Brazilian Shares 7 Vital Lessons Learned From Anxiety
The author shares insights from a lifelong relationship with anxiety, stating that this is not about positive thinking or what is often called toxic positivity. Anxiety has been a constant, sometimes reaching crippling levels, but it has imparted several lessons.
An early childhood memory from the eighties marks the beginning of this anxiety. During an unsupervised football game, a player’s pants were pulled down, exposing him. While others laughed, the author was terrified of the same happening, leading to physical measures like tying pants too tight and experiencing sickness before school. At that time, mental health was not widely discussed, so such symptoms went unrecognized.
Anxiety has become more noticeable in recent years, possibly since having COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021. This has prompted more mindful handling, resulting in key learnings.
Anxiety Teaches Presence
High anxiety forces the author to be rooted in the present moment, unable to engage in usual activities. This intense presence allows recognition of anxiety as bodily sensations that the mind transforms into emotional suffering.
Anxiety Reveals Control
It clarifies what can and cannot be controlled. External triggers are uncontrollable, but responses are manageable. Anxiety also shifts focus to something larger than oneself, encouraging humility.
Anxiety Encourages Good Habits and Boundaries
When anxiety spikes, the author reassesses habits and boundaries, eliminating unhealthy behaviors and limiting toxic relationships. This serves as a reminder to maintain discipline even during good times.
Anxiety Highlights Growth Importance
After making changes, the author pursues new projects and personal growth. Shifting from counseling to life coaching and improving diet and exercise are direct responses that have led to positive habits.
Anxiety Fosters Gentleness
Feeling fragile during anxious periods helps the author understand the impact of bluntness on others. This has spurred efforts to be gentler, improving how they interact with people.
Anxiety Promotes Slowing Down and Seeking Help
Anxiety often leads to rash decisions, so the author has learned to slow down and be intentional. It also emphasizes the need to discuss issues and ask for help, a practice previously avoided.
Anxiety Can Speed Up Action
Contrary to slowing down, anxiety can also prompt action. Inspired by a quote from Joan Baez, “Action is the antidote to anxiety,” the author tackles anxiety-inducing tasks, like phone calls, to overcome them.
The author notes that learning from anxiety does not mean endorsing it; they would trade these lessons for less anxiety. However, sharing these experiences aims to help others facing similar challenges.
Reflecting on the broader context, the author mentions that anxiety disorders affect millions of Americans, with various triggers and manifestations. Understanding personal experiences like these can contribute to wider conversations about mental health, emphasizing the value of shared stories in reducing stigma and promoting coping strategies.