Anxiety Disorder Self-Care Guide - How to Reduce Your Anxiety

Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure and increased heart rate; it’s considered a future-oriented, long-acting response broadly focused on a diffuse threat.1 Anxiety can manifest in a variety of ways, from anxiety attacks, enacting the fight-or-flight response, to raised heart rates and cortisol (a stress hormone). 

Because anxiety activates the fight-or-flight response in the nervous systems, the physical symptoms of anxiety may feel life-threatening in the moment. If you’re experiencing common and frequent anxiety symptoms, mental health treatment may be helpful to provide you with a proper treatment plan.

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Short-Term Strategies to Calm Anxiety

Anxiety symptoms can be deeply uncomfortable, and it makes sense to need relaxation techniques in the moment. If you’re looking for mental health treatment to help with anxiety management, don’t hesitate to reach out today.

Grounding Techniques

Grounding techniques can be helpful to break the cycle of anxious thoughts when you or your loved one might feel an anxiety attack coming on. One simple but effective grounding technique is the 5-4-3-2-1 method: name five things you see, four things you can touch, three things you hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This practice can help you acknowledge your surroundings and get you out of your head’s negative thought cycles.2

Breathing Exercises

There are a variety of breathing techniques and deep breathing exercises that are helpful when your anxiety symptoms feel overwhelming or out of control. One simple deep breathing exercise is to use a count to five as you breathe in, hold it for four counts, then release it for five counts, and repeat until you begin to feel yourself relax.

Physical Stimulation

Physical stimulation can help you to jump start your body out of the fight-or-flight physical response of anxiety. Taking a cold shower, splashing your face with cold water, tasting sour candy, going for a run (and other types of physical activity) are all ways to trick your body into remembering that it is in a safe place.

Expressive Arts

Wellness activities like yoga, journaling, making playlists, art therapy and more can help build the mind-body connection through a more holistic healing process.

Anxiety Hotline Numbers

If you are in need of immediate emotional help, national mental health crisis response helplines offer confidential assistance regardless of where you are. These hotlines are staffed by professionals ready to provide 24/7 mental health assistance. They provide critical support and resources, ensuring you can access help whenever you need it, no matter your location.

AMFM Mental Health Program

If you’re seeking mental health support, consider reaching out to AMFM Mental Health Treatment. Our team has a 24/7 call center ready to provide the help you need. Contact us today to learn more about our nearby emotional crisis intervention programs and mental health crisis services, and begin your path to better days. Additionally, our team can connect you with the national suicide prevention lifeline if necessary.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

If you’re in need of immediate support, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is here for you. Call 988 or text the crisis text line at 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor who can provide help and support. The suicide prevention and crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day via phone call or text, in English and Spanish. The federally-mandated crisis number 988 was made available in 2022 to all landline and cell phone users at no charge. Visit 988lifeline.org‌ for more information.

1-800-950-nami

The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers a national helpline with support services available via text, phone call, or online chat. The NAMI Helpline is a confidential support line that is available Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM ET, and is free of cost. If you are looking to find help, don’t hesitate to reach out.

AMFM Treatment Center for Anxiety

A Mission for Michael (AMFM) Mental Health Treatment has multiple mental health treatment facilities conveniently located in California, Washington, and Virginia. At all of our mental health treatment centers, we offer comprehensive therapy and treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorders, self-harm, social anxiety, and other mental health disorders of the like. Facing anxiety symptoms can be overwhelming, and looking for help isn’t easy. At AMFM, our admissions team is trained to help you find the right fit for you. We provide personalized care, crisis counseling, and behavioral health services to help you manage and overcome your anxiety. 

California

Mental Health Treatment Program in California

AMFM’s California treatment centers are located up and down the coast of Southern California, from the greater Los Angeles area, to Orange County, down to San Diego. Our inpatient mental mental health treatment program locations are: Fallbrook, Carlsbad, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Hills, and Laguna Nigel. For personalized support and for insurance verification, contact us.

Virginia

Mental Health Treatment Program in Virginia

If you’re searching for mental health treatment options in Virginia, AMFM’s mental health treatment programs are available in Fairfax Station, Vienna, and Great Falls, VA.These locations in Virginia are qualified to assist with anxiety treatment and to meet your needs.

Washington

Mental Health Treatment Program in Washington

AMFM Mental Health Treatment Center offers outpatient mental health treatment programs in Washington, conveniently located at 6900 East Green Lake Way N, Suite G, Seattle, WA 98115. A Mission For Michael Mental Health Treatment has one location in the state, providing dedicated and comprehensive mental health care for lasting mental well-being.

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I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

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Check Your Insurance Coverage For Mental Health Treatment

Insurance can be complicated but we are here to help. AMFM Mental Health has over a decade of experience in the mental health field and is in-network with many large insurance providers. By using our form below, we can quickly determine if you are in-network at one of our mental health facilities. Your insurance provider will not be notified or contacted by completing this form and the process is 100% confidential.

By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list. I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

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Learning More About Mental Health Disorders

According to the Nation Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), if you struggle with a mental health disorder, you are not alone 3:

  • 22.8% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2021 (57.8 million people). This represents 1 in 5 adults.
  • 5.5% of U.S. adults experienced serious mental illness in 2021 (14.1 million people). This represents 1 in 20 adults.
  • 16.5% of U.S. youth aged 6-17 experienced a mental health disorder in 2016 (7.7 million people)

AMFM Mental Health Treatment has extensive experience treating a variety of mental health disorders–through evidence-based therapies, support groups, mental health resources and more–including but not limited to the following:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Depression
  • Eating Disorders
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 
  • Crisis & Traumatic Events
  • ADHD
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Mood Disorders
  • Panic Disorder / Panic Attacks
  • Psychosis 
  • Phobias
  • Schizophrenia

Recovery can feel isolating; mental health programming can provide treatment options and cohesive plans to help you or your loved one as you move forward.

Request A Call Back

Request A Call Back

"*" indicates required fields

By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.

I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Disclaimer

What to expect

Contact From Admission Representative:

Complete the form to receive a prompt call back from a member of our experienced and compassionate admissions staff. All communication is 100% confidential.

By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.

I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

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What is Anxiety Mental Health Treatment Like?

In a mental health treatment center, the day-to-day may vary depending upon your diagnoses and personalized treatment plan, but it will often consist of some combination of individual therapy sessions, group therapy sessions, psychiatry services, and more. AMFM Mental Health Treatment combines holistic and evidence-based mental health services in order to help each person overcome their particular obstacles and mental health conditions with a fresh toolkit of skills.

Group Therapy

Group therapy sessions can be used to help provide structured times to help you understand that you are not alone in your struggles, offering peer support, and the reminder that others are also walking through these challenges. At the same time, groups provide guidance from qualified mental health professionals, with suggestions and communication from psychologists with specialized backgrounds. These groups can span a variety of backgrounds, including but not limited to art therapy, somatic therapy, and narrative therapy.4

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that’s focused on restructuring and reprogramming maladaptive and negative thought processes. Psychologists are trained to help adults and young adults change their cognitive and emotional processes in order to outgrow maladaptive coping mechanisms.5  

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is most commonly referred to as “talk therapy,” and is designed to help process emotions. Qualified professionals offer psychological therapy to move forward with healthy ways of engaging in interpersonal relationships and alleviating physical and emotional distress.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

EMDR Therapy is a renowned method of reprocessing most often used in trauma therapy. By activating the prefrontal cortex through a series of bilateral stimulation, qualified mental health professionals can lead you through traumatic experiences, helping you to alleviate the distress symptomized by trauma.6

Crisis Intervention and Stabilization Services

A crisis is defined by the National Library of Medicine “as an overwhelming event, which can include divorce, violence, the passing of a loved one, or the discovery of a serious illness.”7 The goal of crisis intervention is to provide safety and reduce any potential harm to an individual undergoing a crisis.

Family Therapy

AMFM Mental Health Treatment offers family therapy through virtual family support groups that provide a dedicated time for families to engage in supportive and constructive interactions, fostering stronger relationships, and enhancing the overall treatment experience. Recovery takes a village, and it’s often helpful for family members to be involved in behavioral growth.

Are you or a loved one struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges?

Reaching out for help in your mental health journey can be difficult, emotional and overwhelming. With A Mission For Michael Mental Health Treatment, we’re with you throughout your journey, offering compassion, guidance, resources, and understanding the whole way. There are many mental health providers out there, and we want to connect you with the right fit. If you are interested, confused, or need help regarding mental health care, give AMFM a call. You or your loved one don’t have to walk through this alone. 

“Anxiety.” American Psychological Association, https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety. Accessed 8 April 2025. https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety#:~:text=Anxiety%20is%20an%20emotion%20characterized,the%20APA%20Dictionary%20of%20Psychology 

Smith, Sara. “BHP Blog – Behavioral Health Partners (BHP).” BHP Blog – Behavioral Health Partners (BHP) – University of Rochester Medical Center, 10 April 2018, https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/behavioral-health-partners/bhp-blog/april-2018/5-4-3-2-1-coping-technique-for-anxiety. Accessed 9 April 2025.

Mental health by the numbers. NAMI. (2025, March 27). https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/#you-are-not-alone 

“Psychotherapy: Understanding group therapy.” American Psychological Association, 31 October 2019, https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/group-therapy. Accessed 20 February 2025.

“APA Dictionary of Psychology.” APA Dictionary of Psychology, https://dictionary.apa.org/cognitive-behavior-therapy. Accessed 20 February 2025.

“What is EMDR?” EMDR Institute, https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/. Accessed 20 February 2025.

MA, Carlberg K. “Crisis Intervention – StatPearls.” NCBI, 24 April 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559081/. Accessed 20 February 2025.