Sometimes, being under stress can make you productive—but not if you have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety adversely affects every aspect of your life, making it very difficult to handle everyday situations. However, by learning effective coping strategies for anxiety, it is possible to regain control of your thoughts and emotions and live meaningfully. If you or a loved one is struggling with an anxiety disorder, Northpoint Seattle’s personalized anxiety treatment program will guide you on how to cope with anxiety in your daily life.
Anxiety coping strategies may differ from person to person—what works for one individual may not suit another. Thus, it is crucial that you opt for a qualified therapist to find coping strategies for anxiety that actually work for you. To know more about anxiety coping strategies and our specialized treatment options, call us at 888.483.6031.
What Are Coping Strategies for Anxiety?
Many mental health conditions do not have a permanent cure. However, it is possible to manage their symptoms and live a joyful and productive life. Coping strategies refer to various conscious behavioral habits or thoughts that reduce unpleasant emotions and encourage mindfulness. They are aimed at improving one’s quality of life and promoting long-term health and wellness.
Often, those struggling with anxiety or other mental health conditions turn to negative coping strategies. They may procrastinate, turn to alcohol or avoid situations that cause them anxiety. Although they may bring short-term relief, they cause harm in the long run.
Those seeking help on how to cope with anxiety must distinguish between negative and positive anxiety coping strategies and slowly develop sustainable, healthy habits.
How to Cope with Anxiety
Along with professional help, adopting certain mindful practices and making healthy lifestyle changes can make a vast difference in your life. Some popular coping strategies for anxiety include:
Practice Breathing and Meditation
If you frequently struggle with intrusive, anxious thoughts, signing up for meditation classes can be beneficial. Practicing simple breathing techniques can slow down your heart rate and help you remain calm, even in times of great stress and turmoil. It can reduce panic attacks and stress levels while teaching you to remain resilient.
Ground Yourself with the 5-4-3-2-1 Technique
When you’re very anxious, you might be consumed with feelings of terror or fear and get very agitated. Grounding techniques can prevent you from catastrophizing about a situation and bring you back to the present moment.
A very simple grounding technique is the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, where you try to name:
- 5 things you can see
- 4 things you can feel
- 3 things you can hear
- 2 things you can smell
- 1 thing you can taste
Doing this simple exercise during times of stress will anchor you to the present moment and help you focus on what’s important.
Keep a Journal
Several studies indicate that writing in a journal regularly can lead to an increased sense of emotional well-being. Writing about what makes you anxious can help externalize it and give you a new perspective. It can also help you identify triggers and find unique solutions to your issues.
Learn Anxiety Coping Strategies and More at Northpoint Seattle
At Northpoint Seattle, help and healing are always available to those who seek it. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety or a substance use disorder or even both, our world-class staff will get you back on your feet in no time.
We offer a range of programs and services in the field of mental health and addiction care, including partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment. Each patient in our center receives intensive medical attention, therapeutic care, and emotional support throughout the treatment program. Along with one-on-one counseling and peer support, we also offer family therapy, training loved ones to play an active role in the recovery process.
Don’t neglect your mental health. Contact us at 888.483.6031 and take the first step towards a happier, stress-free life today.