WORKING WITH ANXIETY

Anxiety is a prolonged emotional state that is usually triggered by fear; usually a fear of some future situation, event, or circumstance that is unpredictable and uncontrollable. Anxiety is always future-oriented and is driven by ”what if?” thinking. ”What if I don’t get all my work done?” ”What if I have a panic attack in public?" ”What if I lose my job?” Attack in public?” ”What if I get sick by being around people?”

You can see how fear is at the heart of all anxiety states. So what you want to do is focus on the fears at the core of your anxiety. To do that, you need to have a firm grasp of the fear that underlies your anxiety. Really think about what it is that makes you feel anxious, what situations or events trigger it, when it is most likely to be happening, and what you avoid because of it. Then try to identify the fear behind the anxiety. What is the worst that can happen? Do you fear a catastrophic outcome? What is the threat or danger posed to you? Be honest and thoughtful

Do The Work

Questions to reflect on and journal about;

1. What are the fears at the core of my anxiety? That firm grasp of the fear that underlies my anxiety?

2. What situations trigger it?

3. When is it to be happening?

4. What do I avoid because of it?

5. What is the worst that can happen?

6. Do I fear a catastrophic outcome?