Signs of Anxiety
What might you do with your fingers, like tapping, when you’re nervous?
What’s something loud, like a siren, that might make you feel nervous?
noise
What can you do with your lungs to calm down, like blowing up a balloon?
DEEP BREATHING
What part of your body might feel sweaty when you’re anxious?
HANDS; FOREHEAD
What warm drink can help you relax, like tea?
A HOT DRINK
What can you say a lot, like “Oh no,” when you’re worried?
Repeat words
If you’re going to a new doctor, what might make you feel anxious?
not knowing what will happen; fear of the unknown
What’s something soft, like a blanket or a pet, that can help you feel safe?
SOMETHING TO TOUCH OR HOLD (SELF-SOOTHE)
If anxiety keeps you up at night, what might you have trouble doing?
SLEEPING; REACHING REM SLEEP (DEEPEST STAGE OF SLEEP)
What can you do outside, like walking, to feel less anxious?
WALK; EXERCISE
What might you do with your feet, like pacing, if you’re anxious?
pacing, bounce leg, kick air
What’s a big event, like moving to a new place, that could make you feel worried?
CHANGE!!
What can you listen to, like birds or a song, to feel less worried?
What can happen to your stomach when you’re really nervous, like feeling fluttery?
UPSET STOMACH
What small thing can you hold, like a stone, to feel calmer?
AN ITEM THAT BRINGS YOU COMFORT
What’s it called when you forget things because you’re too nervous?
trouble focusing or difficulty concentrating
If you forget where you parked your car, what might that make you feel?
ANXIETY, STRESS, NERVOUSNESS
What’s a person you can talk to when you’re feeling anxious?
SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST: FRIEND, DOCTOR, THERAPIST
What might your legs feel like if anxiety makes you want to run away?
RESTLESS; JITTERY
What might someone notice about you, like talking fast, when you’re anxious?
Changes in behavior or speech
What’s something from a long time ago, like a bad memory, that can still make you feel nervous today?
PAST EXPERIENCES OR TRAUMA
What’s something you can picture in your mind, like a beach, to feel more relaxed?
a HAPPY, SERENE, CALM PLACE
What part of your head might hurt if you’re worried for a long time?
STRESS HEADACHE: TIGHT IN TEMPLES, FOREHEAD, AND BACK OF HEAD LIKE A BAND WRAPPED AROUND YOUR HEAD
What’s a quiet activity, like putting pieces together, that can help you focus?
A PUZZLE; HOBBY; CRAFT