Anxiety can show up in many forms. You may have intense physical pain of a panic attack, you may find that your mind goes blank and you can’t think, or perhaps you’re lying awake half the night somehow vibrating with nerves while also totally exhausted.
Often the first instinct is to avoid whatever (you think) is causing the anxiety. While that can bring some short-term relief (I don’t have to do the thing! Hooray!), it unfortunately results in long-term increase in anxiety. This is because you are training your brain and nervous system to believe that the thing is really dangerous and avoidance is the only way to survive it. That is probably true if you’re anxious about a tiger attacking you, but not if the thing is public speaking, or going on that first date with the person you’ve been messaging, or finishing that project, etc.
In therapy, I can help you understand more about your anxiety and find ways to slowly face them. You’ll gain the ability to make conscious choices about when to act and when to hang back and wait until you feel ready — and figure out what you need to do to get ready.
Email AMD@annmarietherapy.com to schedule a free 15-minute phone or video consultation to find out more.
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