978-1-4222-3377-1

41

Psychological Approach Medicine is very useful to treat anxiety, but it is not our only tool. Doctors also treat anxiety with different kinds of psychotherapy. You might have seen someone visit a psychiatrist on a TV show. The character goes to the office, sits or lies down, and talks about whatever is bothering him. This type of therapy can be helpful for some people with anxiety. A more active type of therapy can also be helpful. This approach is called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The theory behind CBT is that if you change how

Lifestyle Changes

In addition to therapy, there are other things people with anxiety can do to feel better.

• Diet . A healthy diet can help someone feel more calm. • Exercise . Many people find that getting regular exercise can help reduce their overall anxiety. • Relaxation techniques . Yoga and meditation can help you control anxiety, too.

• Alternative therapies . Some herbs and vitamins are thought to help with anxiety symptoms. For example, teas made from chamomile or hibiscus are thought to be calming.

Remember, you should never take any drug or medicine without consulting a trusted adult and your doctor.