Index to 15 Coping Statements

Coping statement #1: “Anxiety is a natural process and won't hurt me.”

For those with anxiety disorders, Panic Disorder especially, the anxiety symptoms feel so out-of-control it seems that something must be terribly wrong. As a result, they become fearful of the anxiety symptoms thinking they might be having a heart attack or some other physical ailment, will faint and hurt themselves, or will lose control in some way. The obsessive focus on even minute expression of symptoms due to these beliefs cause increased anxiety and even panic.

Frequently, those with these beliefs are not very in tune with their physical self because such body awareness can trigger the fears. This fear of bodily sensations can cause them to reject useful management tools such as breathing methods or relaxation. Such tools rely on heightened awareness of the body which can be uncomfortable initially.

Yet, understanding what anxiety is and developing greater body awareness based on that understanding can help reduce symptoms. In particular, knowing that anxiety is a natural process meant to aid us when confronted by a threat can be reassuring because a normal system of the body isn't meant to cause harm. The various symptoms experienced with anxiety are due to the arousal of the autonomic nervous system which prepares us to react to a threat.

However, if you or your child have never had anxiety before, it is important to obtain a proper diagnosis from a physician. Since the autonomic nervous system can be activated due to any type of threat, other types of problems can manifest with symptoms of anxiety. Once you know, though, that the symptoms are due to anxiety, you can then take steps such as using a coping statement to help you manage the anxiety.

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