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Do you have a heavy blanket over you called anxiety? Does it feel like you can’t get away from the weight that troubles you? If so, you are not alone. An estimated fifteen million Americans suffer from social anxiety disorder, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). The number of people with some form of anxiety without the “disorder” label is greater than that.
When I feel hopeless, my mind tells me that this is the only reality. Yet, even in my worst moments, I hold onto the idea that not every thought stuck in my brain is true. It can be very helpful to laugh at myself. Something outside myself will help in time. Trust me, there are times that I have to repeat the notion of hope all the while not believing it! Do you use Facebook or texting to distract yourself from anxiety? Do you ever wonder if social media and/or frequent texting have something to do with your anxiety? A growing body of research and thought supports the conclusion that a link exists between anxiety and these new tools of our society. A good article on this topic is, “A New Kind of Social Anxiety in the Classroom,” by Alexandra Ossola (The Atlantic, January 14, 2015). It is time to start making a change in your life towards more joy and less anxiety. Just think how awesome it will be to have stress and fear reduced in your life. As it is reduced, the sunshine will have room to appear. It may seem overwhelming to find your own answers, but there is hope and help available. Break it down into little steps. I call this my “Five Percent Rule” (see Toolbox). Just tackle five percent of the problem at a time. You will find excellent doctors, therapists, religious/spiritual advisers, self-help groups and other helpers if you search for them. Your heart will tell you when something feels healthy and right for you. Be aware that finding the right therapist is a hit-and-miss proposition. You may need to meet with several of them before you find the right chemistry. Once you find it, you will know right away it was worth the effort! The ADAA’s website offers helpful suggestions, links to support groups and other information. Read more here: www.adaa.org. What solutions have you found for anxiety? Share your ideas in the link below.
3 Comments
Lexi Smith
4/25/2017 02:51:37 pm
I love the Five percent rule! Big challenges seem so much easier to tackle if you handle them one small portion at a time. Doing too much at once can cause a person to become discouraged, but the "Five percent rule" helps alleviate some of those stresses. Great post Neil, looking forward to reading more of your posts in the future!
Patti Lee
6/4/2017 12:50:51 pm
Thank you, Neil. This makes so much sense in our stressed out world! I'll try to take a breath, take five percent of my worries, and put one foot in front of another. Love your blog!
Colleen Squires
10/5/2017 04:30:42 pm
Hi Neil! I find your words so refreshing. You have seen me through some tough times and I find you so spiritual and real that I like to read your thoughts. I too, need to start the 5% rule. As I age and my energy fades a little I find the things that matter are changing. Kind of like I am approaching the end of this part of my journey. The thought of changing what I do but not who I am is a huge step for me. I love to serve others and try hard to help whenever I can. The need for love in our world today is such a huge opportunity in my mind. Whether it be a grown up, young or old or the children that are so in need of love and the lesson of compassion. I believe we all come to this life to learn something specifically. As I see it we all chose to come at this time of addiction. We all are living with some kind of addiction affecting us. Whether it be a drunken parent or a parent that shares drugs with children or your uncle, cousin or a friends mom who is for some reason not ever at home it is very real in this day. We forgot what respect is let alone love. So sad! It is my goal to spread as much love and compassion as I possibly can. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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