A nurse is caring for a client with generalized anxiety disorder. Which of the following statements by the client indicates effective coping?

Choice A reason: Avoidance is a maladaptive coping strategy in generalized anxiety disorder, as it reinforces fear and hyperarousal. Anxiety involves excessive amygdala activity, and avoidance prevents desensitization, worsening symptoms by limiting exposure to anxiety-provoking stimuli, making this ineffective. Choice B reason: Deep breathing reduces anxiety by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, counteracting amygdala-driven hyperarousal. This evidence-based technique lowers heart rate and cortisol levels, promoting self-regulation in generalized anxiety disorder, making it an effective coping strategy for managing acute anxiety episodes. Choice C reason: Taking extra medication without guidance is dangerous, risking overdose or dependence. Anxiety disorders require structured treatment with SSRIs or therapy, not self-adjusted doses, as this bypasses the neurochemical balance needed for long-term symptom management, making it ineffective. Choice D reason: Excessive TV watching is avoidance, not coping, as it distracts without addressing anxiety’s root causes. Generalized anxiety disorder involves chronic worry, and passive distraction fails to engage cognitive or physiological regulation, reinforcing maladaptive patterns rather than promoting effective coping.