People without anxiety tend to think that anxiety is just another word for fear. For those that experience some form of anxiety every day, it is much more than just fear. It is an overwhelming sense of fear about particular places, people, or events. This sensation causes sufferers to ignite their biological fight or flight response every second they are in these situations, and may even temporarily paralyze them until they are free of the situation. Perhaps the easiest way to think of it is stage fright times ten or twenty. For those with anxiety, there are ways to manage it, and it does not have to involve pills.

Anxiety Therapy

Anxiety therapy includes a number of techniques that will help you get past the unpleasant feelings you have. For example, if you have panic attacks every time you encounter someone of the opposite sex because you were raped or molested, the best thing you can do is to face that anxiety head on. A therapist of the opposite sex can help by having one-on-one sessions with you where you have to sit close to the therapist and discuss what you are feeling.

Then you can work out a few feasible strategies that will help you when you are out on a date. You may also discuss things you can do to help you ease in a relationship based on trust and understanding and avoid abusive relationships, which commonly occur when people with this particular anxiety and trauma seek companionship. Finally, you can learn breathing techniques that are not noticeable by anyone whom you are dating.

Facing Other Anxiety Triggers

The next step in understanding your own versions of anxiety (generalized, specific, etc.) is to recognize anxiety triggers. Some triggers are physical, such as excessive caffeine consumption or lack of sleep. Other triggers are emotional, such as when someone close to you passes away or you have a major presentation at school or work. When you recognize your personal triggers, you can learn to either avoid them or deal with them as they come up.

Learning How to Return to a State of Calm

Trying to calm down is not the same for a person with anxiety. It only amplifies the anxiousness he or she feels. However, you can return to a state of calm. You have to select from a series of breathing exercises, emotional focus points and physical movements to find that perfect state. Your therapist will help you figure out which of these works best for you, and when and where you can use them.