How can I overcome my anxiety and its associated problems?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a teenager. I have been experiencing anxiety about the most unusual things, and it is really preventing me from fully enjoying life. Let me give you a few examples: I feel anxious when specific information is missing from the internet or when there are inconsistencies. For instance, if one website claims that stretching does not offer any real benefits for the body while another suggests it does, it triggers anxiety within me. This might be due to my confusion about what to believe or how to discern the truth. Similarly, not knowing the cause of a stain on the wall and being unable to search for an explanation also causes me distress. Also, I was once bothered that in order to obtain information related to laws and similar topics, you would need a lawyer. This bothered me not only because I would not be able to figure out certain things, but also because elderly people can be vulnerable to advertisements and end up being taken advantage of. All of this continues to trouble me to the point where I cannot stop thinking about it, and it truly hurts. I sincerely ask for help from anyone reading this. Your assistance could be immensely valuable and even life-changing for me.

Answer 1

Hello,

I am glad you chose icliniq for your medical-related queries.

I understand your concern.

Based on your description, it seems like you might be dealing with ruminations or intrusive thoughts. Kindly take a self-rating test for OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), which you can easily find online. If it indicates the presence of OCD, consider consulting a psychiatrist in person for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment. In addition, there are certain strategies that can assist you in alleviating your anxiety:

Engage in relaxation techniques, including daily breath relaxation exercises.
Consider incorporating patterned breathing exercises like Sudarshan kriya, which have shown to be particularly beneficial.
Maintain a regular exercise routine and follow a well-balanced diet rich in antioxidants and omega fatty acids.
Maintain a journal and log your intrusive thoughts daily. This practice will help reduce the associated anxiety and enable retrospection.
Remember, every problem has a solution; you just need to try solving it. Assistance is available and just a step away.

I hope this has helped you. Please feel free to reach me again, in case of further queries.

Thank you.