When you first notice signs of increased agitation or anxiety, you should:

• A. Wait until the symptoms become overwhelming before taking action.
• B. Ignore the feelings and continue with your current activity.
• C. Pause and use a coping strategy such as deep breathing or mindfulness.
• D. Blame others for your feelings of stress.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recognize that increased agitation or anxiety are early warning signs indicating that your emotional state is becoming more intense.
2. Understand that waiting until symptoms become overwhelming or ignoring feelings can lead to greater distress and reduced ability to manage the situation effectively.
3. Learn that proactive coping strategies, such as pausing and engaging in deep breathing or mindfulness, help regulate your physiological and emotional responses.
4. Apply a coping strategy immediately upon noticing these signs to prevent escalation and maintain better control over your emotional state.
5. Avoid unhelpful responses like blaming others, as this does not address the internal experience and can increase stress.