Love and Other Anxiety: a poetry collection

How to Deal with Anxiety Attacks

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philipians 4:6-7

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Here's 11 Tips for coping with an anxiety disorder according to Mayo Clinic Health System:

Keep physically active.
Develop a routine so that you're physically active most days of the week. Exercise is a powerful stress reducer. It can improve your mood and help you stay healthy. Start out slowly, and gradually increase the amount and intensity of your activities.

Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs.
These substances can cause or worsen anxiety. If you can't quit on your own, see your health care provider or find a support group to help you.

Quit smoking and cut back or quit drinking caffeinated beverages.
Nicotine and caffeine can worsen anxiety.

Use stress management and relaxation techniques.
Visualization techniques, meditation and yoga are examples of relaxation techniques that can ease anxiety.

Make sleep a priority.
Do what you can to make sure you're getting enough sleep to feel rested. If you aren't sleeping well, talk with your health care provider.

Eat healthy foods.
A healthy diet that incorporates vegetables, fruits, whole grains and fish may be linked to reduced anxiety, but more research is needed.

Learn about your disorder.
Talk to your health care provider to 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 gives. Consistency can make a big difference, especially when it comes to taking your medication.

Identify triggers.
Learn what situations or actions cause you stress or increase your anxiety. 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.

Socialize.
Don't let worries isolate you from loved ones or activities

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Ways to Stop a Panic Attack

Know the Signs

You don't have to be in a scary situation to have a panic attack. You could be on a hike, at a restaurant, or asleep in bed. All of a sudden you get a strong surge of fear. This triggers physical symptoms like a pounding heart, sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, chest pain, or trembling. It can last 5 to 20 minutes. Once you learn to recognize when attacks are coming on, you can find ways to stop them.

Live Your Life

It's understandable that you'd want to avoid a panic attack at all costs. But it's important not to let fear control your life. For example, don't avoid places where you've had panic attacks in the past. If you have one, stay where you are, if it's safe. When the attack is over, you'll realize that nothing terrible happened

Talk to Yourself

When you feel a panic attack coming on, remind yourself that you're feeling anxiety, and not real danger. You can even try directly addressing the fear. Practice a go-to response like, "I am not afraid" or "This will pass."