Self-Help for Anxiety

Help is Here.

If this is a medical emergency, please dial 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

My anxiety gets pretty bad. What can I do to help myself?

 

Get Moving

Research has shown that exercise is an effective treatment for a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety. Exercise is free, available to everyone, and safe when done appropriately with the approval of a doctor. Like medicine, exercise improves and normalizes the brain helping us feel mentally healthy. Any form of activity that gets your heart rate up is helpful in reducing anxiety. A brisk walk, a bike ride, or a dance class can be a powerful tool in combating anxiety. Even general activities like housework can be helpful. Choose something enjoyable so that you are more likely to build up a routine.

Be a Problem Solver

Determine if your problem is solvable. If it is, stop worrying and start problem solving. To begin solving a problem, brainstorm a list of all the solutions you can think of. Then evaluate your options, make a plan, and enact it. Doing something about your problem will make you feel much better. You might want to go at it one step at a time.

Talk It Out.

Talking face to face with a trusted friend or family member can calm your anxiety and give you a sense of relief from your worries. Make sure you choose someone who is not judging, continuously distracted, or sees any interaction as a chance to talk about themselves. Expressing your worries out loud can help you see them more clearly and help you put them in perspective. 

Write It Out

For some, writing out problems can help one organize thoughts enough to get productive with solutions.

Source

Aylett, E., Small, N., & Bower, P. (2018). Exercise in the treatment of clinical anxiety in general practice ÔÇô a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Health Services Research, 18(1), 559.

 

 

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Mind Over Matters

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