Hey I prefer to go by the name Lenna

Call me Lenna

does anyone know any good copying skills to help with my anxiety?

Reply 1

University of Kent

Official Rep

Original post by Call me Lenna

does anyone know any good copying skills to help with my anxiety?

Hey @Call me Lenna

I have generalised anxiety disorder and have a few different things I try to help my anxiety so I might be able to give you some advice.

What helps with your anxiety though will depend on what causes the anxiety

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If its anticipation and worrying about "what ifs" - try looking at the situation realistically and what would happen in a worse case scenario and what you would do - helps you realise that nothing too bad is going to happen

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If anxiety is worsened by stress - try mindfulness and self-care techniques

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If anxiety is caused by triggers - try to work out what what the triggers are and work through them

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If anxiety is more general feelings - try grounding techniques to remind yourself you are safe and be calm

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If anxiety is permanently there - try distraction techniques - focus on something you love

Some of my favourite distractions: games on my phone, especially word or merging games, listening to music, calling a friend, playing with my dog, colouring, looking at funny videos, watching TV/films, playing a board game

Some of my favourite grounding techniques: eating something (tricks your brain out of flight or fight mode as your body won't eat if it is not safe!), 5,4,3,2,1 (naming 5 things I can see, 4 things I hear, 3 I can touch, 2 I can smell, 1 I can taste), smelling a comforting smell (e.g. hand cream), the alphabet game (listing a topic with 1 letter of each of the alphabet - e.g fruit: apple, banana, etc), trying to read something backwards

Some of my favourite self care: trying new flavours of tea, having a warm shower, eating a comfort meal, journaling, tidying my room, buying myself a small treat, planning something to look forward to.

I hope this helps. I know how hard anxiety can be. Don't forget there is no shame in asking for help and having counselling/getting medication.

You've got this,
Gabby

Reply 2

Papyrus Hopeline

Official Rep

Hi Lenna

We hear that you are looking for some good coping strategies to support you with Anxiety. We encourage you to take a look at the self-care resources on the Mind website which include suggestions such as breathing exercises, peer support and keeping a diary ✍️

We also encourage you to take a look at the Anxiety UK website. Anxiety UK offer a service where you can book in to speak with one of their trained advisers who can offer you practical information, support and advice about living with anxiety 🫶

You have done really well to use this space to be honest about how you are feeling. If you are feeling like suicide is an option right now then you can call Hopeline247 on 0800 068 4141 or Text us on 88247 to speak with a trained Suicide Prevention Adviser who will be more than happy to help 💟