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Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffTo cope with anxiety disorder, here are some things you can do:
- Learn about your illness. Talk to your doctor or mental health provider, look on the Internet, and talk to others who have similar problems with anxiety. Find out what causes it and what treatments might be best for your particular condition.
- Involve your family. As with any illness, asking your partner or family members for help is an important part of coping.
- Join an anxiety support group. Remember that you aren't alone. Support groups offer compassion, understanding and shared experiences. You may find support groups in your community, and there are several available on the Internet. Two good places to start are the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.
- Take action. Work with your mental health provider to figure out what's making you anxious and address it. For example, if finances are your concern, work toward drawing up a workable budget.
- Let it go. Don't dwell on past concerns. Change what you can and let the rest take its course.
- Break the cycle. When you feel anxious, take a brisk walk or delve into a hobby to refocus your mind away from your worries.
- Stick to your treatment plan. Take medications as directed. Keep therapy appointments. Consistency can make a big difference, especially when it comes to taking your medication.
- Socialize. Don't let worries isolate you from loved ones or activities. Social interaction and caring relationships can lessen your worries.
References
- Anxiety disorders. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Hollander E, et al. Anxiety disorders. In: Hales RE, et al. Textbook of Psychiatry. 5th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2008. http://www.psychiatryonline.com/content.aspx?aID=335698. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Katon W, et al. Anxiety disorders. In: Rakel R. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/202053603-6/0/1481/624.html?tocnode=53395. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Kercher EE, et al. Anxiety disorders. In: Marx JM, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=bookPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05472-0..00110-9--s0025&uniq=202069582&isbn=978-0-323-05472-0. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Hettema JM, et al. The structure of genetic and environmental risk factors for anxiety disorders in men and women. Archives of General Psychiatry. 2005;62:182.
- Hoffman EJ, et al. Anxiety disorders: A comprehensive review of pharmacotherapies. Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine. 2008;75:248.
- Roy-Byrne PP, et al. Anxiety disorders and comorbid medical illness. General Hospital Psychiatry. 2008;30:208.
- Lee RA. Anxiety disorders. In: Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/154207005-3/0/1494/57.html?tocnode=54111716&fromURL=57.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2954-0..50014-4_229. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Saeed SA, et al. Herbal and dietary supplements for treatment of anxiety disorders. American Family Physician. 2007;76:549.
- Donker T, et al. Psychoeducation for depression, anxiety and psychological distress: A meta-analysis. BMC Medicine. 2009;7:79.
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