My own issues with Anxiety
Before I begin, discussing the issue and what to do about, let me tell you I know personally how this feels. I have struggled with Anxiety my whole life. I think it is simply genetic and how I am wired.
I say this because I have always struggled with Anxiety. I remember being a toddler and hiding behind my parent's legs when introduced to someone new. I remember taught how to swim at around age 5 and just screaming because I thought I was going to drown, even thoough someone was holding me and telling me I was not going to. So even from an early age Anxiety has always been something that has caused issues.
And as you can imagine, there have been plenty of opportunities when in relationships with other human beings where it did not go well. I have heard things like, "well just don't worry about it" or "think about something else" or "focus on the positive." And while well intentioned and yes I always desire to think this way, that sometimes it is not that easy. It is a process.
But in the moment when people are not empathetic or impatient, it can feel very hurtful. It can feel like you are all alone. You can feel not cared for or appreciated for what you do well. Obviously those types of thoughts are real, but can also be the Anxiety talking as well.
Tips When Others Are not Empathetic
So what can you and I do about this. Well here are some suggestions.
Practice self-compassion: Remember that it's okay to feel anxious, and you deserve kindness and understanding from yourself, even if others don't provide it.
Seek support from others who understand: Look for support groups or online communities where you can connect with people who have similar experiences and can empathize with your anxiety.
Educate others: Sometimes people don't understand anxiety because they haven't experienced it themselves. Consider sharing educational resources, such as articles or books, to help them better understand what you're going through.
Communicate your needs clearly: Let others know what you need from them when you're feeling anxious. For example, you might need them to listen without offering advice or to help you find a calming activity to do together.
Consider therapy: Talking to a therapist can help you develop coping strategies for dealing with anxiety and navigating challenging social situations.
Remember that you can't control others' reactions or understanding, but you can control how you respond to them. Prioritize your own mental health and well-being, and seek out the support you need to manage your anxiety.
Anxiety Counseling in Richmond, Virginia with Brian Mayer, LCSW
If you would like to start tackling the issue of Anxiety, please contact me today. I will provide a safe place to explore the anxiety. We will work to understand from where it came, what triggers it, and then what to do about it. All the awhile I promise to be empathetic but at times with your permission give you a little friendly push to work to reduce it and even accept it more.
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