Anxiety Management: Quick Relief or Long Term Change?

From the perspective of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), seeking quick relief from anxiety may provide temporary relief, but it is not the most effective long-term solution. CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety, and building coping skills to manage anxiety in the long-term.

CBT approaches anxiety through a combination of techniques such as identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, gradually facing feared situations through exposure therapy, and building coping skills such as relaxation techniques and mindfulness. These techniques can help individuals develop a more balanced and realistic perspective on their fears and anxiety, and build resilience to manage anxiety in the long-term.

While seeking quick relief from anxiety can be tempting, CBT suggests that the most effective approach to anxiety management is a combination of both short-term relief strategies and long-term approaches that address the root causes of anxiety.

Short term relief approach

Here are some self-care short-term routines that can help with anxiety:

1. Deep breathing exercises: Taking slow, deep breaths can help regulate the body’s stress response and promote relaxation.
2. Progressive muscle relaxation: This involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in the body to reduce physical tension and promote relaxation.
3. Mindfulness meditation: Practicing mindfulness meditation can help individuals develop a more accepting and less reactive approach to anxiety.
4. Exercise: Engaging in physical activity can help reduce physical tension, improve mood, and promote overall well-being.
5. Spending time in nature: Spending time in nature can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
6. Engaging in creative activities: Engaging in activities such as painting, writing, or playing music can help promote relaxation and provide a sense of accomplishment.
7. Listening to music: Listening to calming music can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
8. Taking a warm bath or shower: Taking a warm bath or shower can help promote relaxation and reduce physical tension.
9. Engaging in aromatherapy: Using essential oils or other aromatherapy products can help promote relaxation and reduce stress.
10. Engaging in self-compassion practices: Practicing self-compassion can help individuals develop a more accepting and less judgmental approach to themselves and their anxiety.

Why short-term anxiety relief can become ineffective over time?

While short-term approaches to anxiety management can provide immediate relief and help individuals feel better in the moment, there are some problematic aspects of relying solely on short-term strategies:

1. Short-term strategies may not address the underlying causes of anxiety: Short-term strategies such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation can help individuals manage symptoms of anxiety in the moment, but they do not necessarily address the underlying causes of anxiety. Without addressing the underlying causes, anxiety may continue to be a problem in the long-term.
2. Short-term strategies may not be sustainable: Short-term strategies such as exercise or spending time in nature can be effective for reducing anxiety in the short-term, but they may not be sustainable over the long-term. This can lead to a cycle of relying on short-term strategies that may not be effective in the long-term.
3. Short-term strategies may not work for everyone: Not all short-term strategies work for everyone. Some individuals may find certain strategies more helpful than others, and some individuals may not find any short-term strategies helpful at all.
4. Short-term strategies may not provide a lasting sense of relief: While short-term strategies can provide immediate relief, they may not provide a lasting sense of relief. Individuals may still experience anxiety even after using short-term strategies.

Overall, short-term strategies can be helpful in managing anxiety in the moment, but it is important to also address the underlying causes of anxiety and develop long-term coping strategies to effectively manage anxiety in the long-term.

Long term approach

There are several CBT strategies that can be used to change long-term cognitive approaches to anxiety:

1. Cognitive restructuring: This involves identifying and challenging negative or irrational thoughts that contribute to anxiety. The goal is to replace these thoughts with more balanced and realistic ones.
2. Exposure therapy: This involves gradually exposing oneself to feared situations or stimuli in a controlled and safe environment. Over time, this can help individuals build resilience and reduce anxiety.
3. Mindfulness meditation: This involves practicing non-judgmental awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. It can help individuals develop a more accepting and less reactive approach to anxiety.
4. Relaxation techniques: This involves practicing deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or other relaxation techniques to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety.
5. Behavioral activation: This involves increasing engagement in positive activities and behaviors to counteract the negative impact of anxiety on mood and motivation.
6. Graded task assignment: This involves breaking down larger goals or tasks into smaller, more manageable steps to reduce anxiety and increase feelings of mastery.
7. Social support: This involves seeking out support from family, friends, or a therapist to help manage anxiety and provide a sense of connection and validation.

when should I expect results if I take the long term approach?

The timeline for seeing results from a long-term approach to managing anxiety can vary depending on the individual and the approach taken. It is important to keep in mind that managing anxiety is a process, and it can take time to see significant changes.

In general, it may take several weeks or months to see noticeable improvements in anxiety symptoms when using a long-term approach such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This is because CBT involves identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety, which takes time and practice.

It is also important to note that progress may not be linear, and there may be setbacks or periods of heightened anxiety throughout the process. This is normal and expected, and it is important to continue working on coping strategies and seeking support during these times.

Ultimately, the timeline for seeing results will depend on the individual, the severity of their anxiety, and the approach taken. It is important to be patient and persistent, and to continue working towards managing anxiety in the long-term.