Finally an explanation for my procrastination... It's actually avoidance. I've been struggling with this for years and I didn't realize that it was actually part of the anxiety cycle.
my problem is that even though I tell myself that it’s not dangerous, my anxiety still persists and my body still wants to find a reason to freak out and it’s still there
Ok then, find another way to calm yourself down, a little anxiety is actually good, but when it passes a limit is not good anymore, cope with it fight it little by little. Think about you dont want to keep going through this every day, and it better to start fighting or coping with it now, today.. wish you luck, you will feel better.
@@grumpytank2927 that's the main reason why you think you can't. You can say" it difficult or its going to take time but I know I can do it" if the words coming out of your own mouth are I can't you are setting yourself for failure. I think you can , start today attacking it with everything you can dont let torture your mind for years.
Are you kidding me?!?! I AM using your video to distract and make my anxiety go away lol. Because I had been watching a lot of your videos and learned SO MUCH but at this point I think you’re absolutely right. I need to face my anxiety and do something
This is so very helpful!! I am a pro at avoidance. Keeping busy, eating, being 'happy' all the time, all of these are things that I do regularly. These are 'coping' skills that I have "perfected" since I began to have anxiety issues. When I was first introduced to meditation (slowing down the brain and body), I immediately found some relief. I couldn't understand why at the time, but now I do. This video is awesome!! The road to recovery is going to be a difficult one because I have struggled with anxiety for a very long time, but after viewing this video, I know that there is hope. I've got to learn to work with my brain instead of against it! Thank you, this really help!
Im worried, because now it has been weeks without sleeping properly ,even though i m working hard to write down my feelings , im now just wants rest ,social interaction with coleagues is ond of the problem i hve, the work environment to me is not a ssfe place ,it makes me enxious,
@@hildehausikujohannes7664 I think you're trying to deal with the big emotions all at once and so you might overwhelm yourself without noticing try to do one at a time
Your videos have been a Godsend for me. Thank you for explaining why I feel and react the way I do, and for giving me hope that I can teach my brain to be calmer.
Can I just say how wonderful you are! When you said "for god sake stay on the toilet without your phone" it brought tears to my eyes. I am one of the people watching your video to distract myself and I am always continually doing that. Just watching your videos made me more calm. I have such important people in my life that I care about, so motivated to start this journey of discomfort. Thank you for the great impact you have on our lives ❤️
i’ve been having crippling anxiety for months now. it started since a conversation with my partner about moving to another state. i’m also in a lot of financial debt. i knew that when i think about these things i feel stressed, and they’re basically on my mind all day. i did not think that they were also inducing my anxiety. i go to sleep and wake up in fear that something bad is about to happen and couldn’t figure out way. you explaining the anxiety cycle really helped me figure out where my anxiety is stemming from.
There was a part in your video about things that bring on anxiety but you can’t control that which brings on the anxiety, but perhaps in how you respond to that which I cannot control. That’s a big one for me. My anxiety is constant moderate to high. I do tend to expect perfection of myself, to feel successful and complete. My anxiety is highest at work. There’s much there that raises my anxiety but I cannot control, so I try to work with it, but my anxiety doesn’t go away or get less. At home I track my anxiety on my calendar for the day. I even color code my mood throughout the day, and track my weight daily. I’m working to busy myself with things that are intended to calm me, but my mind is like a ball of chaos and doesn’t like to unwind for clear channels of thought for peace. I’ve had this anxiety all my life, but don’t feel I have someone to confide in nearby so I try to not make myself the center of attention, not expect others to understand what this is like.
Love this series! I am a new counselor, just finishing my internship before graduation. This is one of my favorite video series to share with clients. Thank you!
omg thank you so much! This video helped me understand why I'm anxious all the time but don't know why. I always immediately grab my phone to distract myself when I have anxiety but now I'm just gonna give writing it down a try. Trying to understand my anxiety in stead of ignoring it and letting it build up and givie me panic attacks
I just discovered your videos after having so much anxiety I felt I needed to leave my job. This is helping so much until I am able to see a therapist. Thank you for these videos, they are great!
May be i had watched a thousands of videos nothing help me much but when i watched your video suddenly get a courage to fight with my problem in a nice way.. Now i feel much better and daily watching your videos for helping myself
when you next time feel anxiety just listen something and i don't mean music, but for example you are in social situation where you feel anxious, just listen to your surroundings, any sound you hear and focus on it, don't judge it, just listen. that's sound meditation. Helps a ton for me
I developed anxiety disorder after a protracted round of bullying at work. I've got some short-term memory impairment and a reduced ability to concentrate as a result. My therapist says this will resolve over time, but I'm - no surprise - anxious about it. These videos are very helpful in understanding what's happening to me, and I'm hoping somewhere in here there's something that will help me regain those faculties more quickly.
Thank you so much for these videos. I felt I was recommended rewiring a lot but never felt I had the clarity to even know how to start or what it is. This series really is helping me to get back on track.
thanks Emma. This really helped a lot. I've been so crippled by my anxiety for years. Right now, I just want to overwrite this unhealthy habit of avoidance. What adds to the struggle is that I'm a perfectionist, so making decisions tends to be a lot slower, but I won't let this define me. I can change, I can learn how to think, decide, and act faster. I'm good with routines so I'll bank on that to create new and better habits.
OMG OMG OMGG--- You are speaking directly to me :( i soo want to overcome my anxiety n panic attacks . Its been going on since September. BUT this video has been really helpful n i was work hard at making a conscious decision when faced with a panic.
Thank you for this video! I learned more here about my anxiety than I learned reading on a lot of articles on the Internet about anxiety. Thank you again!
Thank you for this video. It's consistent with what my therapist says. She's constantly telling me to write whats on my mind in my journal and it is hard sometimes and this kinda helps me understand why.
Today I got very bad anxiety (which started from drinking too much coffee but didn’t go away when the effects of coffee did) and I spiraled back to feeling sick from eating (I’m recovering from ed at the same time). However after 2-3 hours I made myself breathe deeply and told myself that I won’t stop until those anxiety levels go down, even though every breath was shorter than normally. I began to feel a bit better but then I happened to come across your videos and I’ve watched 3 now. That made the whole anxiety stop. Thankyou
Thanks for these amazing videos. I came to your channel through a basic video on neuroplasticity my therapist sent me, after which she said "just do it" and I was like * panicked * "I CANT THATS THE REASON WHY IM HERE KAREN" But you explain so clearly and nicely WHY avoidance actually creates more anxiety and how to face it. Still not easy though. I am now discovering I have a long term issue with avoidance and anxiety, and rn it's coming to a focus point around my relationship. And right now making me unable to change, confront and feel like a ghost in my life. However your videos do help a lot in making the thoughts in my head clearer... thanks for putting the effort in making these things.
Facing micro-triggers might help you build up practice in facing larger ones. I was feeling a ton of anxiety knowing that I let half a baguette go bad. I just ignored that it was in the pantry, all moldy, but my anxiety grew and grew. Today I finally grabbed it out the pantry and tossed it. And I feel much better. I tackled it finally after 3 days of feeling awful about it. Pick one or two tiny things a day or every other day. But don't beat yourself up if you don't always manage to do it. It also helps to write things down. Write what triggers you, why, and how you did or didn't confront it, and so on. But also write what you want your future to look like and why and some micro-steps you think you need to take to get there. It might also help to copy the diagram from the video to help you really internalize the concept. Being able to visualize that concept in moments of stress will hep you to use it. Best of luck.
Thank you for your content! I started procrastinating and having panic attacks at such a young age, and have often thought there must just be something wrong with me. Now I see I have been avoidant for most of my life. Can’t wait to keep watching... 🙏
I cannot express how much gratitude I feel after watching your series. You are bringing the best content that’s truly healing people. When people are healing and thriving, everybody will benefit from it. Thank you thank you thank you 🙏🏻
Facing it doesn't always make you return to calm, even with breathing. Agree that facing your fears helps over come them but the anxiety doesn't disappear making it uncomfortable and then depression seeps in because you can't even face your anxiety to get rid of it.
Hi Emma, I have watched 3 of your videos in succession, and I am THUNDERSTRUCK. Everything you say makes the most sense I've ever experienced for the mental health issues I have, especially the anxiety stuff. Thank you SO much for what you are doing, and I hope to go through your entire catalogue for better mental health.
Thank you for this video. I have been feeling serious anxiety and you have opened my eyes to the path of healing. Your logical reasoning and graphical explanation really works for my brain.
It's so hard to manage my anxiety during driving license exams. Both breathing and progressive muscle relaxation technics help pretty a lot, but still interfering and every failure in practical part causes more anxiety. Thanks a lot for your videos. Hopefully they help me next time.
Thank you for the practical advise. Though this is not easy to implement I think it will be helpful. Anxiety has taken a big bite out of my life. Having actual tools to help with it is great.
Thank you very much for your work and God bless you dear Emma McAdam! You give to people so many opportunities to get inner peace by providing this knowledge!
This description, with examples and graphics, really makes sense to me. It seems much clearer to me now to know what I’m doing wrong, and how to fix that. Thank you so very much!
this video was extremely helpful! i found when i google it, i never get why my brains being anxious just rather tips on how to reduce it that doesnt really help me or realte to exactly how im feeling, but this video is a big relief, i finally understand whats happening and what my brain is doing!! and the tips on how to reduce it link smoothly with the why, so i know the reason as to why i have to try the tips out next time i get anxious out of nowhere!
Thank you so much. The last weeks I've been suffering from anxiety It was horrible I was scared because I've never felt like that before and this morning I cried thinking that I wasn't be able to feel better and happy again. Then I watched some of your videos and I feel fine and calm now. I know that anxiety is not completely gone but I think If it comes again I can handle it better.. Thank you again . God bless you.
Avoidance is truly an anxiety fuel and i've never heard such a good explanation to this. And it comes in form of procrastination, never accepting one's invite out, or just dragging something you've been wanting to do. However I think we could make use of "distractions" as a way to take action on any activity that pushes us, and not as an avoidant type. I sometimes find myself doing things i took action on and thinking about why i'm feeling this way, or just life in general. Sometimes I even stop what i'm doing to really focus on my thinking. If someone saw me just pause what i'm doing and just stare blankly into the wall would think i might be going coo coo.
Reasons why you might be anxious: (from part 3 and 4) 1. Micro threats (eg. being late to work, traffic, noise, etc…) 2. Habitual avoidance and distraction 3. How you think (cognitive distortions such as black and white thinking, mind reading, mental filtering, catastrophizing, ..) 4. You’re ready to face the past 5. The body (your physical health) 6. You’re not living your values
I learned to ask myself, "what's the worst thing that can happen?" Usually the worst thing that can happen to me is really not something I can't handle.
I’m a person who doesn’t know exactly why I’m anxious. But I’ve been so anxious for the past 4 months that it’s making my life hard. It seems everything I’ve ever experienced that’s made a negative impression on my heart has been coming into my mind. I honestly need someone to talk to to help me unravel all these thoughts and fears. I’ve never felt this way ever in my life before. I’m 55 years old and I feel so afraid of this.
Dwelling on those thoughts could worsen over time. Try to rationalize why you are feeling the way you do. Is there anything you need to address or confront that made your negative experiences come to light? Negative thoughts are very pesky and has the tendency to screwed up a person's emotional well being. While it is part of you, it does not define you. If you haven't already, please seek help for it. I am saying it based on my own personal experience dealing with GAD and SAD for ten years now and wish I could've gotten help earlier for it.
I want to say thank you so much for your time and effort to create this insightful video. Your explanations were thoughtful and easy to understand and I am so happy to have come across your channel. You're a blessing!
This is a good one. Very true. Have done all of these things, accepting very traumatic and ongoing problems, doing what I can about the things that I can, and telling myself no, this thing bothering me is not really that dangerous. Sometimes a diary is very helpful for this, although not so much for the acceptance of something traumatic. It can take me a long time if something is dangerous though, when there is a real threat. It can be really awful when you feel pressured to get it dealt with right away, but you cant. Also been on the side of continually avoiding stress, more when I was young. Journaling daily fixed that for me, but I had to stop when I got mutilated and got chronic pain and I could only think of one thing. That one just took some years to stop feeling angry or stressed about.
I've read a lot on this topic, and watched many vids. I've never heard the phrase "make my human ask that question again". Thanks for this perspective.
You are really good at what you do. Thank you for sharing this. I know for a fact that I am guilty of distraction now. Every day I try and stay as busy as possible in order to avoid any of the emotions, sensations or thoughts that can come up.
Anyone else noticing how the mainstream media just seems to be intentionally geared towards turning on the fight flight freeze response? Love you videos btw
This makes it sound so easy whereas when you actually deal with it it’s so hard. 1. Not all the time you can identify micro threats easily 2. Not every time breathing calms your body, or at least it takes a really long time for it to do so
I love your videos!!! I share them with my friends. Thank you for sharing your knowledge online with us! I am learning to rewire my brain and those in my inner circles are noticing a change in me (for the better). ❤ Thank you!
If I may submit a suggestion about the dog example… I wonder if those with this particular fear, or any similar, might find it helpful to read up on dog behaviour and what an anxious dog looks like. When they look sideways at you and lower their head is a good example. Being informed may not help everyone but packing your knowledge may help. I’m anxious with spiders but reading about them has drastically helped lessen this. I’ve been bitten by many wolf spiders. Now I understand why so I can avoid it. They’re just innocent creatures.
Emma, so true, watching videos to get answers on what to do but not staying present and alert to watch the mind and its messages. Thank you so much. You are amazing. 🙏🏼❤️
I strongly believe I cause all problems. All bad things lead back to me. And i have very short withstanding to fear, when my mum would forget to pick me up, but take my sister, I remember my heart racing and sweating, I have to currently tell my parent what I believe and see if they help.
Wow thank you so much for this I have been having terrible anxiety everyday and I just paused to ask myself is this dangerous? And when I opened my eyes my whole body had calmed down. You truly are a gift thank you!
Everyone encourages distraction/avoidance, even many mental health professionals! They tell people to do something to take their mind off the anxiety and keep busy all the time.
Thanks very much for explaining the mechanism of the anxiety cycle. In some cases, I know what causes my anxiety and know it's real, but I still choose to run away. I think the problem is that I try to find a solution once for all. If I anticipate that it's unlikely I could find the solution soon, a second layer of anxiety (I can't sort it out/I'm incompetent) is added up. As it damages my self-esteem, more dangerous than the outside threat, my brain responses with emergency escape. To process to action, an analogy inspires me: it's like solving a very complicated math problem, it's not so easy to find an analytic solution, but we can always try a numerical approach. It won't give us an accurate solution right away, but it would help us get to the solution closer and closer by each iteration (a bit like growth mindset?). When facing complicated problems with a lot of unknown factors in real life, it's almost guaranteed that no easy solution is available, then why not try a numerical one? Hope this approach could wired into my brain after some practice.
Hope that everybody breaks out from the anxiety cycle
Kindest words I read today ❤ May Allah heal my heart and soul, and so as all of the people of this beautiful planet ameen ❤❤❤
Inshallah
"What are your distraction techniques? Are you watching this video to make your anxiety go away?"
Ma'am please don't call me out like that
😂
Same
Your response to an awesome video shows you have anxiety about your anxiety. You sound paranoid.
@@peackeeper1 And you sound curmudgeonly...
😂😂. 👏🏻👏🏻
Finally an explanation for my procrastination... It's actually avoidance. I've been struggling with this for years and I didn't realize that it was actually part of the anxiety cycle.
My thought exactly! A valuable and usable insight.
Yes it is buddy :)
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
my problem is that even though I tell myself that it’s not dangerous, my anxiety still persists and my body still wants to find a reason to freak out and it’s still there
It's because You can't talk yourself out of anxiety, and no one truly can.
Anxiety is on the lower operating level then consciousness.
Give urself credit for sticking through anxiety
Ok then, find another way to calm yourself down, a little anxiety is actually good, but when it passes a limit is not good anymore, cope with it fight it little by little. Think about you dont want to keep going through this every day, and it better to start fighting or coping with it now, today.. wish you luck, you will feel better.
@@gerardosegobia4050 You cant fight it
Anxiety is too overpowering
@@grumpytank2927 that's the main reason why you think you can't. You can say" it difficult or its going to take time but I know I can do it" if the words coming out of your own mouth are I can't you are setting yourself for failure. I think you can , start today attacking it with everything you can dont let torture your mind for years.
You have such a kind and calming voice, and explain everything so thoroughly and clearly. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Agree! Your voice and face definitely helps to regulate my nervous system towards safety 🤗
@@TherapyinaNutshell Do you make guided meditations?
Right! Her way of explaining things, in such relaxing way helps delivering the message!
@@TherapyinaNutshell I don't get anxious around people or anything but I get a anxiety feeling in my stomach 24/7
I've developed a terrible fear of being home alone, what's supposed to be my safe space! Your videos are helping me prepare for tomorrow. Thank you!
Are you kidding me?!?! I AM using your video to distract and make my anxiety go away lol. Because I had been watching a lot of your videos and learned SO MUCH but at this point I think you’re absolutely right. I need to face my anxiety and do something
When I get stuck in rumination, I stop and tell myself...."that was then...this is now....use your energy to deal with the now."
And does it work?
sounds great.. I should try this...thanks
This is so very helpful!! I am a pro at avoidance. Keeping busy, eating, being 'happy' all the time, all of these are things that I do regularly. These are 'coping' skills that I have "perfected" since I began to have anxiety issues. When I was first introduced to meditation (slowing down the brain and body), I immediately found some relief. I couldn't understand why at the time, but now I do. This video is awesome!! The road to recovery is going to be a difficult one because I have struggled with anxiety for a very long time, but after viewing this video, I know that there is hope. I've got to learn to work with my brain instead of against it! Thank you, this really help!
How are you doing now?
"We can't just make this go away by trying not to have it."- Needed to hear this
I'm feeling human again because of your. I listen to you every day, thank you from all of my heart!
Wonderful! thanks
Im worried, because now it has been weeks without sleeping properly ,even though i m working hard to write down my feelings , im now just wants rest ,social interaction with coleagues is ond of the problem i hve, the work environment to me is not a ssfe place ,it makes me enxious,
@@hildehausikujohannes7664 I think you're trying to deal with the big emotions all at once and so you might overwhelm yourself without noticing try to do one at a time
Your videos have been a Godsend for me. Thank you for explaining why I feel and react the way I do, and for giving me hope that I can teach my brain to be calmer.
Thanks for your comment, that's exactly what I'm trying to do!
@@TherapyinaNutshell I just ordered your class, and am so excited to continue my healing journey with you!
How is the class going?
I need you. I need this channel. I think God led me to you. Please never stop helping people like me.
Can I just say how wonderful you are! When you said "for god sake stay on the toilet without your phone" it brought tears to my eyes. I am one of the people watching your video to distract myself and I am always continually doing that. Just watching your videos made me more calm. I have such important people in my life that I care about, so motivated to start this journey of discomfort. Thank you for the great impact you have on our lives ❤️
My therapists are on UA-cam. God bless the work you and the others do
i’ve been having crippling anxiety for months now. it started since a conversation with my partner about moving to another state. i’m also in a lot of financial debt. i knew that when i think about these things i feel stressed, and they’re basically on my mind all day. i did not think that they were also inducing my anxiety. i go to sleep and wake up in fear that something bad is about to happen and couldn’t figure out way. you explaining the anxiety cycle really helped me figure out where my anxiety is stemming from.
Your videos are fabulous: science based, practical, empathic, to the point. What a great gift to anyone who is exposed to them. Thank you.
There was a part in your video about things that bring on anxiety but you can’t control that which brings on the anxiety, but perhaps in how you respond to that which I cannot control. That’s a big one for me. My anxiety is constant moderate to high. I do tend to expect perfection of myself, to feel successful and complete. My anxiety is highest at work. There’s much there that raises my anxiety but I cannot control, so I try to work with it, but my anxiety doesn’t go away or get less. At home I track my anxiety on my calendar for the day. I even color code my mood throughout the day, and track my weight daily. I’m working to busy myself with things that are intended to calm me, but my mind is like a ball of chaos and doesn’t like to unwind for clear channels of thought for peace. I’ve had this anxiety all my life, but don’t feel I have someone to confide in nearby so I try to not make myself the center of attention, not expect others to understand what this is like.
This is deep. That idea of the anxiety cycle and how easy it is to get trapped in it!!
Love this series! I am a new counselor, just finishing my internship before graduation. This is one of my favorite video series to share with clients. Thank you!
Thanks! Your words ,this explanation, is all I needed today....time for a change.
Best therapist I’ve found on YT!
We can use our brain to solve problems created by our brain. Quite the existential crisis ;)
omg thank you so much! This video helped me understand why I'm anxious all the time but don't know why. I always immediately grab my phone to distract myself when I have anxiety but now I'm just gonna give writing it down a try. Trying to understand my anxiety in stead of ignoring it and letting it build up and givie me panic attacks
I just discovered your videos after having so much anxiety I felt I needed to leave my job. This is helping so much until I am able to see a therapist. Thank you for these videos, they are great!
May be i had watched a thousands of videos nothing help me much but when i watched your video suddenly get a courage to fight with my problem in a nice way.. Now i feel much better and daily watching your videos for helping myself
when you next time feel anxiety just listen something and i don't mean music, but for example you are in social situation where you feel anxious, just listen to your surroundings, any sound you hear and focus on it, don't judge it, just listen. that's sound meditation. Helps a ton for me
Thank you for your existence.
I developed anxiety disorder after a protracted round of bullying at work. I've got some short-term memory impairment and a reduced ability to concentrate as a result. My therapist says this will resolve over time, but I'm - no surprise - anxious about it. These videos are very helpful in understanding what's happening to me, and I'm hoping somewhere in here there's something that will help me regain those faculties more quickly.
Its crazy how i have gotten more from your videos than actual therapy! 😫😫😳😳🤦🏽♀️
this is SUCH a good video! thank you for making this!!
Oh my gosh! I am a distraction FREAK! I never realized I was hurting myself by doing this. Thank you!!!❤️
Thank you so much for these videos. I felt I was recommended rewiring a lot but never felt I had the clarity to even know how to start or what it is. This series really is helping me to get back on track.
Yap. This lady is very good 👍👌
Hai
thanks Emma. This really helped a lot. I've been so crippled by my anxiety for years. Right now, I just want to overwrite this unhealthy habit of avoidance. What adds to the struggle is that I'm a perfectionist, so making decisions tends to be a lot slower, but I won't let this define me. I can change, I can learn how to think, decide, and act faster. I'm good with routines so I'll bank on that to create new and better habits.
Wish I'd had find this channel 4-5 months ago.... Now I'm having health anxiety 😭I can't even control my own body😭
OMG OMG OMGG--- You are speaking directly to me :( i soo want to overcome my anxiety n panic attacks . Its been going on since September. BUT this video has been really helpful n i was work hard at making a conscious decision when faced with a panic.
Thank you for this video!
I learned more here about my anxiety than I learned reading on a lot of articles on the Internet about anxiety.
Thank you again!
Thank you for this video. It's consistent with what my therapist says. She's constantly telling me to write whats on my mind in my journal and it is hard sometimes and this kinda helps me understand why.
Today I got very bad anxiety (which started from drinking too much coffee but didn’t go away when the effects of coffee did) and I spiraled back to feeling sick from eating (I’m recovering from ed at the same time). However after 2-3 hours I made myself breathe deeply and told myself that I won’t stop until those anxiety levels go down, even though every breath was shorter than normally. I began to feel a bit better but then I happened to come across your videos and I’ve watched 3 now. That made the whole anxiety stop. Thankyou
Thanks for these amazing videos. I came to your channel through a basic video on neuroplasticity my therapist sent me, after which she said "just do it" and I was like * panicked * "I CANT THATS THE REASON WHY IM HERE KAREN"
But you explain so clearly and nicely WHY avoidance actually creates more anxiety and how to face it.
Still not easy though. I am now discovering I have a long term issue with avoidance and anxiety, and rn it's coming to a focus point around my relationship. And right now making me unable to change, confront and feel like a ghost in my life.
However your videos do help a lot in making the thoughts in my head clearer... thanks for putting the effort in making these things.
Facing micro-triggers might help you build up practice in facing larger ones. I was feeling a ton of anxiety knowing that I let half a baguette go bad. I just ignored that it was in the pantry, all moldy, but my anxiety grew and grew. Today I finally grabbed it out the pantry and tossed it. And I feel much better. I tackled it finally after 3 days of feeling awful about it. Pick one or two tiny things a day or every other day. But don't beat yourself up if you don't always manage to do it.
It also helps to write things down. Write what triggers you, why, and how you did or didn't confront it, and so on. But also write what you want your future to look like and why and some micro-steps you think you need to take to get there. It might also help to copy the diagram from the video to help you really internalize the concept. Being able to visualize that concept in moments of stress will hep you to use it. Best of luck.
Thank you for your content! I started procrastinating and having panic attacks at such a young age, and have often thought there must just be something wrong with me. Now I see I have been avoidant for most of my life. Can’t wait to keep watching... 🙏
Thanks bunches! You are so insightful, clear and concise with complex health issues.
I cannot express how much gratitude I feel after watching your series. You are bringing the best content that’s truly healing people. When people are healing and thriving, everybody will benefit from it. Thank you thank you thank you 🙏🏻
From now on, I am going to watch this video everyday to remind myself to stop being avoidant.
Thank you very much.
Facing it doesn't always make you return to calm, even with breathing. Agree that facing your fears helps over come them but the anxiety doesn't disappear making it uncomfortable and then depression seeps in because you can't even face your anxiety to get rid of it.
Hi Emma, I have watched 3 of your videos in succession, and I am THUNDERSTRUCK. Everything you say makes the most sense I've ever experienced for the mental health issues I have, especially the anxiety stuff. Thank you SO much for what you are doing, and I hope to go through your entire catalogue for better mental health.
I like when you say calm..it's really calming
Thank you for this video. I have been feeling serious anxiety and you have opened my eyes to the path of healing. Your logical reasoning and graphical explanation really works for my brain.
It's so hard to manage my anxiety during driving license exams. Both breathing and progressive muscle relaxation technics help pretty a lot, but still interfering and every failure in practical part causes more anxiety. Thanks a lot for your videos. Hopefully they help me next time.
You have to know how grateful I am for sharing your knowledge. It has helped me tremendously! I hope this adds to your well being. You are a gift.
Thank you for giving me hope and clarity. Had anxiety my whole life as long as I can remember.
This is some of the best anxiety advice I’ve ever heard
This is by far the most helping video on anxiety I've ever watched. Thank you so much!!
I get the flight or flight response when I feel like I can’t get a full deep breath
Same here. Did you find something to do about it?
@@SyedaSanaGilani for me, I usually hold my breath a couple of times until the full deep breath happens and then Im ok again!
@@sarahroskeland2106 thankyou. I breathe through one nostril. It works :) hold the other one and just breatheeee
Thank you for the practical advise. Though this is not easy to implement I think it will be helpful. Anxiety has taken a big bite out of my life. Having actual tools to help with it is great.
Your voice makes me calm. Thank you !!
That's so smart, such a clear explanation for a real problem!
Thank you very much for your work and God bless you dear Emma McAdam! You give to people so many opportunities to get inner peace by providing this knowledge!
This description, with examples and graphics, really makes sense to me. It seems much clearer to me now to know what I’m doing wrong, and how to fix that. Thank you so very much!
Thank you. Knowing that I'm not alone and that I can do something about it makes me feel better already. Hope. Hope that things can better.
Wow. I have used distractions to avoid dealing with issues and to avoid dealing with my anxiety. This video is very helpful!!
Thankyou so much, finally calmed down after a 4 hour buildup into a panic attack. Your voice is incredibly comforting ❤️
this video was extremely helpful! i found when i google it, i never get why my brains being anxious just rather tips on how to reduce it that doesnt really help me or realte to exactly how im feeling, but this video is a big relief, i finally understand whats happening and what my brain is doing!! and the tips on how to reduce it link smoothly with the why, so i know the reason as to why i have to try the tips out next time i get anxious out of nowhere!
You are very kind and practical and don't talk down to people or act like you have it al together! Seems like you know just how it feels!
Thank you very much for being so kind. You are helping me with your wonderful videos.
Thank you again, you are an angel.
This mindmap is everything!
Oh my goodness this video actually shows a light at the end of my tunnel.
Thank you so much
Ma'am, you are amazing. I'll forever be grateful for your videos on anxiety. Thank you.❤️
Wow! Thank you! I have been using avoidance for years and now it all makes sense, why I have never got better!
Your drawing was a game changer. Excellent way to explain and help control the anxiety! Thank you !
Same here!
I liked the written bit. Its so much better seeing it written out rather than a PowerPoint slide type thing on a computer.
Thank you so much. The last weeks I've been suffering from anxiety It was horrible I was scared because I've never felt like that before and this morning I cried thinking that I wasn't be able to feel better and happy again. Then I watched some of your videos and I feel fine and calm now. I know that anxiety is not completely gone but I think If it comes again I can handle it better.. Thank you again . God bless you.
If it wasn’t for this Ángels helping thru we would’ve been going through hell:(
Avoidance is truly an anxiety fuel and i've never heard such a good explanation to this. And it comes in form of procrastination, never accepting one's invite out, or just dragging something you've been wanting to do. However I think we could make use of "distractions" as a way to take action on any activity that pushes us, and not as an avoidant type. I sometimes find myself doing things i took action on and thinking about why i'm feeling this way, or just life in general. Sometimes I even stop what i'm doing to really focus on my thinking.
If someone saw me just pause what i'm doing and just stare blankly into the wall would think i might be going coo coo.
Reasons why you might be anxious: (from part 3 and 4)
1. Micro threats (eg. being late to work, traffic, noise, etc…)
2. Habitual avoidance and distraction
3. How you think (cognitive distortions such as black and white thinking, mind reading, mental filtering, catastrophizing, ..)
4. You’re ready to face the past
5. The body (your physical health)
6. You’re not living your values
I learned to ask myself, "what's the worst thing that can happen?" Usually the worst thing that can happen to me is really not something I can't handle.
These videos cannot come at a better time for me. Was afraid that I am losing my mind. Thank you!
Thank you , this is one of the best explainations i have heard. Your voice is very calming too.
Ditto
Best among the ones I've watched
This helps me understand the power in the OCD avoidance compulsions. WOW
Thank you so much for helping me understand my anxiety and how to help myself. It feels good to know their is hope to get past this.
I LOVE the flow chart!!!! It is VERY useful!
I’m a person who doesn’t know exactly why I’m anxious. But I’ve been so anxious for the past 4 months that it’s making my life hard. It seems everything I’ve ever experienced that’s made a negative impression on my heart has been coming into my mind. I honestly need someone to talk to to help me unravel all these thoughts and fears. I’ve never felt this way ever in my life before. I’m 55 years old and I feel so afraid of this.
Dwelling on those thoughts could worsen over time. Try to rationalize why you are feeling the way you do. Is there anything you need to address or confront that made your negative experiences come to light? Negative thoughts are very pesky and has the tendency to screwed up a person's emotional well being. While it is part of you, it does not define you. If you haven't already, please seek help for it. I am saying it based on my own personal experience dealing with GAD and SAD for ten years now and wish I could've gotten help earlier for it.
I want to say thank you so much for your time and effort to create this insightful video. Your explanations were thoughtful and easy to understand and I am so happy to have come across your channel. You're a blessing!
Somehow after watching this video, after a long time I feel like there is actually a solution to my problems..
Man, this video just shot me like right in the heart!
Great this diagram on the cycle of anxiety ! Super visual, super useful ! Thanks !
This is a good one. Very true. Have done all of these things, accepting very traumatic and ongoing problems, doing what I can about the things that I can, and telling myself no, this thing bothering me is not really that dangerous. Sometimes a diary is very helpful for this, although not so much for the acceptance of something traumatic. It can take me a long time if something is dangerous though, when there is a real threat. It can be really awful when you feel pressured to get it dealt with right away, but you cant.
Also been on the side of continually avoiding stress, more when I was young. Journaling daily fixed that for me, but I had to stop when I got mutilated and got chronic pain and I could only think of one thing. That one just took some years to stop feeling angry or stressed about.
I've read a lot on this topic, and watched many vids. I've never heard the phrase "make my human ask that question again". Thanks for this perspective.
You are really good at what you do. Thank you for sharing this. I know for a fact that I am guilty of distraction now. Every day I try and stay as busy as possible in order to avoid any of the emotions, sensations or thoughts that can come up.
Anyone else noticing how the mainstream media just seems to be intentionally geared towards turning on the fight flight freeze response? Love you videos btw
Completely Tom. The 24/7 news cycle is not healthy. It’s been hard to disconnect but I think it’s critical.
@Evan Hodge I did many years ago just leaving it as a marker I guess
This makes it sound so easy whereas when you actually deal with it it’s so hard. 1. Not all the time you can identify micro threats easily 2. Not every time breathing calms your body, or at least it takes a really long time for it to do so
I love your videos!!! I share them with my friends. Thank you for sharing your knowledge online with us! I am learning to rewire my brain and those in my inner circles are noticing a change in me (for the better). ❤ Thank you!
I am speechless, you are just amazing!
Your channel helps me feel normal again, it is marvelous.
If I may submit a suggestion about the dog example… I wonder if those with this particular fear, or any similar, might find it helpful to read up on dog behaviour and what an anxious dog looks like. When they look sideways at you and lower their head is a good example. Being informed may not help everyone but packing your knowledge may help. I’m anxious with spiders but reading about them has drastically helped lessen this. I’ve been bitten by many wolf spiders. Now I understand why so I can avoid it. They’re just innocent creatures.
Ahhhh, better audio. Thanks
Emma, so true, watching videos to get answers on what to do but not staying present and alert to watch the mind and its messages. Thank you so much. You are amazing. 🙏🏼❤️
I strongly believe I cause all problems. All bad things lead back to me. And i have very short withstanding to fear, when my mum would forget to pick me up, but take my sister, I remember my heart racing and sweating, I have to currently tell my parent what I believe and see if they help.
Thank you for what you do❤️
Wow thank you so much for this I have been having terrible anxiety everyday and I just paused to ask myself is this dangerous? And when I opened my eyes my whole body had calmed down. You truly are a gift thank you!
Everyone encourages distraction/avoidance, even many mental health professionals! They tell people to do something to take their mind off the anxiety and keep busy all the time.
Thanks very much for explaining the mechanism of the anxiety cycle. In some cases, I know what causes my anxiety and know it's real, but I still choose to run away. I think the problem is that I try to find a solution once for all. If I anticipate that it's unlikely I could find the solution soon, a second layer of anxiety (I can't sort it out/I'm incompetent) is added up. As it damages my self-esteem, more dangerous than the outside threat, my brain responses with emergency escape.
To process to action, an analogy inspires me: it's like solving a very complicated math problem, it's not so easy to find an analytic solution, but we can always try a numerical approach. It won't give us an accurate solution right away, but it would help us get to the solution closer and closer by each iteration (a bit like growth mindset?). When facing complicated problems with a lot of unknown factors in real life, it's almost guaranteed that no easy solution is available, then why not try a numerical one? Hope this approach could wired into my brain after some practice.