Living with anxiety can be very difficult, but there are steps you can take that might help.
Connect with a trusted adult.
Talking to someone you trust about what's making you anxious could be helpful. Oftentimes, it may be just having someone listen to you and show they care can help. Counselors or therapists also have specific approaches that can be taught to help lessen the anxious feelings.
Try to take control of your worries by using different strategies.
Anxiety can make it hard to stop worrying. You might feel like you need to keep worrying because it feels useful or that bad things will happen if you stop. It can be helpful to try different strategies to address these worries. For example, you could:
- Set aside a specific time to focus on your worries so you can reassure yourself you haven't forgotten to think about them. Some people find it helps to set a timer.
- Write down your worries and keep them in a particular place. For example, you could write them in a notebook, or on pieces of paper you put in an envelope or jar. This takes them off your mind and places them somewhere that you can refer to later when you’re able to problem solve more effectively.
- Write a letter sharing your worries with someone you trust.
- Find something funny to laugh about. Look at amusing pictures of your pets, family, friends, or others to try and get your mind off your worries.
- Tighten and relax your muscles. Breathing deeply increases your capacity to think clearer and reduces anxiety.
- Listen to music.
- Meditate.
- Make imaginary bubbles in your mind. Put the worry you have in each bubble. Then, pop them!
Reach out to confidentially to Safe2Help.
Go Back to Anxiety Page