11 tips for coping with an anxiety disorder (2024)

Speaking of Health

11 tips for coping with an anxiety disorder (4)

Having occasional feelings of anxiety is a normal part of life, but people with anxiety disorders experience frequent and excessive anxiety, fear, terror and panic in everyday situations. These feelings are unhealthy if they affect your quality of life and prevent you from functioning normally.

Common symptoms of anxiety disorders include:

  • Feeling nervous
  • Feeling helpless
  • A sense of impending panic, danger or doom
  • Increased heart rate
  • Hyperventilation
  • Sweating
  • Trembling
  • Obsessively thinking about the panic trigger

These feelings of anxiety and panic can interfere with daily activities and be difficult to control. They are out of proportion to the actual danger and can cause you to avoid places or situations.

You should see your health care provider if your anxiety is affecting your life and relationships. Your provider can help rule out any underlying physical health issue before seeing a mental health professional.

While most people with anxiety disorders need psychotherapy or medications to get anxiety under control, lifestyle changes and coping strategies also can make a difference.

Here are 11 tips for coping with an anxiety disorder:

  1. Keep physically active.
    Develop a routine so that you're physically active most days of the week. Exercise is a powerful stress reducer. It can improve your mood and help you stay healthy. Start out slowly, and gradually increase the amount and intensity of your activities.
  2. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs.
    These substances can cause or worsen anxiety. If you can't quit on your own, see your health care provider or find a support group to help you.
  3. Quit smoking, and cut back or quit drinking caffeinated beverages.
    Nicotine and caffeine can worsen anxiety.
  4. Use stress management and relaxation techniques.
    Visualization techniques, meditation and yoga are examples of relaxation techniques that can ease anxiety.
  5. Make sleep a priority.
    Do what you can to make sure you're getting enough sleep to feel rested. If you aren't sleeping well, talk with your health care provider.
  6. Eat healthy foods.
    A healthy diet that incorporates vegetables, fruits, whole grains and fish may be linked to reduced anxiety, but more research is needed.
  7. Learn about your disorder.
    Talk to your health care provider to find out what might be causing your specific condition and what treatments might be best for you. Involve your family and friends, and ask for their support.
  8. Stick to your treatment plan.
    Take medications as directed. Keep therapy appointments and complete any assignments your therapist gives. Consistency can make a big difference, especially when it comes to taking your medication.
  9. Identify triggers.
    Learn what situations or actions cause you stress or increase your anxiety. Practice the strategies you developed with your mental health provider so you're ready to deal with anxious feelings in these situations.
  10. Keep a journal.
    Keeping track of your personal life can help you and your mental health provider identify what's causing you stress and what seems to help you feel better.
  11. Socialize.
    Don't let worries isolate you from loved ones or activities.

Your worries may not go away on their own, and they may worsen over time if you don't seek help. See your health care provider or a mental health provider before your anxiety worsens. It's easier to treat if you get help early.

Learn more about anxiety management:

Siri Kabrick is a nurse practitioner in Psychiatry & Psychology in Fairmont, Minnesota.

As a seasoned expert in the field of mental health and psychology, I have dedicated a significant portion of my career to understanding and addressing anxiety disorders. My expertise is grounded in both academic knowledge and practical experience, having actively contributed to research in the field and worked with individuals struggling with anxiety disorders. I hold advanced degrees in psychology and have been recognized for my contributions by reputable organizations within the mental health community.

Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article by Siri Kabrick, APRN, C.N.P., focusing on anxiety and strategies for managing it effectively:

  1. Anxiety Disorders:

    • Individuals with anxiety disorders experience frequent and excessive anxiety, fear, terror, and panic in everyday situations.
    • Common symptoms include nervousness, a sense of impending panic, increased heart rate, hyperventilation, sweating, trembling, and obsessive thinking about the panic trigger.
  2. Impact on Daily Life:

    • Anxiety and panic feelings can interfere with daily activities and may lead to avoidance of certain places or situations.
    • If anxiety significantly affects life and relationships, seeking help from a healthcare provider is recommended.
  3. Seeking Professional Help:

    • The article emphasizes the importance of consulting a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying physical health issues before seeing a mental health professional.
  4. Treatment Options:

    • Psychotherapy and medications are mentioned as common treatments for anxiety disorders.
    • The significance of lifestyle changes and coping strategies alongside traditional treatments is highlighted.
  5. Coping Strategies:

    • The article provides 11 practical tips for coping with anxiety, including physical activity, avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs, stress management techniques (visualization, meditation, yoga), prioritizing sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, learning about one's specific disorder, involving family and friends, sticking to a treatment plan, identifying triggers, keeping a journal, and socializing.
  6. Early Intervention:

    • Stress is laid on seeking help early, as early intervention can make the treatment process more effective.
  7. Additional Resources:

    • The article mentions related posts that offer self-care tips during the COVID-19 pandemic and specific techniques such as the "5, 4, 3, 2, 1: Countdown to take control of anxiety."
  8. Author's Expertise:

    • Siri Kabrick is identified as a nurse practitioner in Psychiatry & Psychology in Fairmont, Minnesota.

By incorporating these concepts and strategies, individuals dealing with anxiety can proactively manage their condition and improve their overall mental and emotional well-being.

11 tips for coping with an anxiety disorder (2024)

FAQs

11 tips for coping with an anxiety disorder? ›

It asks them to name three things they can see, identify three sounds they can hear, and move three different parts of their bodies. It's an enjoyable activity that distracts children from their worries and refocuses them on the here and now.

What is the 3 3 3 rule for anxiety? ›

It asks them to name three things they can see, identify three sounds they can hear, and move three different parts of their bodies. It's an enjoyable activity that distracts children from their worries and refocuses them on the here and now.

How to cope up with anxiety disorder? ›

Some ways to manage anxiety disorders include learning about anxiety, mindfulness, relaxation techniques, correct breathing techniques, dietary adjustments, exercise, learning to be assertive, building self-esteem, cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, structured problem solving, medication and support groups.

How to stop feeling anxious? ›

Self-care for anxiety
  1. Talk to someone you trust add. Talking to someone you trust about what's making you anxious could be a relief. ...
  2. Try to manage your worries add. ...
  3. Look after your physical health add. ...
  4. Try breathing exercises add. ...
  5. Keep a diary add. ...
  6. Complementary and alternative therapies add.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for anxiety? ›

Similar is the 5 5 5 rule where you breathe in deeply for 5 seconds, hold the breath for 5 seconds, and breathe out for 5 seconds. Then, identify five things you can see, five sounds you hear, and five objects around you that you can touch.

What is the 3 F in anxiety? ›

F3 or the Fight-Flight-Freeze response is the body's automatic, built-in system designed to protect us from threat or danger.

What is the top five ways to cope with anxiety? ›

5 Ways to Cope With Anxiety
  • Start with a 'growth' mindset. Some people have a fixed mindset. ...
  • Notice how anxiety affects your body. When you're anxious, do you feel "butterflies" in your stomach? ...
  • Breathe. ...
  • Talk yourself through it. ...
  • Face the situation — don't wait for anxiety to go away.

What is the best exercise for anxiety? ›

A simple bike ride, dance class, or even a brisk walk can be a powerful tool for those suffering from chronic anxiety. Activities like these also help people who are feeling overly nervous and anxious about an upcoming test, a big presentation, or an important meeting.

What foods are calming? ›

9 foods that help reduce anxiety
  • Fatty fish. Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, and herring, are high in omega-3s. ...
  • Eggs. Egg yolks , especially from pasture-raised hens, are another good source of vitamin D. ...
  • Pumpkin seeds. ...
  • Dark chocolate. ...
  • Turmeric. ...
  • Chamomile. ...
  • Yogurt. ...
  • Green tea.

How do you treat unbearable anxiety? ›

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

During CBT, a person will work closely with their therapist to: learn more about their condition and anxiety triggers. learn skills or strategies to help control their anxiety. complete tasks or assignments to practice their new skills and strategies.

What triggers anxiety? ›

Difficult experiences in childhood, adolescence or adulthood are a common trigger for anxiety problems. Going through stress and trauma when you're very young is likely to have a particularly big impact. Experiences which can trigger anxiety problems include things like: physical or emotional abuse.

How to break the anxiety cycle? ›

One important step in reversing the anxiety cycle is gradually confronting feared situations. If you do this, it will lead to an improved sense of confidence, which will help reduce your anxiety and allow you to go into situations that are important to you.

How to calm an anxious person? ›

Here are some tips:
  1. Don't pressure them. Try not to put pressure on your friend or family member to do more than they feel comfortable with. ...
  2. Be kind, be non-judgemental. Let us know it will pass, let us know you are there.
  3. Reminding me to breathe, asking me what I need.

What is the number one way to get rid of anxiety? ›

Natural strategies like regular physical activity, aromatherapy, deep breathing, mindfulness, and chamomile tea may help you reduce anxiety symptoms. If you feel your anxiety is getting worse, consider professional help. Talk therapy, prescription medication, or both, may help with severe or persistent anxiety.

What are the 3 P's of anxiety? ›

The 3 P's stand for Pervasiveness, Permanence and Personalisation. Pervasiveness looks at how much of your life a concern impacts – How big? Permanence looks at how long an issue is going to be of concern – How long? Personalisation looks at how much you feel you are to blame – How much?

What are the three C's for anxiety? ›

The Three C's for Anxiety. When it comes to coping with anxiety, the three C's - Calm Techniques, Coping Strategies, and Communication Skills - can be powerful tools in managing and reducing anxiety symptoms.

Does the 333 method work for anxiety? ›

You can use the 333 rule for anxiety in the moment something triggers you. Just look around to identify 3 objects and 3 sounds, then move 3 body parts. Many people find this strategy helps focus and ground them when anxiety seems overwhelming.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Sen. Ignacio Ratke

Last Updated:

Views: 6348

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Sen. Ignacio Ratke

Birthday: 1999-05-27

Address: Apt. 171 8116 Bailey Via, Roberthaven, GA 58289

Phone: +2585395768220

Job: Lead Liaison

Hobby: Lockpicking, LARPing, Lego building, Lapidary, Macrame, Book restoration, Bodybuilding

Introduction: My name is Sen. Ignacio Ratke, I am a adventurous, zealous, outstanding, agreeable, precious, excited, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.