Anxious About Feeling Anxious? You're Not Alone

Feeling anxious about anxiety? You're not alone. Discover effective, neuroscience-backed techniques to break the anxiety cycle and calm your mind. Read more for tips on managing anxiety and finding lasting relief.

Anxiety is a common experience that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s not unusual to feel anxious about feeling anxious, creating a cycle of worry that can be hard to break. If you find yourself constantly on edge, anticipating anxiety and worrying about when it might strike next, you’re not alone. Understanding the neuroscientific roots of anxiety and learning effective coping strategies can help you regain control. At Embodied Wellness and Recovery, we offer therapy and coaching SERVICES to support individuals dealing with anxiety.

Understanding Anxiety: A Neuroscientific Perspective

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes chronic, it can interfere with daily life. Neuroscientific research shows that anxiety involves the brain's amygdala and prefrontal cortex. The amygdala, responsible for processing fear and emotions, becomes overactive in anxious individuals. This heightened activity can lead to constant alertness and a feeling of being on edge (LeDoux, 2015). Meanwhile, the prefrontal cortex, which helps regulate emotions, may be less effective in calming these responses.

The Cycle of Anxiety

The cycle of anxiety often begins with a trigger – a situation, thought, or feeling that sets off anxious thoughts. These thoughts lead to physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, or shortness of breath. The discomfort of these symptoms can cause you to worry even more, perpetuating the cycle. Do you often find yourself anticipating anxiety before it even occurs? This anticipatory anxiety can be as distressing as the anxiety itself.

Physical Symptoms:

— Somatic symptoms, such as increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, dizziness, and gastrointestinal issues. These symptoms can be alarming and lead to further anxiety.

Emotional Symptoms:

— Feelings of fear, dread, and panic. Do you feel a constant sense of worry that you can’t shake off?

Cognitive Symptoms:

— Persistent worry, intrusive thoughts, and difficulty concentrating. Are you frequently overwhelmed by thoughts of potential problems or dangers?

Behavioral Symptoms:

— Avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. Do you find yourself avoiding certain places or activities because they make you anxious?

Coping Strategies for Anxiety

Mindfulness and Meditation:

—Mindfulness practices can help you stay grounded in the present moment, reducing the impact of anxious thoughts. Meditation can calm the mind and reduce the overactivity of the amygdala.

— Example: Practice deep breathing, box breathing, or diaphragmatic breathing exercises or guided meditation for 10-15 minutes daily to help manage anxiety.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

— CBT is an effective treatment for anxiety that focuses on changing negative thought patterns. It helps you identify and challenge irrational fears and develop healthier thinking habits.

— Example: Work with a therapist to practice cognitive restructuring, a technique that involves challenging and replacing negative thoughts. At Embodied Wellness and Recovery, we offer CBT in addition to a range of other modalities, such as DBT, Somatic Therapy, EMDR, etc. CONTACT US with any questions or book a free 20-minute consultation with one of our top-rated therapists HERE.

Regular Exercise:

— Physical activity can reduce anxiety by releasing endorphins and promoting relaxation. Exercise also helps regulate the body’s stress response.

— Example: Incorporate activities like walking, running, or yoga into your routine to help manage anxiety.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices:

— A balanced diet, adequate sleep, and reduced caffeine and alcohol intake can significantly impact anxiety levels.

— Example: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night and choose nutrient-rich foods to support overall health.

Why Seek Therapy and Coaching at Embodied Wellness and Recovery?

At Embodied Wellness and Recovery, we understand that anxiety can be overwhelming and debilitating. Our compassionate, evidence-based approach incorporates the latest neuroscientific research to provide effective therapy and coaching services. Here’s how we can help:

Individualized Therapy:

— Our therapists work one-on-one with you to develop coping strategies tailored to your unique needs. We use techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, SOMATIC THERAPY, EMDR (EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION REPROCESSING), and exposure therapy to help you manage anxiety.

Coaching for Daily Life:

— Our certified coaches provide practical tools and support to help you implement coping strategies in your daily life. We focus on building resilience and promoting overall well-being.

Safe and Supportive Environment:

— We create a safe space where you can openly discuss your anxieties and fears without judgment. Our goal is to help you feel understood and supported.

Holistic Approach:

— We integrate various therapeutic modalities, such as Somatic Experiencing, Neuroaffective Touch, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, Somatic Surf Therapy, and more, to address the emotional and physical aspects of anxiety. Our holistic approach promotes comprehensive healing and well-being. Schedule a Free 20-minute consultation with one of our expert therapists HERE.

Relevant Questions to Consider

— Do you feel anxious about feeling anxious, creating a cycle of worry and stress?

— Are you struggling to manage physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart or shortness of breath?

— Do you find it difficult to concentrate or focus due to constant worry?

— Are you avoiding situations or activities because of fear or anxiety?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, seeking professional support can make a significant difference. At Embodied Wellness and Recovery, we are here to help you navigate anxiety and regain control of your life. CONTACT US today or schedule a FREE 20-MINUTE CONSULTATION with one of our experienced clinicians HERE.

Seeking Solution?

Anxiety is a common and often debilitating condition, but understanding its neuroscientific roots and implementing effective coping strategies can help you manage it more effectively. At Embodied Wellness and Recovery, we offer specialized therapy and coaching services to support individuals dealing with anxiety. By working together, we can help you break the cycle of anxiety and promote long-term well-being. Learn more about the SERVICES we offer at Embodied Wellness and Recovery, or schedule a FREE 20-MINUTE CONSULTATION with one of our top-rated therapists or life coaches today.

References

Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond. Guilford Press.

LeDoux, J. E. (2015). Anxious: Using the Brain to Understand and Treat Fear and Anxiety. Viking.

Siegel, D. J. (2010). The Mindful Therapist: A Clinician's Guide to Mindsight and Neural Integration. W. W. Norton & Company.

Vago, D. R., & Silbersweig, D. A. (2012). Self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-transcendence (S-ART): A framework for understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of mindfulness. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 6, 296.