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Managing Anxiety

Every now and then, a presentation comes along that feels like it was intended especially for me.  A recent Village event at Washington Park (part of our ongoing series for the public in that location) is a good example... managing anxiety.  Wait a minute.  I don’t have anxiety... I just worry about everything and everyone.

It was refreshing and encouraging to hear anxiety put in perspective.  First, there isn’t just one kind of anxiety, there are at least four types (not including acute disorders such as PTSD) that Alejandro Bulnes, Mental Health Specialist with Independence at Home, explained. There’s generalized anxiety disorder (this is probably where I fall), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorder (I think I’ve overcome this one).  While they all have specifically defined characteristics, they all have one thing in common... the brain is in charge. To quote Louise Hay, author of You Can Heal Your Life, “It’s only a thought and you can change your thought.”

Simply described, anxiety is a feeling of fear or dread. It’s a normal reaction to stress that we all experience, but sometimes it can be paralyzing and lead to poor decision making.  

Symptoms of anxiety can include agitation, restlessness, fatigue, tense muscles, sleep disruption, social distancing, and difficulty concentrating.

Bulne stated, “Negative thoughts, while often perceived as harmful, can play a valuable role in our cognitive processes.”  For example, acting as a defense mechanism preparing us for potential challenges. Cognitive Restructuring suggests one should examine the evidence of our thoughts and replace them with more balanced, rational thinking. Applying this method reduces the effect and makes it easier to focus on solutions.  

Concluding his informative presentation, Bulnes suggested specific breathing patterns and simple vigorous movements. I like to believe that each of us present left at least a little bit less uptight than when we walked through the door dragging our various levels of anxiety along with us.

Alejandro Bulnes, LMFT is a Mental Health Specialist with Insights Program/Independence at Home, A SCAN Community Service. He will be presenting a follow-up session in the near future - look for the announcement soon.