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It’s important to manage your stress

Everyone experiences stress, and sometimes that stress can feel overwhelming. You may be at risk for an anxiety disorder if it feels like you can’t manage the stress and if the symptoms of your stress:

• Interfere with your everyday life.

• Cause you to avoid doing things.

• Seem to be always present.

Coping With Stress and Anxiety

Learning what causes or triggers your stress and what coping techniques work for you can help reduce your anxiety and improve your daily life. It may take trial and error to discover what works best for you. Here are some activities you can try when you start to feel overwhelmed:

• Keep a journal.

• Download an app that provides relaxation exercises (such as deep breathing or visualization) or tips for practicing mindfulness, which is a psychological process of actively paying attention to the present moment.

• Consider mindfulness activities like yoga or meditation.

• Regular exercise, even if it's a short walk.

• Make sure you are eating healthy, regular meals.

• Stick to a sleep routine, and make sure you are getting enough sleep.

• Avoid drinking excess caffeine such as soft drinks or coffee.

• Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.

• Reach out to your friends or family members who help you cope in a positive way. Connecting with people is important.

• Set boundaries and stick to them.

Recognize When You Need More Help

If you are struggling to cope, or the symptoms of your stress or anxiety won’t go away, it may be time to talk to a professional. Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) and medication are the two main treatments for anxiety, and many people benefit from a combination of the two.

A psychiatrist or your primary care provider may prescribe medication for you if they feel that would be helpful. A therapist, counselor, or licensed clinical social worker can work with you to learn more about your triggers and help find strategies that work for you.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health

Susanna is a psychotherapist and founder of Thrive Fully, a therapy and consulting business providing therapy, mental health and wellness training, crisis response, program and evaluation development, and marketing expertise. She has over 30 years of clinical and research experience, and retired from the National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health. She is a keynote speaker at national conferences, a writer (Huffington Post!), live storyteller (Stoop, Listen To Your Mother, podcasts), drummer (in between gigs), and both a cat parent and human parent. Learn more here: www.linkedin.com/in/susannasung

Book a session, gig, or service at: Susanna@ThriveFullyTherapy.com

About the Author Susanna Sung, LCSW-C