Letting Go of Your Anxiety Secret
http://talentdevelop.com/articlelive/articles/924/1/Letting-Go-of-Your-Anxiety-Secret/Page1.html
Deanne Repich
Deanne Repich is the Founder of the National Institute of Anxiety and Stress, Inc. An anxiety educator, teacher, and former anxiety sufferer, she created the Conquer Your Anxiety Success Program, a simple, action-oriented "how-to" course that has helped thousands across the globe conquer their anxiety. By Deanne Repich
Published on 05/5/2009
Anxiety makes you feel like you are alone and not "good enough." These
feelings naturally lead to silence. Breaking the silence is a powerful
way to challenge the negative thoughts that perpetuate anxiety.
Anxiety makes you feel like you are alone and not "good enough."
These feelings naturally lead to silence.
Breaking the silence is a powerful way to challenge the negative thoughts that perpetuate anxiety.
By coming out of the closet with a trusted person, you are saying to yourself that you ARE good enough...you ARE normal...you ARE smart... you ARE capable, and much more.
I am not suggesting that you climb the top of a mountain and announce to the entire world that you experience anxiety.
It's up to you to decide when and with whom you would like to share.
When you decide to share the "secret," here are a few tips to keep in mind.
-- Choose a "safe," trusted person who loves you unconditionally. This person could be a parent, spouse, sibling, a close relative, or a good friend.
-- Choose a quiet, private time so that you have the time and space to speak and the other person has the time and attention to listen.
-- Expect that the person may not know how to respond or may not respond the way you'd like, even though they want to help you.
It might help if you ask for what you desire up front when you broach the topic, for example:
"I have something important to tell you about what I'm going through right now. I don't expect you to understand or to "fix" this problem. I just ask you to be here for me and keep that unconditional love coming my way as I work through the recovery process. Some 'I love you's' and hugs would be great!"
Some people find it easier to tell a more emotionally detached third party (psychologist, minister) rather than a loved one, and that's OK too.
Revealing the "secret" about your anxiety with a safe person can be an empowering step in the recovery process!
These feelings naturally lead to silence.
Breaking the silence is a powerful way to challenge the negative thoughts that perpetuate anxiety.
By coming out of the closet with a trusted person, you are saying to yourself that you ARE good enough...you ARE normal...you ARE smart... you ARE capable, and much more.
I am not suggesting that you climb the top of a mountain and announce to the entire world that you experience anxiety. It's up to you to decide when and with whom you would like to share.
When you decide to share the "secret," here are a few tips to keep in mind.
-- Choose a "safe," trusted person who loves you unconditionally. This person could be a parent, spouse, sibling, a close relative, or a good friend.
-- Choose a quiet, private time so that you have the time and space to speak and the other person has the time and attention to listen.
-- Expect that the person may not know how to respond or may not respond the way you'd like, even though they want to help you.
It might help if you ask for what you desire up front when you broach the topic, for example:
"I have something important to tell you about what I'm going through right now. I don't expect you to understand or to "fix" this problem. I just ask you to be here for me and keep that unconditional love coming my way as I work through the recovery process. Some 'I love you's' and hugs would be great!"
Some people find it easier to tell a more emotionally detached third party (psychologist, minister) rather than a loved one, and that's OK too.
Revealing the "secret" about your anxiety with a safe person can be an empowering step in the recovery process!