Self-care for anxiety in primary care

Abstract

Anxiety is a very common problem in primary care consultations. In addition to standard treatments (psychotropic medications and psychotherapy), many self-care techniques can improve patients' anxiety. A few explanations (psychoeducation) about the role of the autonomic nervous system in stress and anxiety can be helpful to motivate patients to experiment techniques that allow their body to relax and unwind, and to thus take care of themselves. Family doctors who have practiced some of these techniques for themselves can easily teach them to their patients, but they can also recommend face-to-face or Internet courses on the subject.