Announcing our new course on managing anxiety
We’re excited to share the launch of our new course on Managing Anxiety! Are you familiar with the feeling of your heart racing through the course of a normal day? Have you shied away from interacting on our Community Platform because it’s nerve wracking? Do your thoughts sometimes keep you up at night? You're not alone, and we understand.
Anxiety is a prevalent mental health issue, especially in the LGBTQ community, but it is also one of the most treatable conditions. Each of us experiences anxiety differently, shaped by the unique factors that define us. But rest assured, you don't have to live with constant anxiety. This course offers evidence-based methods and strategies designed to provide relief and help you build skills.
Taking the first step to learn more about anxiety, and to get to know yours a little better, is a big move towards regaining control. Change takes time and dedication, and here at FOLX, we’re here to support you through every phase of your mental health journey. With courses, medication or other treatment plans, therapy, and more, FOLX can help.
What This Course Offers
The course, available exclusively on the FOLX Community Platform, is structured to guide you through the basics of anxiety and some strategies you can take to better manage it. You’ll learn a lot, complete interactive exercises, and build new skills with resources and practice. Here's what you can expect:
Part 1—Understanding Anxiety
This foundational part of the course dives into what anxiety is, why it occurs, and how it affects us physically and emotionally. It includes lessons on:
- The Science of Anxiety: Understand the biological mechanisms that trigger anxiety and how they can sometimes be our own worst enemy.
- Anxiety Manifestations: Learn to recognize the symptoms of anxiety, both mental and physical, to better manage them.
- Anxiety in the LGBTQIA+ Community: A lesson on why anxiety disproportionately impacts our community and the additional challenges we face.
Part 2—Anxiety in Everyday Life
Explore how anxiety permeates different areas of our lives and discover strategies to mitigate its effects in:
- Social Settings and Relationships: Techniques to manage social anxiety, which can hinder personal relationships and lead to isolation.
- Home, Work and School Life: Insights on creating a supportive home environment and coping with anxiety in professional settings to maintain productivity and well-being.
Part 3—Practical Strategies for Managing Anxiety
This section is packed with tools and exercises designed to help you develop a personalized anxiety management plan. It covers:
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practical applications of mindfulness to ease anxiety symptoms.
- Cognitive Behavioral Techniques: Strategies to identify and alter negative thought patterns that fuel anxiety.
Sample Content from the Course
Lesson Example: The Anxiety Response
Imagine your brain has an overly sensitive alarm system that goes off at the slightest hint of danger—whether real or perceived. This lesson explores how and why our bodies react to these "false alarms" and offers strategies to calm this response, enhancing our understanding and control over anxiety.
Exercise Example: Catch, Check, Change
Through interactive exercises, you'll learn to 'Catch' problematic thoughts, 'Check' their validity, and 'Change' them into more constructive responses. This cognitive behavioral approach helps in reducing the intensity of anxious reactions over time.
What is the FOLX Community Platform?
The FOLX Community Platform is more than just a place to take courses. It's an interactive space designed specifically for our community, providing a safe and supportive environment for learning and personal growth. You can access a range of resources, including recorded meditations and other videos, participate in discussions, and connect with peers who share similar experiences.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you're looking to understand and manage your anxiety better, we invite you to explore this course and all the other resources on the FOLX Community Platform.