Is Anxiety Bad?

Anxiety is defined as “a state of apprehension” and “distress or uneasiness of mind.”

Every person experiences a form of anxiety on a regular basis. Humans worry about money, jobs, relationships, health, choices, and a slew of others major and minor concerns. 

We need some anxiety -- it shows us what we don’t like or what we desire to have more of. For example, if you are married and fighting with your spouse all the time, anxiety is reminding you to work harder on creating a happy and healthy relationship so you will not continue to feel miserable or lose your spouse. Another example: if you desire to have more money or status at work, anxiety can motivate you to put in more effort, time, and focus to reach your goal.

Anxiety can motivate us to change our current circumstances. This is great!

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Until it isn’t…

Without using proper tools to leverage anxiety into productive behaviors and thoughts, anxiety becomes destructive and debilitating.

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Unhealthy anxiety manifests as: 

     -- Reoccurring negative thoughts

     -- Negative self-talk (self-doubt)

    -- Withdraw from healthy hobbies/behaviors 

    -- Excessive crying

    -- Anger

    -- Fears – of trying new things, of believing in self, of being productive

    -- Depression

    -- Self-harm/cutting

    -- Eating disorders

What can you do to prevent anxiety from being bad?

    -- Reframe negative thoughts to positive thoughts

    -- Ask for help – contact Bree today to schedule a counseling session

    -- Meditation

    -- Make an action plan – and stick to it!

    -- Exercise

    -- Share feelings and fears

    -- Journal

Click for more information about counseling services at Private Counseling.