Support Groups and Peer Help

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.
When Anxiety Starts Running Your Day: Signs It’s Time to Get Help

When Anxiety Starts Running Your Day: Signs It’s Time to Get Help

Anxiety is a normal alarm.
When Worry Starts Running Your Life: Signs It’s Time to Get Professional Help

When Worry Starts Running Your Life: Signs It’s Time to Get Professional Help

Worry is normal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Find a Therapist or Doctor Near You Without Getting Stuck

How to Find a Therapist or Doctor Near You Without Getting Stuck

When you decide you want extra help with worry, the next step can feel like a wall.

Quick Tips

What actually happens when you talk to a therapist?

Talking to a therapist is like having a safe, private conversation with someone who is entirely on your team. They will ask you about what’s going on in your life and how you’re feeling. They won’t judge you. They will help you understand your anxiety and teach you practical skills, like how to calm your body when you feel overwhelmed or how to change worried thoughts. It’s a place just for you to learn and feel better.

What should I eat to help keep anxiety in check?

Food is fuel, and the right kind can keep your mood steady. Try to eat a mix of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which release energy slowly. This prevents your blood sugar from spiking and crashing, which can make you feel jittery and tense. It’s also smart to go easy on sugary snacks and caffeine, like soda and energy drinks. While they give a quick burst of energy, the crash that follows can often mimic or even trigger feelings of anxiety, leaving you feeling worse than before.

What can I do if I need to distract my worried mind?

Find one ordinary thing and give it your full attention. For example, try to find every blue object in the room, or count all the tiles on the ceiling. You could also try to remember all the words to your favorite song. The goal is to pick a simple, boring task that forces your mind to focus on something other than the worry. It’s like giving the worried part of your brain a puzzle to solve so it takes a break from making you feel anxious.

How does moving outside make a difference?

Moving outside gives you a double dose of calm. First, you get the good feelings from using your body. Then, you get the benefits of being in nature. Fresh air, sunlight, and looking at trees or the sky can naturally lift your mood. It’s a powerful way to distract yourself from worried thoughts. A walk in a park or even just sitting on a bench and taking deep breaths can make a big difference. It helps you feel connected to the world around you and less stuck inside your own head.

Can I do this if I’m feeling anxious at school or work?

Absolutely! You can do a quick, mini-version of this anywhere without anyone noticing. Instead of your whole body, just focus on one muscle group, like your feet, legs, or stomach. While sitting at your desk, you can curl your toes tightly inside your shoes for a few seconds and then release. Or, gently clench your stomach muscles and let them go. These small actions can help you find a moment of calm and reset your feelings without having to stop what you are doing.