We seem to have a pill or medicine for just about anything these days, and anxiety is no exception. There are a host of anxiety drugs available today, yet there is no specific medical test to determine whether medication is absolutely necessary or appropriate. And while medications may be the answer in some situations, they are not always the best option.
A study of children aged 7 to 17 conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine found that cognitive behavioral therapy was equally effective as the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors—the primary class of drugs prescribed for anxiety—at treating anxiety in teens.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of talk therapy that involves: (1) identifying and discussing the issues that may be causing anxiety, (2 becoming aware of thoughts, emotions, and beliefs about these problems, (3) identifying negative or inaccurate thinking, and (4) reshaping negative or inaccurate thinking.
The key to this process is becoming aware of thoughts and realizing those thoughts can be changed. But we must first realize that while we are not our thoughts, our thoughts are the origin of our feelings, actions, and results in life. We have the ability and power to not only identify and question them but change the trajectory of our thinking to create different results than the ones we’re currently getting.
Whether you decide medication is right for you or not, studies indicate that anxiety is greatly reduced by examining and changing your thoughts surrounding anxiety itself. Your brain is your most valuable asset. Learning skills to make it work for you rather than against you will make the greatest difference of all.
