The recovery from anxiety journey is very similar from person to person, regardless of the form their anxiety takes, how long they have had it, or how intense it is. The recovery struggles that people experience are Continue reading “Recovery Struggles”
Second Fear
“First fear” is the natural response to danger. “Second fear” is our reaction to the anxiety itself. Second fear is the Continue reading “Second Fear”
Trusting to Believing to Knowing
The journey to recovery from anxiety can be described in so many ways. One that is important to grasp is Continue reading “Trusting to Believing to Knowing”
Anxiety is not Keeping Us Safe
It is common to feel that our vigilance and anticipatory anxiety is what keeps us safe. But safe from what? The “danger” that we feel is actually Continue reading “Anxiety is not Keeping Us Safe”
Holiday Stresses
We have a tendency to underestimate holiday stresses. These are supposed to be happy, relaxing times spent with families, but instead can cause great anxiety and suffering. The upcoming holidays are Continue reading “Holiday Stresses”
Shame
Shame is rarely mentioned in the context of anxiety and depression, but it is a very important element of those conditions. It is perhaps the underlying emotion that contributes most to making the anxiety condition so painful. Healing our shame is Continue reading “Shame”
Let Time Pass
Dr. Claire Weekes the founder of the acceptance approach to anxiety recovery was very clear about the need to let time pass. She explained anxiety itself, and how we need to change our thinking and be willing to accept our symptoms. But she also made it clear up front that Continue reading “Let Time Pass”
Being Kind to Yourself
“Being kind to yourself” is an alien concept for most of us that suffer from anxiety, but something we must make part of our lives if we are to recover. Until we learn to be honest with ourselves about ourselves, and affirm our self-worth, we will Continue reading “Being Kind to Yourself”
Exaggerated Anxious Reaction
A universal characteristic of the anxiety state is the exaggerated reaction we have to anxious thoughts, emotions, symptoms, and even to people, places or memories. We don’t understand why this happens to us. This exaggerated reaction and the accompanying bewilderment we feel are Continue reading “Exaggerated Anxious Reaction”
Focus on Feelings
The primary technique for recovery from anxiety is to ignore the intrusive thoughts and focus on our feelings. By focusing on feelings, we bring ourselves back to what is real.
On my journey to recovery, whenever I was confronted by anxious thoughts, I knew Continue reading “Focus on Feelings”