5 Myths about Anxiety and why you shouldn’t believe in them.
- You are weak if you have anxiety.
You are not weak. You are the opposite. If you feel anxiety, it means you are living life and challenging yourself. This myth was created by people in denial of living life and acknowledging their emotions.
- Your anxiety is too much and a burden on others.
You are a benefit to those around you because you see and experience life more fully because of your anxiety. It feels like a burden because it is uncomfortable and difficult at times; but you are certainly not a burden to someone who really cares about you.
- Once you have anxiety it will always be this way.
It can feel like your anxiety is always the same: occurs at the same time, and is not changing; but every time you experience anxiety and engage with it; small steps sometimes even unnoticed are happening. It will not always be this way.
- You can just get over anxiety and stop it.
You react to anxiety both emotionally AND physically. There are real physical reactions that take time to go through your system and calm down. There is no way to just stop feeling anxious. Someone telling you to “stop it” will just make it worse and is not an appropriate response to your emotions.
- No one can understand your anxiety but you.
You are not alone and if you have heard this from someone else or it is something you are thinking it creates more isolation and shame for your anxiety experience. Yes, your anxiety experience is unique, but others can help and show empathy, love, and validation.
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For more information visit my website at www.holisticpathcounseling.com or email me at jason@holisticpathcounseling.com
This post does not replace professional therapeutic help or constitute advice, seek your own therapist today!
