What Can I Do About Anxiety?

- Try to identify what "triggers" your anxiety.
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List coping strategies that have helped in the past.
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Talk with others, such as a support group or online forum, about your anxiety.
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Continue to gather information about your loved one’s particular rare disease and its treatment. Knowledge of what is going on can help relieve anxiety.
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Engage in activities that you find pleasurable and distracting, such as listening to your favorite music.
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Use relaxation techniques, such as controlled breathing or guided imagery. For example, imagine a pleasant scene in your mind.
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Surround yourself with friends if it is relaxing.
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Use prayer or other types of spiritual support, such as meditation.
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Talk with your health care provider about prescribing medicine to help reduce your anxiety.
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Get a massage. Massage therapy can relieve your tension and help you relax.
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Express your feelings and concerns to others.
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Limit your caffeine intake. Try to decrease your intake of coffee, soft drinks, tea, and chocolate as these all contain caffeine.
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Avoid alcohol, which can increase anxiety.
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Exercise can help reduce tension. Try walking or yoga.
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Get help caring for your loved one so you can have some time to yourself. Remember, caregiving is more than a one-person job.
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Ask your health care provider for a counseling referral if these tips are not helpful.