We all experience feelings of anxiety at times in life.
Rapid breathing and heartbeat, sweaty palms, feelings of worry and fear, nervousness, irritability, a sense of impending doom, difficulty concentrating—those are symptoms of anxiety, our body’s natural response to stress.
Recognizing triggers is a good first step to understanding what brings on anxious feelings and symptoms. For some, it can be new experiences, loud noises, or stress at work to name a few.
How to Cope With Anxiety
Try the following when you feel anxious:
- Take deep breaths. Inhaling and exhaling slowly. Try the 4-7-8 method of breathing, as it can help with feelings of anxiety.
- Question thoughts in the moment. Are fears true? Is something triggering anxiety?
- This can help put what is going on into perspective and regain some control.
- For example, if loud noises trigger you and someone in the household drops something loudly, questioning why you’re feeling anxious will reveal that you are safe.
- Counting slowly to 10 can help in the moment when feelings are intense.
- Going for a walk or exercising can be a way to focus on the body and lessen anxious feelings.
- Take a moment and write down feelings, which will help sort through thoughts to help determine what is causing anxiousness.
- Talk with someone about feelings.
- And it’s okay to say what you’re feeling in the moment. It doesn’t have to wait until the anxiety passes.
For anxiety symptoms beyond the occasional, it is a good idea to seek help from a mental health professional to talk, get care, and understand triggers.
Contact us at 303.617.2300
You can walk in at our Connect to Care Clinic, available Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 6 PM and Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, or our Crisis Walk-In Clinic, available 24/7/365.
If you need help when we’re not available, please contact Colorado Crisis Services at 844-493-TALK (8255)