News and Public Media for North Central Florida

How Coloring Can Help Soothe Anxiety Disorder

Amanda Clark / WUFT

Heatherlyn Sturges, a UF senior, displays one of her various coloring projects. Sturges opts to spend her time coloring rather than engaging in another activity like watching television. (Amanda Clark / WUFT News)

Ligia Ortega, a work-from-home mom to two children under six years old, and Heatherlyn Sturges, a business administration student at UF, both said they utilize coloring as a way to unwind from their daily stresses.

Eighteen percent of adults battle some sort of anxiety disorder, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. For many, coloring is an unexpected coping method to help combat these disorders.

Dr. Linda Lewis, a psychotherapist at the University of Florida Counseling & Wellness Center, said coloring is a calming, safer alternative to other coping mechanisms like drugs and alcohol.

 

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Amanda is a reporter for WUFT News and can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.
Silvia is a reporter for WUFT News who may be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news @wuft.org