{"id":20006,"date":"2022-12-01T10:23:44","date_gmt":"2022-12-01T15:23:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20006"},"modified":"2024-05-21T15:33:38","modified_gmt":"2024-05-21T20:33:38","slug":"using-your-senses-to-manage-anxiety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/using-your-senses-to-manage-anxiety\/","title":{"rendered":"Using Your Senses to Manage Anxiety"},"content":{"rendered":"

Everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their life. But some people experience it more frequently than others, sometimes because of an underlying anxiety disorder.\u00a0<\/span>Anxiety describes persistent worry and fear that interferes with your daily life. <\/span>Almost 1 in 5 adults<\/span><\/a> experienced some form of anxiety in the past year. Women are more likely to have an anxiety disorder than men. There are many different underlying causes, so it\u2019s important that you seek help if you\u2019re struggling with symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

If your anxiety is severe or you experience frequent <\/span>panic attacks<\/span><\/a>, you may need to <\/span>see a psychiatrist<\/span><\/a>. They can prescribe medication to ease symptoms and help you work through your anxiety. But many people don\u2019t need medicine to control their anxiety.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cognitive behavior therapy, coping strategies and other tools are great for managing anxiety and depression. Mental health professionals like therapists and psychologists can help you utilize these tools on your journey to mental wellness. They can even help you learn how to use your senses to ease anxiety symptoms, whether your anxiety is mild or more complex.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Everyone experiences anxiety differently<\/h2>\n

Anxiety disorders run the gamut from generalized anxiety and social anxiety to panic disorder and phobias. These might be hereditary or triggered by a stressful or traumatic event.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You probably know if you experience anxiety, but you need to see a doctor to get a formal diagnosis for any anxiety disorder. Once you get a diagnosis, you\u2019ll be on your way to better understanding your symptoms and triggers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have <\/span>generalized anxiety disorder<\/span><\/a>, you probably feel worried about everyday life and situations. When you don\u2019t cope well with stressors, like money, health, family or work, you are more likely to experience this type of anxiety. It can also be a sign for some conditions that increase hormone production, like hyperthyroidism. Common symptoms include trouble sleeping, muscle tension and nausea, but some people experience symptoms that mirror other mental health disorders.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Social anxiety disorder<\/span><\/a> causes deep fear of social interactions. Someone with this disorder worries about being humiliated or judged socially. They might avoid conversations or speaking in front of groups and become isolated as a result.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anyone can experience a <\/span>panic attack<\/span><\/a>, which is an episode of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heart, a feeling of doom and hyperventilation. Up to 3 percent of people who experience panic attacks <\/span>develop a panic disorder<\/span><\/a>. People who have panic disorder experience panic attacks repeatedly and without warning.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When someone goes to extreme lengths to avoid uncomfortable or scary situations, they are coping with a <\/span>phobia<\/span><\/a>. Specific places, events and objects can trigger panic from a phobia. Common phobias include fear of spiders, water and small spaces.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While some people experience worse anxiety <\/span>when they try to relax<\/span><\/a>, most others find that it helps ease anxiety symptoms. Identifying any triggers you might have can help you discover coping strategies that work best for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Your senses can sometimes contribute to anxiety<\/h2>\n

Coping with anxiety is tough, especially when sensory stimulation often contributes to feelings of anxiety. You have five senses: sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell. Certain stimuli can overwhelm some people through sensory overload. Common sensory inputs that can lead to anxiety or overstimulation include:<\/span><\/p>\n