Coping With Anxiety

Money, Death of a Family Member Top List of America’s Biggest Worries

Worries about finances and the death of loved ones are the leading causes of anxiety for Americans, according to a survey conducted by the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. Thirty-six percent of people are "very" or "extremely" worried about their financial status; 31 percent are anxious about a loved one dying.

Anxiety is a normal response to situations of uncertainty, especially if there is a possibility of a bad outcome. However, for many, severe and unprovoked anxiety adversely affects their daily lives. If excessive or chronic anxiety is negatively affecting your personal, family or work life, the guidelines below can help you.

Helpful Guidelines For Coping With Anxiety

Recognize and admit that you are feeling anxious.
Become aware of your body’s symptoms. Don’t let them scare you; let them "talk" to you.
Try to pinpoint what it is you are anxious about. What happened yesterday? What were you thinking about before you went to bed? If you can’t pinpoint the source, don’t worry about it and try to move on.
If you do know what it is that is bothering you, what can you do to eliminate or minimize the situation in some way so that it isn’t so stressful?
More important, how can you react differently so you won’t be so affected by this situation?
Give yourself permission to feel anxious about whatever it is that is bothering you. "Of course I feel anxious about this problem. Anyone would."
Listen to the dialogue within yourself. Are you filling yourself full of negative thoughts about a certain situation? What could you say to yourself that would feel more comforting and soothing.
Are you overwhelming yourself with "shoulds" and high expectations? If so, which ones could you eliminate?
Are you blaming someone else for your anxieties, unhappiness, poor health, lack of success or other issues? How can you take responsibility for yourself and make some positive changes?