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be shown a photo of an airplane, for example. Someone who
has stopped going to school might start going again very
gradually. He might just look at pictures of the school at first,
and then go to school and walk around the outside of the
building. This exposure is done very carefully and slowly. Over
time, some people find they stop feeling so afraid.
It takes time to change the way you think and react to the
world. CBT is not easy. There may even be homework! But it
can be very helpful. Through therapy, you can discover tools
to help you conquer anxiety—not just for a short time, but for
your whole life.
Text-Dependent Questions
1. What are the two main types of treatment approaches for anxiety disorders?
2. Is one better than the other? Why or why not?
3. What is the most common type of medicine used for anxiety disorders? What
are its advantages and disadvantages?
4. What other kinds of treatments are available, besides medicine?
Research Project
Find out more about relaxation techniques. These can include breathing
exercises, muscle relaxation, meditation, and visualization (picturing things in
your mind). Why might these techniques work? Try some of the techniques that
sound interesting to you. Write about how you felt before and after you tried
the exercise.