Introduction
Treatment-related anxiety can be debilitating to our mental and physical health. Whether it’s part of an emotional trauma or a medical procedure, conquering your worries can seem impossible. The good news is that with a few simple steps, anyone can learn to face their treatment anxiety and come out a stronger version of themselves. Here are 6 helpful tips on how to tackle treatment anxiety.
1. Create A Support System
Having friends and family to lean on can make a huge difference in how we process our treatment anxiety. Creating a supportive network of people who understand your anxieties and can show you love and understanding can be incredibly beneficial in working through the anxieties. Make sure the people you choose to include in your network are the right people—people who are positive and will help you stay motivated rather than feed into the anxieties.
a. Family
Reaching out to trusted family members and telling them exactly how you’re feeling is an important step in facing your anxieties. Your family loves you, and they want to help. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable and trusting in their support can help reduce your anxieties.
b. Friends
Having a group of close friends who understand you and can sympathize with your anxieties can be incredibly helpful. Talking through your worries with them and seeking their guidance and advice can help you stay motivated and focused on facing your anxieties.
c. Therapists
Seeking professional help through therapy can be incredibly beneficial in helping you process and confront your anxieties. Professional therapists can provide you with invaluable skills and resources to help you through your anxieties.
2. Exercise
Exercising is one of the best ways to both release stress, anxiety and depression and also to boost your mood and energy. Exercising can provide a distraction from the negative and fearful thoughts that can come up when thinking about your treatment. It allows you to focus on something productive and to release toxins and feel some sense of control. Exercise can also help you learn and practice more productive ways of dealing with your anxious thoughts.
a. Walking
Taking a walk is a great way to clear your head and reduce stress and anxiety. Taking a brisk walk can also help clear your head, reduce stress and anxiety, and get endorphins rushing through your body which may help to improve your mood.
b. Yoga
Yoga is an amazing way to increase your body awareness and work on both mental and physical aspects of relaxation. It helps increase your body strength and balance, as well as helps relieve inner tension, build self-trust and help calm the body and mind.
c. Dancing
Dancing can be an incredible way to let out your worries and just have fun. Not only is it a great form of exercise, it’s also a great way to leave all your worries in the past and just concentrate on the present moment. It helps to work both your body and your mind, and can be a great way to keep your body healthy and your mind positive.
3. Make a List
Focusing on the good in life is a great way to cope with treatment-related anxiety. Making a list of all the good things that have happened in your life and all the things you’re grateful for can help provide perspective and appreciation for what you have and provide a reminder of the good things life has to offer. The list will help counter the negative and fearful thoughts that can come up when thinking about treatment.
a. Writing it Down
Write down or type out everything that you are grateful for in your life. Pick from the little things, like having a good cup of coffee in the morning, to the bigger things like having a steady job. It’s a great way to focus on the positive aspects of your life and let go of the worries.
b. Use Visual Reminders
Creating visual reminders of your gratitude list is an amazing way to keep your positive outlook. Hang a picture frame with your list in it, or write out your list in fun colors and pin it to your wall. There are lots of ways to keep your list where you can see it every day, to remind you of how far you’ve come.
c. Share your List
Sharing your list of grateful things with friends and family can help reinforce your positive outlook. Seeing other people appreciate what you’re grateful for and the things you have gone through can help encourage you to continue to focus on the good and keep positive.
4. Make a Plan
Creating a plan to help you through your treatment can help make the whole process feel less overwhelming. Knowing what steps need to be taken, who to talk to and how to proceed increases our sense of have control, which in turn can help reduce our anxieties. It helps you break down the process into smaller, more manageable steps instead of one big scary jump.
a. Talk To Your Doctor
Talking to your doctor is incredibly important. Ask questions like what the procedure or treatment entails, what the side effects may be and how long the treatment will take. It’s important to gather as much information as possible about the procedure or treatment so that you can make an informed decision and feel as prepared as possible.
b. Research Your Options
Take the time to really research all of your options so that you can make an informed decision. Make sure to take into consideration any risks and benefits associated with the treatments and make sure that it is the right choice for you.
c. Break Down the Process
Creating a plan to get through your treatment is an important step. Break it down into smaller, more manageable steps and set goals for yourself. Making the plan step by step instead of one large, stressful process will help break it into parts and make it easier to take on.
People Also Ask
Q: What are ways to cope with Treatment Anxiety?
Creating a support system, exercising, making a list of things you are grateful for, and making a plan for the treatment are some of the best ways to cope with Treatment Anxiety.
Q: What are some healthy ways to reduce stress?
Some healthy ways to reduce stress include exercising, particularly walking and yoga, talking to family and friends, meditating, and engaging in activities that you enjoy.
Q: How can I be less anxious about treatment?
By creating a support system, exercising, making a list of the things you are grateful for, and making a plan for your treatment, you can be less anxious about the treatment and face your fears more confidently.
Q:What are some tips to lowering anxiety?
Some tips to lowering anxiety include exercising, having a support system of family and friends, talking to a therapist, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and reflecting on mindfulness.
Q: What can I do to manage my anxiety?
Managing anxiety can involve exercising, talking to a therapist, practicing mindfulness, avoiding triggers such as caffeine and alcohol, and engaging in activities that help to lower stress and bring joy.
Conclusion
Tackling treatment anxieties can be intimidating, but can be done with the right mindset and the right steps. Create a supportive network of people who can help you through the anxieties, and make sure to focus on the good in life. Exercise, make a list of things you’re grateful for, and make a plan to get through whatever it is that’s causing you anxieties; tackling treatment anxieties is doable, with the right resources and healthy coping skills.