Q&A for How to Cope With Anxiety and Depression

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What should I do to feel better after my diagnosis?

Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAP
Pediatric Pulmonologist & Medical Counselor
Dr. Ran D. Anbar is a pediatric medical counselor and is board certified in both pediatric pulmonology and general pediatrics, offering clinical hypnosis and counseling services at Center Point Medicine in La Jolla, California and Syracuse, New York. With over 30 years of medical training and practice, Dr. Anbar has also served as a professor of pediatrics and medicine and the Director of pediatric pulmonology at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Dr. Anbar holds a BS in Biology and Psychology from the University of California, San Diego and an MD from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Dr. Anbar completed his pediatric residency and pediatric pulmonary fellowship training at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School and is also a past President, fellow and approved consultant of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis.

Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAP

Pediatric Pulmonologist & Medical Counselor

Expert Answer

Some people isolate themselves for a little because they feel overwhelmed by the diagnosis and don't want to share it with others. However, isolation can lead to increased anxiety and depression because it's hard to cope all by yourself. Anxiety and depression will just make you feel worse. If you can, go see some people you care about and get some support. This is the best way to lift your spirits if you've just received a tough diagnosis.

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Question

How do you calm down anxiety?

Rebecca Ward, LMFT, SEP, PCC, MA
Licensed Therapist
Rebecca A. Ward, LMFT, SEP, PCC is the Founder of the Iris Institute, a San Francisco, California-based business focusing on using somatic expertise to teach individuals and groups the skills to deal with dilemmas using interventions, including her own Original Blueprint® method. Ms. Ward specializes in treating stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), a Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP), and a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF). Rebecca holds an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University and an MA in Organizational Leadership from The George Washington University.

Rebecca Ward, LMFT, SEP, PCC, MA

Licensed Therapist

Expert Answer

Try to focus on what is happening around you. For instance, when you start feeling anxious, you might stop and slowly count the pleasant things you can see, feel, hear, taste, and smell. You can also turn to something that you find calming, like taking a warm bath, listening to calming music, having a cup of herbal tea, or putting on lotion.

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Question

Why is avoidance coping not helpful for those with anxiety?

Dr. Niall Geoghegan, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Niall Geoghegan is a Clinical Psychologist in Berkeley, CA. He specializes in Coherence Therapy and works with clients on anxiety, depression, anger management, and weight loss among other issues. He received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA.

Dr. Niall Geoghegan, PsyD

Clinical Psychologist

Expert Answer

The problem with avoidance coping is that we think to ourselves, "Oh, I went to that place, and I got anxious. So I'm not going to go there again." This causes your world to get smaller and smaller, as people find that there's always something more that needs to be avoided. So what we want to do with any kind of anxiety is to not fall into that trap, and instead, learn that you can go into that situation even if it makes you anxious. Realize that you have the tools to help yourself get through the wave of anxiety and let it pass.

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Question

How do you cope with anxiety and depression?

Rebecca Ward, LMFT, SEP, PCC, MA
Licensed Therapist
Rebecca A. Ward, LMFT, SEP, PCC is the Founder of the Iris Institute, a San Francisco, California-based business focusing on using somatic expertise to teach individuals and groups the skills to deal with dilemmas using interventions, including her own Original Blueprint® method. Ms. Ward specializes in treating stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), a Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP), and a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF). Rebecca holds an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University and an MA in Organizational Leadership from The George Washington University.

Rebecca Ward, LMFT, SEP, PCC, MA

Licensed Therapist

Expert Answer

If you have anxiety, you can lower your anxiety levels by trying things that help your body slow down like restorative yoga, mindfulness practices, or relaxing activities like taking a warm bath, putting on lotion, having a cup of herbal tea, or listening to calming music. If you have depression, try creating a daily routine with high-impact exercises like dancing, jogging, hiking, and biking.

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