Dealing with Anxiety

Stress, worry, or anxiety can arise for many of us in challenging times or unfamiliar situations. Navigating through uncertainty often requires intentional strategies to manage these feelings. Here are a few things you can do to lessen anxiety:

Confront it. Accept the fact that anxiety is our evolutionary, first-line of defense and a way we self-protect. Just remember it’s related to something that is likely new for you or about which you know little. Understand this and avoid allowing it to drive your decisions. Consider where the anxiety is coming from so you can move forward in a positive way.

Learn what drives your anxiety. To get a handle on where your worry and concerns are coming from, seek out reliable sources that will provide the type of information you need to answer the questions that are tying you up in unnecessary stress. Remember, knowledge is power.

Don’t go through your experience alone. Share your worries with a trusted friend, relative, or qualified, licensed psychotherapist or psychologist. Processing feelings of excessive worry and stress can help free you from the restraints of self-doubt and give you the strength to come out from under the weight of fear and anxiety.

Working through anxiety and stress can be a transformative journey, especially in the context of individual psychotherapy. Engaging in therapy provides a safe and supportive space to explore your thoughts and emotions, develop personalized coping strategies, and build resilience. Through consistent effort and collaboration with a therapist, you can gain clarity, foster self-compassion, and ultimately move toward greater emotional well-being.