October 2025 "Oh, the Horror! Tips on How to Manage Anxiety" By Annie Bautista

Anxiety is a yucky feeling that could really disrupt our thoughts, our behavior, and our daily lives overall. Like a ghost, it looms over us, keeping us on edge, sometimes even possessing us, and making us feel powerless to its control. However, there are tools we can use to work through this ghoulish feeling and take back control of our mental health!

Tip 1: Make contact and document the experience

     When you feel anxious, what happens to your body? When do you first start to notice when you are feeling anxious? Does your chest begin to feel tight? Do you find yourself losing focus? It is important to reflect on questions like these that allow you to recognize the signs of anxiety within yourself. Think about what possible triggers may be causing you to feel anxious. As you note these instances where you feel anxious, you may start to notice patterns in your behavior and feelings. 

Tip 2: Connect with others about your experience

     It is an extremely common human experience to feel anxious, so confiding in others can help ease the stress of holding onto such an uncomfortable emotion alone. Talking about anxious thoughts with others can also help you gather different perspectives on what it is that may be troubling you. Others can help you discover solutions or help ease your mind.

Tip 3: Gather tools to protect yourself

     There are several tools you can try to help regulate yourself when you feel anxiety creep over you. Some ways to reset and shock your body into a calm state could be splashing cold water on your face or popping something sour in your mouth, like lemon or sour candy (it might not be as convenient to carry a cut lemon with you while going into an interview or presentation). Practicing grounding and meditation techniques can come in handy as well. Take at least 5 minutes out of your day to sit and do nothing; set positive intentions for the day like “I will try and that is enough.”

Tip 4: Get in touch with the professionals! Who you gonna call?

     When it comes to fighting negative entities, you should never do it alone! So, who are you going to call? As already noted, having an inner circle of support you can trust to share your anxious thoughts with can be very comforting; however, these thoughts could become persistent, so it is important to have outside professionals and resources available. As enrolled students, you are able to access free mental health services here on campus. Services can be accessed in the Health and Wellness office located in the Student Services Building. Another resource available is the Fresno Family Counseling Center. They provide individual counseling services to work on mental health issues and other types of services like anger management, couples counseling, child counseling, group family counseling, career counseling, and more. They do not take insurance, but they do offer payments based on a sliding scale that could be as low as a co-pay. They offer in-person and telehealth services from Monday through Sunday, 7 am-9 pm. If you are interested, you can give them a call at 559-229-3085.

Other Resources:

Suicide Hotline 

1-800-273-8255  

Central Valley Suicide Prevention Hotline 

1-888-506-5991

Crisis Text Line (Text "Home" to 741741)