(Question via quora answered) It all comes down to how well you manage your energy. Lower levels of energy equal higher levels of vulnerability and little things that do not usually bother, tend to become more emphasized, including social anxiety. Vulnerability is also affected by sleep, hydration, physical activity, and a whole host of other variables. Trying to account for all of these aspects at once can also cause higher levels of vulnerability. Consider some of the following videos I have created for my patients to help guide you and if it is overwhelming, consider finding a trained clinician to help you find more specific tools and skills that fit your specific needs. Managing Anxiety - YouTube More Here - Health Education | WellnessTalks.Org

In working to develop support for a difficult diagnosis,  I have played around with a large range of products available on the market.  One of the most useful tools I have come across would most certainly enhance the information in my book, Team Positive, How to Build Support for Someone Coping with Chronic Illness, would be getting a copy of the ACT Deck here. This deck is by far one of my most favorite tools for use both in session and as a support tool for my patients outside of session. It takes the basics from the Acceptance and Commitment therapy approach and lays them out in easy to use exercises that can be used anywhere. I also use these cards myself each day, sometimes in the morning to prepare for the day, or sometimes at night to reflect on the day. They move through the three main areas of ACT’s focus, engagement, openness, and awareness, offering suggestions and exercises to consider to help develop psychological flexibility. I have found that both with my own personal use and the use of these cards by my patients, that there is greater psychological flexibility, which means that most times, the effects of a stressful thought or memory is reduced considerably. Definitely worth the investment.

One of the first tools I introduce in working with those dealing with a chronic, life-altering challenge (as well as just about any anxiety-induced problem) is this simple mindfulness ritual. The goal is to begin to strengthen the ability to remain in the present moment. This includes being able to notice when the mind shifts from the task at hand (focusing on an object) to something else. The exercise is deceptively simple. Focus on what you eat or drink for breakfast. One of the most straightforward ways to do this is with a cup of hot coffee or tea. Simply hold the beverage gently in your hands and work to keep your focus on it. Notice the feel of the container in your hands, the heat from the drink, the smoothness or roughness of the cup, the curvature of the glass. Pay attention to your left hand, then bring your awareness to the right. Move through each of the fingers noting any sensation you feel. Notice the steam rolling off the top of the cup and the coffee grinds or tea leaves swirling around on the surface of the cup. Bring your attention to the smell of the beverage and then take a sip, focusing your attention on the taste and where in your mouth and on your tongue that the flavor registers. Your mind will wander. This is to be expected so don’t get hung up on the fact that this has occurred. When your mind wanders, simply notice the thought and then bring your attention back to the subject at hand. Do this for at least five minutes. In doing this exercise, you are developing a new skill that will be essential in helping you distance yourself from overwhelming thoughts and emotions, freeing yourself to be able to choose an action that matters.