For me, the most troubling thing about anxious thoughts are that you can know they are completely irrational, yet they can still plague your mind as though they are an authentic threat. You carry these irrational fears around with you all day and everyday, in spite of knowing they most likely aren't going to happen. But, it's that 1% chance that maybe it could that keeps your mind glued to that seemingly endless stream of anxious thoughts. It's that 1% chance that keeps you going, and from there it can feel as though your mind is spiraling out of control.
While there are ample amounts of techniques to try in regards to quelling anxiety, I am going to just write about one in which has helped me; I first read about it online almost a few years ago and then further into my treatment heard about it more.
An anxious thought pops into your mind.
Your initial response may be to get upset that it is there in the first place.
"Why won't these pesky thoughts just go away? I hate this, I'm never going to get rid of these and I will be plagued with them for the rest of my life!"
First off, the more you try and force them to go away, the more they won't. The energy you put into trying to quell their existence actually equates to the fuel that keeps them prolonged within your mind. So what can you do?
Accept that the thought/worry is there when it enters your mind. Tell yourself that it's okay that it's there, that you are actually welcoming that anxious thought and any that follow; you won't try to force it away, it is welcome to stay as long as it likes. By doing this, the thought eventually becomes less threatening; it loses some of its power.
Now you are beginning to regain control back.
It can feel so impossible and tiring when you feel as though you are constantly fighting against your own mind, as though it wants you to lose. But, there are cognitive techniques that can make life with those anxious thoughts a lot more bearable.
This particular technique is not something you can do for a day and then quit, expecting that you will be all better. If you chronically suffer from anxiety in this way, it is something you will have to practice and work on for the entirety of your life. Some days you will get off track and the fears will get the best of you. It's okay. Regroup and then start all over again with accepting the thoughts, and inviting them to stay. We are all prone to a bad day from time to time, but the key is to not give up. Persistence is your best friend when it comes to anxiety and cognitive techniques.
For those of you who have chronic anxiety, I would seriously love to hear what cognitive tips have helped you in managing it. Please feel free to share ( :
While there are ample amounts of techniques to try in regards to quelling anxiety, I am going to just write about one in which has helped me; I first read about it online almost a few years ago and then further into my treatment heard about it more.
An anxious thought pops into your mind.
Your initial response may be to get upset that it is there in the first place.
"Why won't these pesky thoughts just go away? I hate this, I'm never going to get rid of these and I will be plagued with them for the rest of my life!"
First off, the more you try and force them to go away, the more they won't. The energy you put into trying to quell their existence actually equates to the fuel that keeps them prolonged within your mind. So what can you do?
Accept that the thought/worry is there when it enters your mind. Tell yourself that it's okay that it's there, that you are actually welcoming that anxious thought and any that follow; you won't try to force it away, it is welcome to stay as long as it likes. By doing this, the thought eventually becomes less threatening; it loses some of its power.
Now you are beginning to regain control back.
It can feel so impossible and tiring when you feel as though you are constantly fighting against your own mind, as though it wants you to lose. But, there are cognitive techniques that can make life with those anxious thoughts a lot more bearable.
This particular technique is not something you can do for a day and then quit, expecting that you will be all better. If you chronically suffer from anxiety in this way, it is something you will have to practice and work on for the entirety of your life. Some days you will get off track and the fears will get the best of you. It's okay. Regroup and then start all over again with accepting the thoughts, and inviting them to stay. We are all prone to a bad day from time to time, but the key is to not give up. Persistence is your best friend when it comes to anxiety and cognitive techniques.
For those of you who have chronic anxiety, I would seriously love to hear what cognitive tips have helped you in managing it. Please feel free to share ( :
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