Anxiety is an unwanted guest. For some individuals, anxiety makes a sudden appearance, showing up one day after work but before dinner, and never leaving. For others, it makes a gradual appearance, like shower scum, creeping in here and there, seeming minor and non-threatening, until you realize it has taken over most of the tub and tiles.

For others, anxiety is an occasional, casual visitor, stopping by on Monday mornings before work, or hanging around at social events, but never staying for more than a few hours, despite it’s consistent visits. Regardless of how anxiety entered into your life, it has become the unwanted houseguest. The purpose of this section is to assist you in recognizing how anxiety might be negatively affecting your life, and, to identify some small and immediate changes you can make in preparation for the bigger changes you will be making as you proceed on this journey of learning skills and strategies to reduce unwanted anxiety.

The Negative Effects of Anxiety

  • Accommodating Anxiety
  • Avoidance
  • Intolerance of Uncertainty
  • Alcohol, Drugs, and Anxiety

Small and Immediate Changes I Can Make

  • Being Active
  • Friends and Family Can Help
  • Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Living
  • Kindness: Have a Word With Yourself