What Are the Different Types of Self-Help Techniques?

Self-help techniques can be found in the form of support groups, meditation, relaxation techniques, self-hypnosis or even hobbies. Effective techniques may be able to assist a person in dealing with or managing anxiety and stress. Individuals are unique, and so different self-help methods will provide different results, working well for some and perhaps not as well for others. These techniques are used to help people overcome substance abuse and other destructive behaviors, raise self-esteem, and find relief from destructive emotions like anxiety, panic, or depression.

Support groups, or mutual aid groups, come in just about any type, including those dealing with parenting, various types of abuse, relationships, cancer, and aging parents. Most churches offer various different types of support groups, some are religious and some are non-religious. Some religious proponents of meditation also refer to these self-help techniques as prayer. Treatment centers and online resources will be the most likely places to find information for local self-help support groups.

Meditation can be used by one person, several people in a small group, or in a larger group. Those who practice meditation say that it helps them to remain focused and relaxed, to take a calmer approach to problems, improves memory, and bring a sense of inner peace and motivation. Anyone can practice meditation, as it does not require previous experience or physical ability. There are several different styles of meditation, including visualization, chanting, and listening to soothing music that may be practiced in any combination.

Relaxation techniques can be used to help a person effectively handle stress, work overload, and the anxiety associated with a fast-paced modern lifestyle. They include simply closing the eyes and imagining a peaceful location or traveling to a remote, isolated place. For those who can achieve relaxation, the results can include an improved outlook, renewed focus, and relief from anxiety.

Self hypnosis involves visualizing positive things in the mind's eye, slow, deep breathing, and release of the negative energy with every exhaled breath. It involves creative visualization of what life would be like if people, including oneself, are forgiven. Creative visualization allows a person to find a place of safety and peace in the mind to which he can escape. Self-hypnosis can be practiced just about anywhere, and all it takes is the ability to concentrate on a few sounds and to mentally descend into a more relaxed state, becoming more susceptible to positive suggestion.

Effective anger management can help people to manage events or situations that precipitate anger or rage. Some of these self-help techniques to manage anger can be easily learned and used to help people cope with these anger-causing events and to deflect the anger.

Hobbies provide an excellent means to peace and tranquility. Losing oneself in the details and intricacies of assembling a model, gardening, creating a painting, or collecting stamps are all self-help techniques that can help one relax and handle the day-to-day stress of a job, dysfunctional family, or other stressful situation. Self-esteem, accomplishment, and self-satisfaction are some of the benefits that a hobby can provide.