From the author: published on Many people turn to a psychologist with the question: how to get rid of anxiety, depression and irritability forever? It would be wrong if a psychologist said that such deliverance is possible, since anxiety is one of the basic feelings characteristic of humans. This is a negatively colored emotion that arises in a situation of uncertainty as a reaction to the expectation of something negative. Anxiety differs from fear - as a rule, the reasons for the occurrence of fear are clear to a person, and the reasons for the occurrence of anxiety are most often unconscious. And if the reasons are not clear, then it can be very difficult to get rid of anxiety. Like other basic feelings (fear, pleasure, displeasure, anger), anxiety has its positive functions - it protects a person from potentially harmful behavior, helps him to be critical and selective to the surrounding reality, and also contributes to his socialization. It can intensify in an important situation for a person, as well as when there is a lack of time and information. In some cases, anxiety ceases to perform positive functions and begins to cause harm to the individual. Typically, neurotic anxiety does not correspond to the importance of the situation and is not associated with a real threat. The reasons for the transition of normal anxiety into neurotic anxiety can be both internal (physiological or psychological) and external. Then the question arises: how to get rid of anxiety and fear? To answer this question, you need to correctly understand the causes of anxiety. The famous psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud defines it as an unpleasant experience that signals a perceived danger. It is experienced as a feeling of uncertainty and helplessness, accompanied by corresponding bodily reactions, for example, rapid heartbeat. Freud considered the main answer to the question of how to get rid of anxiety, depression and irritability to fight or run away from it, as well as various methods of psychological defense. These include denial (“this doesn’t happen to me”), rationalization (“this is necessary for a number of reasonable reasons”), projection (“since I think and feel this way, then so do others”), regression (childish behavior) and others . Well and evenly developed defense functions protect a person from excessive anxiety, but if there is an inflection in any direction, it becomes a psychological problem.[/url]Coping mechanisms as natural regulators of anxiety But there are higher-order personal formations that help a person deal with anxiety . In psychology, they are called coping mechanisms (from the English “sore” - to protect). Coping or coping is a set of conscious actions (thoughts, feelings, behavior) that allow a person to cope with internal tension and discomfort using methods that correspond to the characteristics of the individual and situation. Unlike psychological defenses, coping is a conscious and more effective method of combating anxiety - they adapt to the disturbing situation, do not distort the perception of reality, and their effect is prolonged. How to get rid of fear and anxiety with the help of coping? To do this, it is necessary to be fully aware of the difficulties that have arisen, to know various ways of coping with a situation of this type and to be able to apply them in a timely manner in practice. What types of coping mechanisms exist? Coping aimed at solving a problem This can be focusing on resolving a difficult situation, systematically thinking about it taking into account other points of view. Solving a problem also helps with hard work and a conscientious attitude, a positive outlook on the situation and maintaining good spirits. Active rest will be useful - a change of activity or playing sports. Coping aimed at obtaining social support Psychologists include this type as the desire to share one’s problem with others and gain approval. This is communication with old friends or making new ones. U!