Extreme Anxiety

We are glad you have discovered our website and are reaching out tonight.  It is the brave and wise thing to do when we are feeling overwhelmed.  A certain level of anxiety is a normal, human response for us in times where we feel stress or risk.  Sometimes though, we can exaggerate the risk in a situation and the anxiety levels seem to get out of control.  There is no shame in this, it is just the way our brains perceive a particular situation. 

When you feel your anxiety level starting to rise, it is important to keep breathing.  Often, during times of stress and anxiety, we hold our breaths or breathe in a shallow fashion.  That increases the stress and anxiety.  As you notice the anxiety and short breaths,  stop:

Take a long deep breath in, hold it for a few seconds.   

Then, exhale long and completely.  Hold that for a second or two.   

As you repeat the deep breathing process several times, tell yourself you are safe.  

 Let your shoulders sag a little.  Your body wants to relax, you just need to help it out.   

Take note of your breathing several times a day.  You can breathe deeply anywhere.  You can do it quietly without drawing attention to yourself. 

Based on your email and the impact anxiety is having on your life, we would also suggest you contact your doctor for assistance as well.   

It is also important to keep reaching out, and avoid the urge to withdraw totally into yourself.  I want you to know we are here for you.  We suggest reviewing the tips and tools in our Anxiety Topic: Anxiety

Continue to reach out as you need to talk.

We look forward to hearing from you again. 

Sincerely, 

Larry – Counselor