Whether you have been diagnosed with a mental health problem or have been under a lot of stress lately, there are some simple things you can do for anxiety. Anxiety is a very real disorder that can cause you not to be able to function at your normal capacity. Sometimes you may be able to recognize symptoms that you are suffering or about to have an attack and other times it will just hit you without any warning. As soon as you realize something is wrong, try a few of the following ways to alleviate the situation. If you have medication for anxiety, be sure to use it as prescribed.
Ways to Help When in the Middle of an Attack
1. Wait – When you are lashing out for no reason or find yourself trying to hide from the world, stop what you are doing and take a few minutes to think through your actions.
2. Relax – Force yourself to relax. Take a few deep breaths while mentally telling your body to relax, start at your toes and work your way up your body.
3. Distract yourself- Find something to do that will take your mind off the situation. This could be reading a book, playing a game with your friends or children or even watching a movie.

What to do When you Feel Your Anxiety Rising
1. Search for the cause – Often there is something that has triggered you to start getting anxious. If you can figure out what it is, you can talk to yourself or to someone you trust, that can make you realize everything is going to be all right.
2. Know what you can change and what you cannot – Sometimes accepting the fact that you cannot change something allows you to let it go. If you have been stressed about money or an upcoming event, knowing that you have done everything possible to make the situation better can allow you to let things progress. Now you can get a better handle on things and work through them.
Changes That Can Limit Future Episodes
1. Taking care of yourself – Many times, being in good health can help you cope with problems as they arise. Work at getting to or keeping a healthy weight, exercise regularly and be sure to get enough sleep at night.
2. Think positively about yourself – Try not to be negative to yourself. Having a good sense of self makes you feel good about yourself and gives you the security to face things and people.
Do not feel you are alone with your anxiety issues. If you find yourself unable to cope with them alone, seek out help. The important thing is to work so it does not take over your life completely. It may take some time but you will be able to get through the feelings.