Everyone experiences anxiety to some extent. This is only natural, as life’s challenges can cause people to feel fear, worry, and doubt. Some circumstances that cause people to worry this way are beyond their control. Other times, the anxiety is something that they can cope with and face on their own. Sadly, it has become normalized for those who experience anxiety to suffer in silence as our culture downplays the health effects of this mental health condition. While it can be useful to know tips for coping with anxiety, those who suffer from an anxiety disorder should reach out for professional help sooner rather than later. If you or someone you care about is struggling with long-term anxiety that does not seem to go away or improve, then anxiety treatment could help. It’s estimated that one in five adults in America has an anxiety disorder. Seeking professional help for anxiety is not a sign of failure; it is the first step toward peace of mind and a brighter future. Genesis Recovery and Wellness (GROW) offers anxiety treatment and other therapies to aid patients in living their best life possible. Learn more about our services and programs by calling GROW at 216.331.2998 today.
4 Tips for Managing Your Anxiety
1. Recognize negative thought patterns
Those who experience anxiety regularly often have negative thought patterns that catalyze their anxiety. Many people practice all-or-nothing thinking, where they see things in black-and-white categories of perfect or terrible. Or they may practice overgeneralization, where a single negative event becomes evidence of a never-ending pattern of failure. These negative thought patterns can be incredibly stressful and distort the way you view the world. Recognizing when you fall into these thought patterns can be the first step toward breaking out.
2. Give yourself a distraction
Simply breaking that focus can be a powerful tool when your brain becomes focused on anxiety and negativity. Finding a mental escape, no matter what it is, can allow you to calm down and begin to view things more objectively. While it may seem as though this is simply ignoring the problem, that is the entire point of the distraction. When your thoughts begin spiraling out of control into anxiety, that is exactly the time when different activities and pastimes are most helpful. Meditation, chores, or physical exercise are all productive ways of distracting yourself when you feel anxious.
3. Focus on what is within your control
A major source of anxiety is events or circumstances beyond a person’s control. For example, even if you are perfectly healthy and happy, you may worry about your loved ones falling ill or about wider global issues. Not everything can be controlled, as life is far too complicated for anyone to figure out. However, what you can control is how you respond to unexpected situations. Shifting your mindset to be more proactive instead of reactive gives you agency, even in the circumstances beyond your influence. Instead of worrying about losing your job, you can devise a plan for what to do if you lose your job. This also has the bonus effect of preparing you for the future.
4. Practice self-care
Those who struggle with anxiety often get so wrapped up in their worries that basic self-care can fall by the wayside. However, good self-care is a major factor in a person’s ability to cope with anxiety. A healthy diet, enough exercise, and sleep can help increase your resilience to stress. Someone who has stayed up all night drinking and worrying is likelier to experience even more worry.
Learn About Our Anxiety Treatment Programs at Genesis Recovery
At Genesis Recovery and Wellness, our mental health professionals are ready to help you learn to cope with anxiety. We use evidence-based treatments and therapies combined with medication and support to ensure you have everything you need to begin living without worry. We offer a variety of group counseling and therapy options, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Trauma therapy
- Family therapy
If you are ready to break free from anxiety, contact us at 216.331.2998.