Introduction

Anxiety is having too much fear and worry. Some people have what's called generalized anxiety disorder. They feel worried and stressed about many things. Often they worry about even small things. Some people also may have panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden feeling of extreme anxiety.

People who have social anxiety disorder worry that they will do or say the wrong thing and embarrass themselves around others.

Anxiety can cause physical symptoms like a fast heartbeat and sweaty hands. It can make you limit your activities and can make it hard to enjoy your life.

Positive thinking can help you prevent or control anxiety.

Key points

• Negative thoughts can increase your worry or fear.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a type of therapy that can help you replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
• Changing your thinking will take some time. You need to practice healthy thinking every day. After a while, positive thinking will come naturally to you.
• Positive thinking may not be enough to help some people who have worry and anxiety. Call your doctor or therapist if you think you need more help.

 What is positive thinking?

 Why is positive thinking important to help you cope with anxiety?

 How can you use positive thinking to cope with anxiety?

 Where to go from here

If you would like more information, see the topic:

Positive Thinking: Stopping Unwanted Thoughts.

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Related Information

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder

References

Citations

1. Deacon BJ, Abramowitz JS (2004). Cognitive and behavioral treatments for anxiety disorders: A review of meta-analytic findings. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 60(4): 429–441.

Other Works Consulted

• Burns DD (1999). Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy. New York: Avon.

• Ellis A (2001). Overcoming Destructive Beliefs, Feelings, and Behaviors. Amherst, NY: Prometheus.

• McKay M, et al. (2007). Thoughts and Feelings: Taking Control of Your Moods and Your Life. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.