Managing persistent fears, anxieties and stresses

Stanley Popovich

Special to Village News

Everybody deals with anxiety and depression; however, some people have a difficult time managing it. As a result, here is a brief list of techniques that a person can use to help manage their most persistent fears and every day anxieties.

When facing a current or upcoming task that overwhelms you with a lot of anxiety, the first thing you can do is to divide the task into a series of smaller steps. Completing these smaller tasks one at a time will make the stress more manageable and increases your chances of success.

Sometimes people get stressed out when everything happens all at once. When this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off the problem.

A person could get some fresh air, listen to some music or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things.

Another technique that is helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that makes them feel good. Whenever they come across an affirmation that makes them feel good, write it down in a small notebook that they can carry around with them in their pocket.

Whenever a person feels depressed or frustrated, they can open up their small notebook and read those statements. It will help to manage their negative thinking.

Take advantage of the help that is available. If possible, talk to a professional who can help them manage their depression and anxieties. The therapist will be able to provide them with additional advice and insights on how to deal with their current problem.

By talking to a professional, a person will be helping themselves in the long run because they will become better able to deal with their problems in the future. Remember that it never hurts to ask for help.

Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Nonresistant Methods.” For more information, visit http://www.managingfear.com.