Coping with Anxiety

Anxiety can be a huge part of someone’s life and mental health. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, “anxiety is apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness usually over an impending or anticipated misfortune.” It’s a feeling like something bad may happen even if it likely won’t. 

Common Signs of Anxiety: 

• Avoiding a task or situation
• Catastrophizing about everything that may go wrong–racing thoughts, rumination
• Difficulty concentrating
• Digestive issues or a feeling like you’re about to throw up
• Irritability
• Muscle Tension
• Pacing
• A racing heart–heart palpitations
• Sweating and hot flashes
• Shaking or trembling
• Tapping your foot
• Shortness of breath

This list may seem like the end of the world, but it isn’t.

Ways to Combat Anxiety:

• Box breathing or triangle breathing, breathing in for four seconds, holding that breath for four seconds, and exhaling for six to eight seconds, and repeating.
• Deep breathing
• Using your five senses to keep you grounded. For example, name five things you can see and four things you can hear.
• Exercise to increase blood flow to the brain to help calm your mind. 
• Limit how much caffeine you have. Caffeine can cause anxiety.
• Journal about how you’re feeling. Pick a specific time of day to write down what is making you anxious.
• Consistent sleep and wake times.

If your anxiety is persistent, and it feels as if everything you have tried isn’t helping, you are not alone. It may be time to seek professional help. 

Professional Facilities to Help You Cope with Anxiety 

Inpatient

• The Meadows Psychiatric Center
• Clarion Psychiatric Center
• White Deer Run Treatment Center

Outpatient

• Crossroads Counseling
• A Place For Change Counseling
• Keystone Counseling and Evaluation Services
• Andrea Rose Counseling