Which of the following is a common coping strategy for patients with anxiety?

Deep breathing exercises are widely recognized as a common coping strategy for patients experiencing anxiety. This technique promotes relaxation by encouraging slow, controlled breathing, which can help reduce feelings of panic or discomfort that often accompany anxiety. When a person engages in deep breathing, the body receives an increased supply of oxygen, which helps to lower heart rate, decrease muscle tension, and facilitate a sense of calm and control.

In therapeutic settings, practitioners often teach deep breathing as a fundamental tool for managing anxiety symptoms. It empowers individuals by providing them with a practical skill that they can utilize in moments of heightened stress, thereby fostering a proactive approach to managing their mental health.

In contrast, other options like avoidance of social situations, overthinking, and substance abuse are typically maladaptive coping mechanisms. These strategies can lead to further complications such as increased isolation, exacerbation of anxiety symptoms, and potential dependency issues, highlighting the importance of identifying constructive coping strategies like deep breathing.