Which of the following would be the most effective way to help Mrs. Willis cope with her anxiety about her test results?

• A. Advise Mrs. Willis to avoid thinking about her test results entirely.
• B. Suggest that Mrs. Willis ignore her feelings and focus only on her daily tasks.
• C. Tell Mrs. Willis that worrying is unnecessary and she should simply stop feeling anxious.
• D. Encourage Mrs. Willis to practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that anxiety is a natural emotional response to uncertainty or stress, such as awaiting test results.
2. Recognize that avoidance or ignoring feelings often does not reduce anxiety effectively and can sometimes increase stress over time.
3. Identify that telling someone to simply stop feeling anxious is not practical because emotions are not easily controlled by willpower alone.
4. Learn that relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and mindfulness, help by activating the body's relaxation response, reducing physiological symptoms of anxiety.
5. Conclude that encouraging Mrs. Willis to practice these techniques empowers her to manage her anxiety in a healthy and effective way.