Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. It often involves physical sensations like sweating, racing heart, and trembling. It is a normal human emotion, but when it becomes excessive or overwhelming it can interfere with daily life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYzowu-EaPY&t=54s

There are many ways we can help ourselves today to begin to reduce some of the physical sensations related to anxiety, consider one of the following:

  • Practice calm breathing several times a day, we can regulate anxiety through our breath
  • Practice progressive muscle relaxation
  • Walking 15 minutes 1-3 times a day
  • Write down some of your thoughts and worries
  • Avoid using substances like cannabis or alcohol to manage feelings

Many organizations have developed free programs online that use evidenced based therapy such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy to address the core symptoms of Anxiety- check out the following sites:

  • Free module-based CBT program through anxietycanada – my anxiety plan (MAP)
  • Mood gym is like an interactive self-help book which helps you to learn and practice skills which can help to prevent and manage symptoms of depression and anxiety

Halton region has resources and groups that you can work with to address anxiety, see the links below. There are several programs through the outpatient mental health program at Joseph Brant that can be accessed through referral from your primary care provider.

  1. Bounce Back Ontario is a free evidenced based program to assist individuals 15+ who are experiencing depression or anxiety. This is delivered through online coaching and videos; you can self-refer, or your practitioner can refer you
  2. CMHA Halton has single session counselling, peer support and workshops/programs to address mood. You can find more information on the following website or by calling their intake line: https://halton.cmha.ca/
  3. teleCBT offers free groups to learn the core skills to manage anxiety through the use of cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). Learn more at https://telecbt.ca
  4. Thrive counselling offers single session counselling, counselling and group programs
  5. Looking to find your own therapist? Psychology today is a website to help you find a therapist in your area that meets your needs. Find a therapist near you: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca

There are several apps that can help you to monitor your mood, provide suggestions and help to keep track of your progress: Mindshift, Headspace, and Moodfit to name a few.