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Fast-Acting and As-Needed Medications

Fast-Acting Anxiety Medicine: Make a Plan Before You Need It

Fast-Acting Anxiety Medicine: Make a Plan Before You Need It

A fast-acting anxiety pill can feel like a fire extinguisher.
How to Use Fast-Acting Anxiety Medicine Without Leaning on It Too Much

How to Use Fast-Acting Anxiety Medicine Without Leaning on It Too Much

Fast-acting anxiety medicine can be a helpful tool when your body feels like it is stuck in high gear.
Fast-Acting Anxiety Medicine: What to Know Before You Use It

Fast-Acting Anxiety Medicine: What to Know Before You Use It

Many people have moments when anxiety hits hard and fast.
How to Make a Peer Support Group Feel Less Awkward and More Helpful

How to Make a Peer Support Group Feel Less Awkward and More Helpful

Walking into a room full of people you don’t know can feel like a lot.
How to Make a Peer Support Group Feel Safe and Useful

How to Make a Peer Support Group Feel Safe and Useful

A peer support group can be a simple thing: a few people who meet to talk about worry and stress, listen to each other, and share what helps.
How to Pick Self-Help Books and Audio That Actually Help With Anxiety

How to Pick Self-Help Books and Audio That Actually Help With Anxiety

When your mind is running fast, it is easy to grab the first book or audio that says it will calm you down.
A New Way to Practice Scary Moments Before They Happen

A New Way to Practice Scary Moments Before They Happen

Some scary moments feel impossible to practice for.
Questions to Ask Before You Choose a Therapist Near You

Questions to Ask Before You Choose a Therapist Near You

When you feel anxious, making phone calls can feel like a lot.
How to Find a Therapist or Doctor Near You Who Fits

How to Find a Therapist or Doctor Near You Who Fits

Finding a therapist or doctor near you can feel like a big job.
Managing Medication Side Effects: What to Do When Your Anxiety Medicine Feels Off

Managing Medication Side Effects: What to Do When Your Anxiety Medicine Feels Off

When you start a new medicine for anxiety, or when your dose changes, you might notice your body or mood feels different.

Quick Tips

When is a good time to use belly breathing?

You can use belly breathing anytime you start to feel worried, tense, or overwhelmed. It’s perfect for right before a big test, a difficult conversation, or when you’re lying in bed with a racing mind. You can even practice it when you’re feeling fine, like while watching TV or waiting in line. Doing it when you’re calm makes it easier to remember how to do when you really need it. Think of it as a secret tool you can pull out anytime, anywhere.

What are the best foods to eat when I’m feeling anxious?

The best foods are ones that release energy slowly and keep your blood sugar stable. Think of whole foods like oatmeal, whole-grain bread, nuts, and fruits like bananas and berries. These foods help prevent the energy spikes and crashes that can make you feel jittery or low. They are like a steady fuel source for your body and brain. Eating regular meals with these foods can help you feel more balanced and calm throughout the entire day.

What is a simple breathing trick I can use right away?

A great trick is called “box breathing,“ and it’s as easy as drawing a square in the air. Breathe in slowly for four seconds, like you’re tracing the first side. Then, hold your breath for four seconds for the next side. Breathe out for four seconds, and finally, hold again for four seconds to finish the square. Repeating this a few times tells your body there’s no emergency and helps slow your racing heart. It’s a quiet way to calm your nerves anywhere, anytime, without anyone even noticing.

What are the best food sources of these brain-healthy fats?

The easiest way to find these fats is by looking in the ocean and on trees! Focus on eating fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines a couple of times a week. Don’t like fish? No problem. You can get these same powerful fats from walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds. Avocados and olive oil are also fantastic, easy-to-use options. Try sprinkling seeds on your yogurt or using avocado as a spread on your sandwich for a simple brain boost.

How can a simple cup of tea make a difference?

A warm cup of chamomile tea does more than just warm you up. It’s like a gentle signal to your brain and body that it’s time to slow down and unwind. The simple act of sipping a warm drink forces you to pause and breathe. Chamomile has natural properties that can help ease tension and prepare your mind for rest. Think of it as a mini time-out in a mug, a comforting ritual that helps you step away from stress for a few peaceful moments.