Anxiety

Encouragement

How do you maintain a sense of hope and optimism while dealing with anxiety?

Maintaining hope and optimism while navigating the often overwhelming waves of anxiety can feel like a monumental task. Anxiety can cloud judgment, sap energy, and make the future seem bleak, making positive feelings seem out of reach. Finding effective Anxiety Management Techniques is crucial not just for coping, but for preserving a sense of well-being and belief in better days ahead.

Understanding how others manage these feelings can be incredibly validating and inspiring. That's why we asked our community, "How do you maintain a sense of hope and optimism while dealing with anxiety?" We wanted to gather real-world strategies and shared experiences to offer encouragement and practical ideas to anyone struggling with this common challenge.

The responses highlighted a rich tapestry of approaches. Key themes emerged, including the power of cognitive reframing, the importance of self-compassion and positive self-talk, the effectiveness of grounding techniques, and the strength found in acceptance and focusing on resilience.

Common Experiences with Anxiety Management Shared by Our Community

Challenging anxious thoughts and focusing on reality over worries.
Using positive self-talk, affirmations, and practicing self-compassion.
Employing grounding techniques like breathwork, meditation, and connecting with nature or pets.
Accepting anxiety's presence while remembering past resilience and focusing on what can be controlled.
Drawing strength from personal history, heritage, or reframing anxiety as a protective mechanism.

Our community discussed

How Can I Reframe My Thoughts to Manage Anxiety?

Many community members shared how changing their perspective on anxious thoughts helps restore hope. This involves recognizing worries, differentiating between what can and cannot be controlled, and reminding oneself that anxious feelings are not necessarily reality.

Jemima

5 months ago

I can’t stress about something I cannot control. I try and write down everything that is stressing me - then cross out everything I can’t control, then go from there. It usually helps me

285

Brittney

5 months ago

Constantly reminding myself that my worries are causing the anxiety and fear and that it's not actually the reality of what's happening.

250

Abbey

7 months ago

Realizing that what I’m worrying abt hasn’t happened yet and it could end up being something really amazing

215

Hector

6 months ago

Thinking about my relationship with my anxiety, I find I should always bear in mind that it is a mechanism developed to alert and protect me. So I would focus on the thing it alerts me to instead the alert itself.

190

Our community discussed

Does Self-Compassion Help When Feeling Anxious and Hopeless?

Practicing kindness towards oneself emerged as a powerful tool for maintaining optimism. This includes using positive affirmations, engaging in encouraging self-talk, and giving oneself grace during difficult moments.

Amy

7 months ago

I talk to myself and hype myself up like I am someone else, I often find myself saying ‘you’ve got this b****’ in a sassy way and it makes me laugh and feel a little lighter

310

Ebonie

5 months ago

That this is not my normal and I will have a break through with my mental health soon. I just need to give myself more grace.

270

Laura

7 months ago

Recently I started repeating the following affirmation to myself over and over when I notice that my thoughts are racing. Taking deep breaths while I say it in my head. “I am worthy. I’m deserving. I am calm, and at peace.”

240

Sarah

5 months ago

When feel like a failure or anxious about how people feel about me I play the “what I like about me/you” game. I play this game in my head to remind myself that there is good in all of us and not to take things so hard. It makes me feel calm focusing on the good.

205

Our community discussed

What Are Some Grounding and Relaxation Anxiety Management Techniques?

Engaging the senses and calming the nervous system are common strategies for managing anxiety and fostering hope. Community members found solace in physical relaxation methods, connecting with nature or pets, meditation, and finding grounding in personal heritage.

Sara

8 months ago

I try to do things that relax me. And it take me time to realise that I’m in anxiety mode . My anxiety symptoms are feeling unmotivated binge eating and binge watching tv and lots of fatigue . I like to hit the sauna

180

Annie

6 months ago

I am trying to take control of my breath and use meditation to give myself grace and optimism. It’s a learning curve but I feel in better control of myself.

220

laura

5 months ago

I pet my puppy

330

Alysa

7 months ago

I think about my ancestors and all that they overcame for me to be here today. I remind myself that they would be proud and amazed, no matter how poorly I think of myself in that moment.

295

Our community discussed

How Can Acceptance and Resilience Help Maintain Optimism During Anxiety?

Some find strength in accepting that anxiety is present without letting it define them. Recalling past instances of overcoming difficulties and focusing on personal resilience helps build confidence and maintain a hopeful outlook.

Taylor

5 months ago

I tell myself “I’ve been through this before and I came out ok.. this too shall pass”

340

Katie

5 months ago

If anxiety is going to happen or a panic attack, I can’t stop it. I have to just go for the ride. I’ve gotten through tough times and my anxiety won’t stop me

260

Jenelle

5 months ago

Remind myself I’ve gotten through so many difficult situations before and this one is no different. It is an opportunity for growth... With practicing exposure you take back your power, but avoiding only intensifies anxiety and makes you feel powerless. You got this!!

300

Kathy

7 months ago

My anxiety makes me unbeatable. There are not many situations where I won’t know what I could do.

150

Advice from our community

How to Apply These Anxiety Management Techniques Based on Real Experiences

Focus on Control: Acknowledge your worries by writing them down. Then, actively identify and separate what you can influence from what you cannot, directing your energy towards actionable items.
Challenge Anxious Thoughts: Actively remind yourself that worries are thoughts, not necessarily facts. Recall specific times you've successfully navigated difficult situations to reinforce your resilience ("This too shall pass").
Practice Self-Compassion: Speak to yourself with kindness, like you would a friend. Use positive affirmations ("I am worthy, I am calm") and give yourself grace, acknowledging that anxiety is a state, not your identity.
Find Your Grounding Rituals: Experiment with techniques that bring you back to the present moment. This could be deep breathing, meditation, spending time in nature, petting an animal, using a sauna, or connecting with your heritage.