In September, I had the privilege of co-hosting a webinar with Bridge the Gap and Dr. Andrew Cohen from the OCD and Anxiety Clinic. Together, we explored critical aspects of anxiety, its markers, and effective strategies to manage and reduce its impact on daily life.
Key Markers of Anxiety
During the webinar, we identified several common markers of anxiety that can help individuals recognize when they may need support. These include:
- Persistent worry or fear that interferes with daily activities.
- Physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, or trembling.
- Avoidance of certain situations due to overwhelming feelings of discomfort.
- Difficulty concentrating or sleeping.
Strategies to Alleviate Symptoms
We shared several practical strategies to help alleviate anxiety symptoms, including:
- Mindfulness Practices: Engaging in mindfulness meditation or breathing exercises to bring focus and calm to the present moment.
- Regular Physical Activity: Incorporating exercise into daily routines to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
- Structured Routines: Establishing consistent schedules to create a sense of control and predictability.
- Open Communication: Talking with trusted friends, family, or mental health professionals to share feelings and gain support.
Skills to Avoid Anxiety Triggers
Preventing anxiety involves proactive measures to minimize exposure to known triggers. Some skills and approaches we discussed include:
- Setting Boundaries: Learning to say no to overcommitments and protecting personal time.
- Time Management: Prioritizing tasks and breaking them into manageable steps to reduce overwhelm.
- Positive Self-Talk: Replacing negative thoughts with affirming and encouraging statements.
- Education and Awareness: Understanding anxiety and its triggers to empower self-management.
This webinar emphasized the importance of early recognition and intervention, as well as the value of building a toolbox of strategies and skills to maintain mental wellness. For those who missed the session, we hope to offer more opportunities in the future to engage and learn together.
If you’d like to dive deeper into any of these topics or need additional resources, feel free to reach out or visit the websites of Bridge the Gap and the OCD and Anxiety Clinic.
