Coping and support

To cope with an anxiety disorder, here's what you can do:

• Learn about your disorder. Talk to your doctor or mental health provider. Find out what might be causing your specific condition and what treatments might be best for you. Involve your family and friends and ask for their support.
• Stick to your treatment plan. Take medications as directed. Keep therapy appointments and complete any assignments your therapist may give you. Consistency can make a big difference, especially when it comes to taking your medication.
• Take action. Learn what triggers your anxiety or causes you stress. Practice the strategies you developed with your mental health provider so you're ready to deal with anxious feelings in these situations.
• Keep a journal. Keeping track of your personal life can help you and your mental health provider identify what's causing you stress and what seems to help you feel better.
• Join an anxiety support group. Remember that you aren't alone. Support groups offer compassion, understanding and shared experiences. The National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America provide information on finding support.
• Learn time management techniques. You can reduce anxiety by learning how to carefully manage your time and energy.
• Socialize. Don't let worries isolate you from loved ones or activities.
• Break the cycle. When you feel anxious, take a brisk walk or delve into a hobby to refocus your mind away from your worries.