Did you know that anxiety is the most common mental health related problem that people seek help for? It’s a term that encompasses a whole range of issues that people have to face, such as dealing with past traumas, panic attacks or a dread of social situations.
Despite the number of people who suffer from some form of anxiety there are still plenty of common misconceptions about the condition, a few of which we’ve outlined below:
My Anxiety Will Decrease if I Keep Avoiding an Anxious Situation
Many people who suffer from anxiety are procrastinators in some respects – they avoid a situation that makes them anxious because they feel the more they delay, the less anxious they will feel.
In the real world the opposite is true – the longer the delay, the greater the anxiety. That’s because an anxious mind will use the delay to come up with a bigger potential calamity. It’s always best to move towards an anxious situation, rather than away from it.
I am Anxious Because I am in Danger
The body’s anxiety system, when working normally, is designed to keep people away from potential harmless situations. People suffering from anxiety will feel anxious about situations where no danger exists, or situations where the potential for harm is minimal. To combat anxiety, sufferers need to understand that everything their brain tells them may not be true.
I am Weak Because I Feel Anxious
Everybody feels anxious – it’s a natural aspect of simply being human. Just as some people seem to have a high threshold for pain, some people have a higher threshold for anxiety than others, and in turn some people have a very low anxiety threshold.
There’s no need for someone to beat themselves up because they suffer from anxiety – indeed it is far better to be forgiving and kind to oneself. Self-denigration does not work and is only destructive. Someone who suffers from anxiety needs to learn about their condition and how to make things better without feeling ashamed.
If you feel you have been affected by anything above or would like to talk to someone about your anxiety or any other mental health issue, then please feel free to contact us here at CBT Counseling Centers. We can be contacted at any time by phone at (828) 350-1177 or via the online contact form that’s available on our website.