Anxiety can make it hard to live your life to the fullest. If you find yourself avoiding social situations or having panic attacks on a regular basis, that's a sign that your anxiety is out of control. You may be hesitant to see a doctor about your condition due to the stigma attached to mental health. However, you should know that simply seeing a doctor to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder does not mean that you'll be put on medication. Psychiatric medication can come with a wide variety of side effects, and some people like to avoid it for this reason. Here are four ways you can deal with your anxiety naturally instead:

1. Try talk therapy.

Talk therapy is one of the most effective methods for reducing anxiety, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, allows you to work with a therapist in a safe space, in order to challenge and rewrite unhealthy mental scripts that perpetuate your anxiety.

2. Cut out caffeine.

Some people find that caffeine exacerbates their anxiety. When used in excess, caffeine can actually mimic the symptoms of an anxiety attack: rapid heart rate, restlessness, and racing thoughts. If you find yourself constantly on edge, you might want to reduce or eliminate your daily caffeine fix. Try switching to herbal tea or decaf coffee for your morning beverage.

3. Get plenty of rest.

Lack of sleep has many detrimental effects on the human body. When you don't get enough sleep, your cortisol levels are higher; cortisol is a stress hormone that is linked to weight gain and anxiety. Practice good sleep hygiene by sticking to a regular bedtime, and avoid looking at screens before bed, since this can lead to insomnia.

4. Introduce cannabis into your routine.

Many people with anxiety find that cannabis helps to reduce their overall anxiety levels. In particular, strains of cannabis that are high in cannabidiol can provide a calming effect, according to Leafly. If you'd like to try cannabis to treat your anxiety, you'll first need to get a prescription from your doctor. The staff in your local cannabis dispensary will be able to guide you in choosing the right strain for your needs. If you don't like the idea of smoking, you can introduce cannabis into your routine through the use of edibles; some people find that this method of ingestion lasts longer and provides a more soothing effect. Visit a dispensary near you for more details.