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What is Anxiety?Symptoms Finding ReliefWhen to Tell UsCaregiver SupportMore Care Tips

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What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling or deep sense that things are not right. You may feel uneasy, jittery and even uncomfortable.

Anxiety is common and natural, but it can be very different from one person to another. Your doctor or Agrace care team may not be able to make these feelings go away, but we can help you manage them better, with or without using medicine.

 

What are some symptoms of anxiety?

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  • Fear or worrying
  • Not being able to relax or get comfortable
  • Sleeplessness
  • Disturbing dreams or nightmares
  • Confusion, not able to concentrate
  • Problems paying attention
  • Rapid breathing or heartbeat
  • Feeling tense, shaking
  • Sweating
 

What can you do to get relief from anxiety?

Click the arrows to scroll left or right and see ideas for what you can do.

Try what's worked before

Have you felt anxious before? Try doing things that have helped relieve your anxiety in the past.

Write it down

Write down your thoughts and feelings. Seeing it in writing may help you face and tell others what's bothering you.

Treat physical problems

Ask your doctor or hospice team for help with physical issues that can cause anxiety, such as pain.

Do relaxing activities

Try deep breathing or yoga, or play soothing music.

Keep things calm

Try to calm your mind by taking deep, slow breaths.

Limit visitors

Unless visitors cheer you, limit them so you are not stressed.

Massage

Massage—or have someone massage—your arms, back, hands or feet.

Avoid stimulating drinks

Avoid alcoholic drinks and caffeine (coffee, tea, soft drinks, energy drinks).

Exercise

Go for a walk/ride, if you are able, or get fresh air by opening a window.

Communicate

Talk with your family, trusted friends and members of your care team.

Slow down

Take life one minute at a time. Try not to dwell on the past or future.

Use medications

Use ordered anxiety-reducing medications, as prescribed.

 

When should you report anxiety to your doctor or hospice team?

Contact your doctor or hospice care team about:

  • Feelings that may be causing your anxiety (for example, fear of dying, or worrying about family or money)
  • Concerns about your illness
  • Problems with your relationships with family or friends
  • Spiritual concerns
  • Signs that anxiety is changing or getting worse

Your doctor of hospice nurse will try to find the cause of your anxiety and talk with you about options that may help.

 

Hospice Caregiver Support

If you need help urgently for an Agrace Hospice Care patient, please call. Otherwise, email us directly at caregiversupport@agrace.org, or send your questions through our online contact form.

Call (800) 553-4289

Call to talk to an interpreter / Tenemos intérpretes disponibles: (800) 930-2770

 

More Care Tips for Families

For more expert advice from Agrace, visit Agrace.org/CareTips.