Breaking the Cycle of Anxiety: Understanding & Overcoming
When Anxiety is Helpful
In small doses, anxiety is considered “normal” and even helpful for motivation and protection. For example, anxiety triggers our “fight or flight” response to perceived threats. Our survival instinct becomes activated, and our anxiety enhances our mental alertness and physical reactions. Also, when we are facing unknown stressors, such as an upcoming exam or a deadline at work, an appropriate amount of “worry” can motivate us to complete a task by increasing our ability to focus and concentrate. This increased alertness associated with moderate anxiety is also linked with increased awareness of social cues and better decision-making due to the ability to assess potential risks. When the stressor is completed, ideally, our anxiety resolves.
When Anxiety Becomes Unhealthy
Anxiety becomes unhealthy when our symptoms do not go away after the stressor has been removed or when we find ourselves worrying excessively about future events or activities. When anxiety occurs too frequently or becomes severe, it can be debilitating.
Symptoms of Anxiety
Symptoms of anxiety affect people emotionally, physically, and behaviorally. While symptoms of anxiety vary among individuals, the common denominator is excessive worrying. Other indicators include difficulty concentrating, fear of making the wrong decision, racing thoughts, excessive nervousness, racing heart, nausea, muscle tension, sleep problems, and avoidance.
The Cycle of Anxiety
People who live with anxiety frequently find themselves trapped in the Cycle of Anxiety. This cycle is marked by a tendency to avoid discomfort or situations perceived as threatening, like skipping work functions or resorting to alcohol to suppress emotions when facing an uncomfortable situation. However, these avoidance behaviors only offer temporary relief and, in reality, contribute to the exacerbation of the individual’s anxiety symptoms. Essentially, seeking short-term relief through avoidance inadvertently teaches the brain that evading situations provides relief from symptoms. Over the long term, people often become more unwilling to confront their fears, leading to an escalation of anxiety that may generalize to other situations.
Pathway Life Counseling/ Mt Pleasant
If you find yourself worrying more often than not, or your anxiety is significantly impacting your life, consider seeking a licensed therapist. Lauren Emmolo is the managing owner of Pathway Life Counseling. She is a trauma-informed therapist and a Certified Anxiety-Informed Professional (CAIP), providing both secular and Christian counseling.
DISCLAIMER: The content presented in this article serves solely for educational purposes and is not intended to replace professional guidance. The information provided is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or care.
