It’s almost like medication and therapy weren’t enough. I’ve definitely tried all of these, but CBD absolutely changed my life, as well as self care (which is what my blog is dedicated to). Thanks for sharing these!
Yay that’s amazing to hear!
It is great that there are different ways to treat anxiety. It is a huge issue with many of us, myself included. Therapy helps so much – it is important to reach out and get the help we need. At the same time, we need people who can help. CBD has worked for me in the past! Though, it is still a controversial ingredient for some companies with super strict drug test regulations :(. Thanks for sharing all of these great options!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
It really is but I guess it’s the individuals choice!
I haven’t had much luck with CBD but I know a lot of people who have.
That’s okay – it won’t be for everyone!
I’ve done meds in combo with private treatment with a psychologist. We worked on CBT together. I think the meds have made the most difference, although the CBT did help me take some mental steps back when I was experiencing anxiety and sort of walk myself through it mentally. Others forms of counselling did not help me much in the past. I did try natural remedies to help my anxiety as well, but they only went so far. In the end, I needed the meds. And I practice much more self care now as well.
I was the same. The natural remedies only took me so far!
Thank you for being so open and sharing this post. And great tips! It’s so good to know that these methods have helped you and this advice will help so many other people too.
I do hope so! Thank you!
Self care is so important when it comes to helping with anxiety, I usually take myself to my bedroom when I’m feeling anxious or if I feel an attack coming on x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
That’s a good idea. Somewhere quiet and safe 🙂
Great tips for anyone struggling with anxiety at the moment! I tried medication a few years ago and found once the side effects wore off, any benefit they had been doing wore off too strangely and so far I’ve not really found one that works for me. I do think I’d like to try again at some point though. I’d also really like to try CBT in the future but so far have just ended up on waiting list after waiting list without getting anywhere! xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Great post. I’m glad you’re so willing to discuss your own journey with anxiety. It’s so helpful for people trapped in those feelings who might feel like they’re all alone and without hope.
Ah that’s so weird with your medication. I’d definitely recommend trying a new one! And shame about CBT – I’d say just keep trying if you can. I know it’s frustrating!
Self-care is so important for everyone…eating healthy, getting exercise, being outdoors. I believe it is very important in life to have someone we can talk to openly and discuss our feelings. Accepting our own feelings is self-love; our feelings matter and we all handle stress differently. Being kind to ourselves and others seems to be the key to so many issues in life.
I totally agree 🙂
Great post! Thank you for sharing this. I have a friend who is going through a lot at the moment which is adding extra stress on to her anxiety so this will definitely help her. I’ve also tried a few of these myself in the past and they’ve helped a lot.
Glad to hear that but sorry about your friend x
I’m so pleased you’ve felt you’ve been able to talk about this. It’s a subject that effects so many people but is not really spoken about. I must admit, I wasn’t sure which treatments were available so I’ve definitely learnt a lot through reading this post.
http://www.thekellydianereport.co.uk
I’m really glad 🙂
Thanks for such an open and honest post. Really interesting to hear your perspective on what works well/less well.
CBD seems to get quite a lot of attention at the moment, although I don’t know anyone who used it to my knowledge. I’m sure this post will be very useful for many people! Thanks for sharing
You’re welcome. My aunt uses it – not for anxiety, for pain but she loves it!
Great topic and ideas!
Great subject to bring attention to. It’s so important to remember that different people respond better to different kinds of therapy and treatment and it’s all about finding what’s working for you. I’m glad your methods have been working well enough for you to not need the official diagnosis now! x
Sophie
Absolutely. It’s amazing how varied everyone is with what works for them!
Brilliant advice here. I have loved watching the change in you over the last year, If anyone is in a position to write a post like this, it is you. Honest and factual. I have no doubt it will help a lot of people x
Ah Claire! Thanks so much! <3 xxx
Great post! I have tried a couple of these but I definitely found that the traditional medication worked best for me. Thanks for sharing this.
Al x
Same for me too 🙂
Thank you for sharing this, it’s a great post with some fab advice, I like your self have a severe anxiety disorder and like you said it literally controls and changes your life and turns it upside down!
I have been down the CBT route but didn’t feel it was enough for me personally, it was Curative Hypnotherapy that honestly changed my life, I really believe there’s a lot to be said for alternative therapy’s and mental health illnesses!
I’ve always wanted to try hypnotherapy!
You’re very welcome, I highly recommend, the idea initially was a little scary but it ended up changing my life!