What is the best initial diversion technique when a patient shows signs of increased anxiety?

Encouraging deep breathing is considered one of the best initial diversion techniques for a patient exhibiting signs of increased anxiety because it helps to activate the body’s relaxation response. Deep breathing techniques can slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and promote a sense of calm. By focusing on the breath, a patient can redirect their attention away from the source of anxiety and toward a simpler, physiological control, fostering a more manageable state of mind.

This method is often simple to employ and can be done anywhere, making it practical for immediate use in a clinical or therapeutic setting. Unlike medication, which may not be immediately available or appropriate in every situation, deep breathing can be initiated right away and can have an immediate calming effect. It serves to empower the patient by giving them a tool they can use independently to help alleviate feelings of stress or panic.