You may be wondering, ‘What are the best ways to cope with anxiety symptoms?’ or just how to cope with anxiety in general. If that is the case, then you should know that it is absolutely normal to ask for help – particularly from professionals who understand mental health.
However, with just a quick look online, you may feel lost and confused since there are multiple sources claiming to have the end-all solution for getting anxiety under control. But with Mosh, you will not have to worry about all that searching, as we can provide the assistance you need through our team of AHPRA-registered doctors.
The first step to knowing how to cope with anxiety is understanding its effects on your life. Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions that can interfere with a person’s ability to lead a normal life.
It can present itself in many different ways, such as physical symptoms like headaches, sweating, and difficulty sleeping; mental symptoms like racing thoughts, feelings of dread, and difficulty concentrating; or behavioural symptoms like avoiding certain situations or people.
It is also important to take note that there are many different types of anxiety, which include generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobia-related disorders.[1]
Now that you know more about the question ‘What is anxiety?’, it ia likely that you will want to know how to cope with anxiety attacks. There are three options you can try out:
- Shifting your focus. When you start to feel overwhelmed, try focusing on an object in front of you. By paying attention to every small detail, you can distract yourself and use up all your energy so that the symptoms will slowly go away.[2]
- Controlling your breathing. When you are having an attack, taking deep breaths can be a powerful tool for anxiety control. This is because people often hyperventilate during these times, and slowing down your inhales and exhales can calm you down.[3]
- Relaxing your muscles. Similar to breathing techniques, muscle relaxation can help stop symptoms of anxiety, particularly the tension felt in your body. You can start by contracting specific muscle groups and then slowly relaxing them. This may take some practice, but you will get better at this technique over time.[4]
If you feel like your situation is progressively getting worse, talk to a doctor about it, and if it is suitable for you, they can potentially prescribe medication and the proper dosage that can help.[5]
With the guidance of a doctor, these tips can be very helpful when understanding how to cope with anxiety. At Mosh, we will be sure to closely assess your situation after you fill out our paperless questionnaire so you can get more personalised advice compared to a generic depression and anxiety test online.
As mentioned, there are different types of anxiety, but there are some general anxiety help tips that are great for students under stress.[6] These include:
- Taking some time to rest. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and incorporate exercise into your routine.
- Seeking help from others. Talk to other students about what you are feeling; they could be an excellent support group.
- Finding campus facilities. Some schools and universities have departments that help with academic or stress management, so consider trying them out.
Learning how to cope with anxiety is nothing short of difficult, and for some, these examples might not be enough. We at Mosh recognise this, and that’s why the doctors we work with may also recommend treatment or medication for anxiety symptoms if it is absolutely necessary for your situation.
Best of all, you will not need to muster up much effort to get your mental health plan from us. With our subscription service, we will be able to reach you wherever you are in Australia.
You will be pleased to know that there are a number of ways to cope with anxiety symptoms without taking medication. If you are someone who is not comfortable taking medical or even natural herbal remedies, then it would be beneficial for you to have counselling with doctors.
Studies have shown that science-based advice or instructions can help those learning how to cope with anxiety symptoms. Through continuous assessment, experts are able to find negative behavioural patterns, share them with their patients, and assist them when it comes to making changes.[7]
Aside from providing prescription medical treatment to those in situations that absolutely require it, Mosh doctors will also guide you through these trying times with advice that is unique to your lifestyle, medical background, and a range of other factors. Not only will our doctors explain topics like ‘What causes anxiety?’ but they will also extend compassion in any way they can.
Navigate our online telehealth platform and get help at a pace that’s comfortable for you.
