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I think you are absolutely right when it comes to anxiety. I think it paralyzes me on certain days but then I have a framework similar to what you are alluding

I think you are absolutely right when it comes to anxiety. I think it paralyzes me on certain days but then I have a framework similar to what you are alluding to in dealing with it. In a weird way, it's a good feeling to know that other people go through similar ups-and-downs. Thank you for your comment.

Jtsummers 6y ago
It's not weird. One thing that happens with anxiety is that, in many cultures, you start to feel a bit of shame about it. Like, "This is easy, everyone else is doing fine, what's wrong with me?!?" kind of shame. You internalize it and it builds and feeds into the same cycle and promotes the anxiety. Learning that you're not alone helps to break that cycle (even just for a moment) and brings things into better perspective. One of the key things I had to develop years ago was the skill to restore perspective to my thoughts (that task-breakdown thing is just one thing). When I find myself becoming angry, I have to ask myself, "Is this an appropriate response?" Some drunk just took off the front half of your car? Anger may not be helpful, but it's appropriate. There's no more milk in the fridge? The anger is not warranted, take a breath, realize that you're stressed, and put "milk" on the grocery list. And substitute all negative emotions into the above. At my worst, I'd get emotionally sad over incredibly tiny things like spilling a bit of salt (not even the whole shaker). Examine that emotion when it rises, don't try to stop it but examine it. Ask if it's appropriate, ask if there's another cause or other factors involved. It's not necessarily easy, it depends on how stressed you are at the moment. But if you try to make that a habit of thought, over time it becomes easier and almost automatic. Additionally, please consider seeking out a therapist. Having someone to speak to confidentially and who can help develop these kinds of skills is incredibly helpful.
- tarunkotia 6y ago
  Wow, this is pretty much what I've been going through for some time now. I am usually not very emotional being but off late I am on the edge. Thanks again for being so open and sharing your experience.

Jtsummers 6y ago

It's not weird. One thing that happens with anxiety is that, in many cultures, you start to feel a bit of shame about it. Like, "This is easy, everyone else is doing fine, what's wrong with me?!?" kind of shame. You internalize it and it builds and feeds into the same cycle and promotes the anxiety. Learning that you're not alone helps to break that cycle (even just for a moment) and brings things into better perspective. One of the key things I had to develop years ago was the skill to restore perspective to my thoughts (that task-breakdown thing is just one thing). When I find myself becoming angry, I have to ask myself, "Is this an appropriate response?" Some drunk just took off the front half of your car? Anger may not be helpful, but it's appropriate. There's no more milk in the fridge? The anger is not warranted, take a breath, realize that you're stressed, and put "milk" on the grocery list. And substitute all negative emotions into the above. At my worst, I'd get emotionally sad over incredibly tiny things like spilling a bit of salt (not even the whole shaker). Examine that emotion when it rises, don't try to stop it but examine it. Ask if it's appropriate, ask if there's another cause or other factors involved. It's not necessarily easy, it depends on how stressed you are at the moment. But if you try to make that a habit of thought, over time it becomes easier and almost automatic. Additionally, please consider seeking out a therapist. Having someone to speak to confidentially and who can help develop these kinds of skills is incredibly helpful.

tarunkotia 6y ago
Wow, this is pretty much what I've been going through for some time now. I am usually not very emotional being but off late I am on the edge. Thanks again for being so open and sharing your experience.