Affiliate link notice: As an affiliate of BetterHelp and other third-party vendors, We will receive compensation if you make a purchase using the links provided on this page. For more information, visit our disclosure page.
Last Updated on August 30, 2024 by Randy Withers, LCMHC
Anxiety is something that affects many people and it can have a negative impact on your quality of life if you experience it yourself. There is a lot of good advice out there on how to develop coping skills when you have anxiety, and it’s widely understood that you can overcome anxiety through therapy.
Despite this, there are moments when when we as humans either ignore what we have taught or make so-called anxiety mistakes that just end up making things worse..
You might know what could help but still find yourself doing the opposite because anxiety makes it hard to think clearly.
Sometimes, in your search for quick relief, you might make choices that seem okay at the moment but actually set you back. In this article, we will go over some of the mistakes to avoid when you have anxiety.
5 Anxiety Mistakes To Avoid
1 – Suppressing your anxiety
One of the biggest mistakes people make when dealing with anxiety is trying to ignore it or push it away which is understandable. you don’t want to feel anxious, so you hope that if you don’t think about it, it will just go away.
But, unfortunately, this usually makes things worse. When you ignore anxiety, you’re not really solving the problem. Instead, it can build up over time, sometimes making you feel even more anxious or causing physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches.
Trying to suppress anxiety often creates a vicious cycle. The more you push it down, the stronger it can become, popping up when you least expect it and making it even harder to concentrate or enjoy life.
A better way to deal with anxiety is to acknowledge it when it comes up. You don’t have to dwell on it, but simply noticing and accepting that you’re feeling anxious can help. Activities like mindfulness or writing in a journal can help you understand your anxiety without judging yourself.
2 – Self-medicating
Another mistake people often make when dealing with anxiety is turning to unhealthy habits like drinking, using drugs, or overeating. It’s tempting to reach for something that provides quick relief when you’re feeling stressed, but these behaviors can lead to bigger problems.
What starts as a way to take the edge off can lead to health issues, strained relationships, and even more intense anxiety down the road. They don’t provide real solutions and can leave you feeling even more out of control.
Instead of looking at self-medication options, you have to find ways to cope that aren’t destructive. It’s important to find healthier ways to cope with anxiety. For example, exercise is a great way to relieve stress and boost your mood. Even just going for a short walk can help.
3 – Isolating yourself from people
Another anxiety mistake many people make is pulling away from others and other self-isolating behaviors. Social situations can sometimes seem overwhelming, and it might feel comforting to just stay by yourself. However, isolation can actually make your anxiety worse.
It’s easy to get stuck in your own head when you isolate yourself. Being around others can keep some of the anxiety and stressful thoughts away. Instead of isolating yourself, try to stay in touch with the people who care about you, even if it’s just in small ways. You don’t have to be super social, but keeping some connection is important.
Instead of isolating yourself, try to stay in touch with the people who care about you, even if it’s just in small ways. You don’t have to be super social, but keep some connection. Even a quick text to reach out and say “Hello” is a good way to feel connected to those you care about.
Try to get out and see other people, however, since being around others can distract you from your worries and remind you that you’re not alone. If hanging out with people feels too hard, think about joining a support group where you can meet others who get what you’re going through.
4 – Expecting quick fixes
A common mistake people make when dealing with anxiety is hoping for quick fixes. Of course, it’s natural to want the anxiety to just go away so you can move on with your life when you’re feeling anxious.
The reality is, anxiety usually doesn’t just disappear overnight, and relying on quick fixes can leave you feeling disappointed when they don’t work for long.
Managing anxiety often takes time and consistent effort so quick fixes don’t really solve the problem even though you might feel better for the moment. If you fall into the habit of expecting quick fixes, it leads to a cycle forming when you feel better for a minute and then feel discouraged that the problem keeps coming back.
Focus on building healthy habits that support your mental health over time instead of looking for instant solutions. Things like regular exercise, eating well, getting enough sleep, and practicing mindfulness can all help reduce anxiety, but they need time to show results.
5 – Not getting professional help
One of the biggest mistakes people make when dealing with anxiety is not getting professional help. It’s easy to think that you should be able to handle it on your own or that it’s not serious enough to see a therapist or doctor.
You might feel like you should just tough it out or worry about what others might think if you ask for help. But trying to manage anxiety without any professional support can make things harder and stop you from getting the help you really need.
Therapists and counselors are there to help you understand your anxiety and find ways to manage it effectively and can provide strategies and treatments that have been proven to work.
Final Thoughts
Navigating anxiety involves more than just managing symptoms; it requires avoiding common pitfalls that can exacerbate the condition. Recognizing and steering clear of these anxiety mistakes is crucial for improving your mental well-being. Each mistake—whether it’s suppressing your anxiety, self-medicating, isolating yourself, expecting quick fixes, or avoiding professional help—can set back your progress and increase your stress.
Instead of falling into these traps, focus on acknowledging your anxiety, seeking healthier coping mechanisms, maintaining social connections, and investing in long-term strategies for mental health.
Understanding why these mistakes can be detrimental helps in crafting more effective approaches to managing anxiety. By adopting strategies that address the root causes and seeking support when needed, you can build a more resilient and balanced approach to mental health.
Remember, progress takes time, and being mindful of these common errors will guide you towards more sustainable and positive outcomes.
Let me know if you liked this post. Your feedback is important!
