Anxiety is a concern about an event, person, uncertainty, or feeling of not being able to handle things. Often the reason for the uneasiness may not be known. Anxiety is a common experience.
Anxiety may include:
- Fear
- Worry
- Fixation on a Situation or Thing
- Spiritual Questions/
- Concerns
- Sleeplessness
- Nightmares
- Confusion
- Rapid Breathing or Heartbeat
- Tension
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Nerves
- Jitters
How to help relieve anxiety:
- Write down thoughts and feelings. This can be shared with someone, or can be kept private. Just writing what comes to mind often helps.
- Talk with someone you trust.
- Engage in relaxing activities such as deep breathing or yoga, or listen to soothing music.
- Limit the number of visitors, or how long visitors stay, until the patient feels better and more relaxed.
- Gently rub arms, back, hands or feet. Wash your hands and apply lotion between your palms before gently massaging the patient.
- Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages.
- Exercise regularly. If possible, a few minutes of walking, or stretching and moving in bed or a chair can help to ease anxiety.
- Use medications as prescribed. Your Care Team will give you guidance on safe use of medications.
- Your Care Team will be able to offer many other suggestions, like massage, relaxation exercises, or music therapy, to help reduce anxiety.
Call Your Care Team if:
- There are problems with relationships with family or friends.
- There are spiritual concerns.
- The symptoms of anxiety are getting worse.
