CONCERNING ANXIETY

ANXIETY is ubiquitous. It touches all areas of an individual’s life.  Most of us experience it to a mild or tolerable degree. This is easy to recognize at work or, say, in dating. We want to be accepted, but fear we may not be. Anxiety is a normal human experience. When this experience becomes too intense, it may threaten our functioning and quality of life.

Sometimes, it is difficult to recognize. It is not yet in our “consciousness”.  It may take the form of repetitive behaviors (nail biting), hair pulling or obsessive thoughts.  Difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts, distractability, sleeplessness or loss of appetite – all may be signs of anxiety.

Disturbing or strange dreams, memory problems, irrational fears (phobias), intrusive thoughts, somatic problems, sleep disturbance, obsession and compulsive behaviors – indicate that an individual is struggling with anxiety.

We’ve lived with anxiety for many years. We may use alcohol or drugs to manage our social-anxiety.  But it can turn into a dependency.  At times, ordinary life challenges may seem insurmountable. We give up before we have even made an effort to find workable solutions.

For long stretches of time, we lose ourselves in self-defeating activities. We form relationships that run counter to our desires.  Often these negative patterns are set in childhood.

Often, it takes another person to invite our self-reflection. Emotional problems get worse in isolation.

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