Patients usually report stress management strategies
along three lines. First, they may identify behavioral approaches, ranging from
fleeing the situation (for example, a crowded shopping mall) to problem solving
(for example, "I wait for an elevator that is not full"). Second,
they may use a variety of cognitive approaches. A patient frightened of flying
may tell himself or say out loud, “This plane has been flying safely for years.
My mother flies out to see me twice a year. This year I can make it once to see
her." Another may try strategies that help him " not think about it."
On an airplane, this may involve watching the movie. Third, patients may use
physiological approaches. Patients afraid of driving downtown may practice
muscle relaxation or breathing exercises as they begin driving. More often than
not, patients combine some of these strategies to be more effective.