Anxious in Brentwood
Dear Red,
I feel like I'm drowning. I've always been a bit of a worrier, but lately, it's gotten completely out of control. I'm constantly anxious, and it's affecting every aspect of my life. It's not just the big things. It's the little things too. I’ll worry about whether I locked the front door, even though I know I did. Or I'll replay conversations in my head, obsessing over every word I say. I have trouble sleeping, and I'm always on edge. I've tried deep breathing, meditation, and even those calming apps, but nothing seems to make a lasting difference. I feel like my mind is constantly racing, and I can't turn it off.
I'm starting to avoid social situations because I'm afraid I'll have a panic attack. I'm afraid people will notice how anxious I am, and I'll embarrass myself. I'm afraid I'm going to lose my job because I can't concentrate. My family tells me to relax, but they don't understand. It's not something I can just switch off. I feel like I'm trapped in my own head, and I don't know how to escape. Am I going crazy? How do I get my life back? I'm desperate for any advice you can offer.
-Anxious in Brentwood
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Dear Anxious in Brentwood,
That sounds miserable! I wonder if anything set off this extra amount of anxiety? I don’t know for sure, so please don’t take this as fact - but in my experience, people with symptoms like yours often have a catalyst for the spiral of anxiety.
Sometimes it's a gradual catalyst (not like one traumatic moment). It could be a big life transition or a loss. Maybe you’ve entered into a phase of life where more is required of you.
Regardless, you don’t have to live like this! If those methods you mentioned haven’t worked (deep breathing, calming apps, etc) - it’s probably because the root of the problem is deep and requires something more than behavioral change.
I’m going to attempt a car analogy (for all of the car experts out there, forgive me). If you saw steam coming from your hood - what would you do? Would you just try to drive a little slower? Or get a giant fan out and try to cool it down? No way - you would assume something else is happening. It could be radiator issues, a coolant leak, etc. You would get it checked out and get to the root of the issue so it doesn't happen at all - not just manage the symptom.
That’s what good therapy can do for you. Isn’t that amazing? My guess is that even if you’re prone to anxiety - what you’re experiencing right now just isn’t you at all. Something is happening and you deserve a loving look “under the hood.”
I know it seems like in these letters I’m always jumping to “go to therapy!” I don’t always think therapy is the answer. I promise. But, in this case - I don’t think what you’re describing is sustainable without professional help.
Reach out today! An EFIT therapist (Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy) would be perfect for you. EFIT therapists are trained to help people find their way back to themselves. You need (and deserve) more than symptom reduction. You need lasting change.
Looking under the hood,
Red