Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and other life factors, and a certain amount of anxiety is normal in the human body, however there is a point at which it becomes too much, and can even be mentally and physically debilitating.

For about one in every twelve people, anxiety is so persistent and severe that it creates serious difficulties in their life, and people with anxiety problems may be so constantly fearful and worried or be so scared of certain situations that they cannot face them, and this often results in serious problematic issues.

Attacking Anxiety and Depression Using Many Techniques

There are many ways of attacking anxiety and depression, and the first step involved in attacking anxiety and depression in any way is to determine which specific anxiety condition you have. The most commonly experienced types include social anxiety, agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Once you have determined the specific anxiety problem that you are suffering from, then you can really begin attacking your anxiety and depression. Although the specific methods of treatment that you should use will vary, depending on the particular anxiety condition you are suffering from, there are certain management options that are useful for basically all types of anxiety.

Attacking anxiety and depression can involve many techniques including learning about anxiety, relaxation and breathing techniques, cognitive therapy, behavior therapy, counseling, dietary adjustments, exercise, learning to be assertive, building self-esteem, structured problem solving, and medication.

Relaxation techniques are especially important in terms of attacking anxiety and depression, and anyone who feels anxious most of the time will have trouble relaxing, but knowing how to release muscle tension here will be very important. Relaxation techniques can include a number of different things, such as: progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, abdominal breathing, and isometric relaxation techniques.

Using the correct breathing techniques is also critical here, especially because the physical symptoms of anxiety may be triggered by hyperventilation, which results in raising oxygen levels and reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood. It is important that a person who suffers from anxiety learns how to breathe from their diaphragm rather than from their chest, as this will help to safeguard against hyperventilation.

In order to make sure that you are breathing correctly, from your diaphragm, you can place one hand on your lower abdomen and the other on your chest, and correct breathing means that it will be your abdomen that is moving and not your chest. This will also help to slow your breathing whenever you are feeling nervous.