To relieve anxiety or depression, it's important to realize that it is a slow process of taking small steps towards making progress in getting out of the hole that you are in before it closes in around you. We can't say "cheer up" and expect it to be instantly better. Some suggestions I've seen here when the "what-ifs" attack are:
- Keep busy
- Give them a time limit, then substitute with a positive thought
- Deep breathing
- Meditation
-Mantra (repeat a positive phrase i.e. "I'm getting better and people like me")
- Help someone else
-Volunteer someplace
-Laugh therapy (check hospitals for groups)
- Write down thoughts which releases them from the brain for a time
-Get a pet to care for or borrow neighbor's dog and walk it
-Put one foot in front of the other (literally) or, if you are lying down -
-Put one foot on the floor and congratulate yourself for the progress.
- Do exercises that increase blood flow to the brain
-Go shopping
-Get out of the house, go out with friends.
-Check w/doctor re anxiety meds or therapy
-Ask positive people for suggestions and hope
-Fake it 'til you make it (i.e. "The Little Engine that Could")