How To Effectively Manage Your Anxiety

The Best Pets for Anxiety

Anxiety is something that can make a huge impact on your life, and generally, not in a positive way. This can lead to issues at work and in our interactions with family and friends. But anxiety is not a life sentence. Anxiety can be managed and even beaten through a range of treatment options. In this article, we look at some of the ways that you can effectively manage your anxiety, including through the use of pets (learn more here)! 

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders come in many forms. Generally, anxiety is classified as a normal emotion that causes increased alertness, fear, and has physical signs, such as a rapid heart rate. However, anxiety disorders differ in that individuals that suffer these from them experience anxiety levels that are disproportionate from the situation that they are in. That could mean that you experience high levels of anxiety undertaking everyday tasks and when faced with everyday situations. The full range of symptoms that someone suffering from anxiety may experience include: 

Whole body: fatigue, restlessness, or sweating

Cognitive: lack of concentration, racing thoughts, or unwanted thoughts

Behavioural: hypervigilance or irritability

Other common symptoms: anxiety, excessive worry, fear, feeling of impending doom, insomnia, nausea, palpitations, or trembling

Ways to Fight Anxiety 

Anxiety is unique in each individual that experiences it, meaning that there is a range of approaches to managing the disorder. Let's take a look at some commonly used treatments for anxiety. 

Psychological Methods

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Meditation

Psychotherapy

Medication

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)

Anxiolytics

Antidepressants

Sedatives

Nerve pain medications

Natural Options

Avoiding alcohol

Reducing caffeine intake

Physical exercise

Stress management

Quitting smoking

Relaxation techniques

Healthy diet

Using a pet as an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) 

With the consultation of you therapist, you can work out the best mix of treatment options for you, personally, to treat your anxiety. 

The Best Pets to Help with Anxiety

One of the most popular new methods to assist in managing anxiety is by using our beloved pets to help us overcome this difficult condition. With the help of the right pet, anxiety can be lessened immensely. Here are some of the best breeds of dogs that are the perfect pets to help with your anxiety. 

Great Pyrenees

These large dogs are known to be patient, calm and smart, so they are perfect for reducing any anxiety that you are feeling. They are large dogs so it is necessary to have adequate space for them. If you do have the space, they will be your anxiety reducing best friend!

Great Danes

Another large breed that you may not necessarily think of first when thinking of dogs to reduce your anxiety, these gentle giants are actually totally cut out for the job. They are calm and confident animals that can help you to feel grounded and secure, great for curbing those anxious feelings that you are suffering with. This is another breed that you definitely need a decent amount of space for, however they are totally worth it. 

Greyhounds 

These large yet intuitive hounds are amazingly gentle and sensitive to our emotions, which makes them a great emotional support animal for those struggling with anxiety. Greyhounds also require a relatively low amount of exercise, which is surprising to some given their title as the fastest dog in the world! In reality, Greyhounds are some of the biggest couch potatoes of all breeds giving them a calming, soothing effect if you have anxiety. 

Border Collies

Super intelligent and highly trainable, these dogs make great ESAs if you need to work off the extra nervous energy that comes with anxiety. If you're prepared to give these energetic dogs the exercise they need each day, then you will be able to enjoy the company of a smart and affectionate dog that make great running partners. 

Corgis 

Welsh Pembroke Corgis are known for having a remarkably stable temperament, which can have a profound impact on our state of mind. These sturdy yet small dogs are well-mannered and even-tempered which can help to impact your anxiety levels, positively. They are also super affectionate, and feature the most adorable fluffy butts ever! 

Havanese

The ultimate human loving dog, the adorable Havanese will be your constant companion for their whole lives. Sometimes referred to as 'velcro' dogs, due to their desire to be near their humans at all times, this dog is always there to help you stave off anxiety when it strikes. A plus is that they love interacting with strangers too, so they are perfect travel companions that can accompany you everywhere, with great behavior.

Keeping a pet is a wonderful way to keep your anxiety at bay, naturally. With the companionship and affection of these beautiful pets, you will be able to manage your anxiety and improve your condition. Plus, you'll have a cute sidekick for years to come! Anxiety is a tough thing to deal with, but with a pet by your side, it can be just that bit easier to manage. Talk to your therapist about incorporating an ESA into your treatment plan to help to ease your anxiety. You won't be sorry!

 

Next up, Understand That Healing Is Not Linear And Alter Your Perspective On Mental Health Recovery Forever