Anxiety is a normal response to fear, nervousness, or stress. It can strike at any age, and anxiety can be severe when it comes to aging family members. When your brain can no longer produce enough serotonin, the chemical that helps regulate moods and emotions, a person may experience anxiety disorders such as panic attacks or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Aging family members may also experience depression due to chronic illness or other conditions leading them down this path.
You may not know how some actions can increase your risk for mental health issues like these. But there are things you can do to reduce anxiety while living in senior living in Corrales, NM:
Know When it’s Anxiety
It’s essential to know the difference between anxiety and other feelings. For example, you may feel sadness or grief when a loved one dies. You might feel fear when you see a snake or spider. You may feel stress when there’s too much work on your plate, or when your boss asks you to do something that makes you uncomfortable. Anxiety differs from these emotions because it doesn’t go away with time, it persists and worsens over time unless something changes its course.
In addition to knowing what anxiety feels like within yourself, it’s also helpful for seniors living in senior living communities to understand how their family members experience anxiety.
Talk to Others
Talking with others is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety. It can be helpful to speak with a trusted friend or family member. If you don’t have anyone like that nearby, consider finding someone online who can listen and offer advice. You could also visit a therapist for help addressing your concerns about aging in place or moving into senior living. If you prefer talking face-to-face, talk with a doctor about any medications they may recommend for managing anxiety symptoms.
Listen to Music
Listening to music is an excellent way of reducing anxiety. If you feel overwhelmed by stress, listening to calming music can help you feel more relaxed and happier. If you enjoy classical music, feel free to play it in the background as you go about your day. If rock or pop is more your style, consider playing those genres instead! It’s not uncommon for aging family members living in senior communities to enjoy listening to their favorite tunes on vinyl records or other older technologies such as cassette tapes or CDs.
Do Something You Love
You don’t have to do anything extreme, just find something you love, and do it! This can be as simple as walking around the block or playing with your pet. If you’re feeling adventurous, try hiking or visiting an art museum. Do whatever feels right for you! The key is learning to relax and enjoy yourself again, so your brain doesn’t stress out.
Practice Breathing Techniques
Breathing techniques can help you calm down when you feel anxious. While these techniques may not seem like much, they’re effective in helping reduce anxiety. If you’re new to breathing techniques, start with slow deep breaths from the belly instead of shallow chest breaths. This will relax muscles and calm nerves so it’s easier to take control over what’s going on inside yourself, without having to rely on medication.
Conclusion
Hopefully, these tips will help you reduce your anxiety. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of anxiety, please reach out to someone in your life who can help support and encourage you through this difficult time. Remember, there’s nothing wrong with feeling anxious sometimes. It’s a normal response to stressful events or situations that we all go through at some point in our lives.
