Continuing our observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, we shift our focus this week to a prevalent and impactful condition: anxiety. Below are resources to deepen our understanding of anxiety and its effects. As we explore this topic, we aim to enhance our ability to support not only our clients but also each other in managing anxiety more effectively.
Warm regards,
Your Behavioral Health Team
Interesting Fact: Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults, or 18.1% of the population each year (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2021).
Resources for More Information:
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): ADAA Anxiety Information
- American Psychological Association (APA): APA Stress and Anxiety
- National Federal of Families (NFF): Anxiety Resources
Self-Directed Exercise:
- Deep Breathing Exercise: Practice deep breathing techniques for 5 minutes daily. This can help manage anxiety by reducing overall levels of tension and stress (Ma, 2017).
- Guided Deep Breathing: “Modifying breathing alters communication sent from the respiratory system, rapidly influencing brain regions regulating behavior, thought and emotion.” (Philippot, P., Chapelle, G., & Blairy, S., 2002). Numerous deep breathing exercise exist and finding ones that support each persons’ preferences is important. For a selection of options please see this resource: Guided Deep Breathing Exercises