Anxious But You Don't Know Why? General Anxiety Disorder: Rewiring the Anxious Brain Part 4

General anxiety disorder is a mental health condition where you feel anxious but you often don't know why. In this follow-up to Rewiring the Anxious Brain, I discuss four more reasons why you might be anxious but don't know why and four ways to develop skills when you might be experiencing general anxiety disorder.
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Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC, and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health.
About Me:
I’m Emma McAdam. I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I have worked in various settings of change and growth since 2004. My experience includes juvenile corrections, adventure therapy programs, wilderness therapy programs, an eating disorder treatment center, a residential treatment center, and I currently work in an outpatient therapy clinic.
In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.
And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love www.churchofjesuschrist.org/c...
If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.
Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC
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[@Roll3rGhost3r]

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

[@jonsonj5249]

txh, this was the destination of my scrolling :)

[@melbournerepublic8114]

Hey there, I just watched the 4 part series and wrote 10 pages of notes. I can't thank you enough! After watching this I have definitely realised that I have been avoiding and distracting myself from emotions and anxiety as well as having disordered thinking patterns, for a very long time! I am so excited to now understand what I need to do, as I had felt lost and stuck for a very long time. Already I have worked through two occasions where I felt anxiety and stood and faced, acknowledged my feelings and sat with it until I returned to calm. If I continue with this I know it will change my life. Listening to this series made me feel normal and that I do have the power to fix things, this is not a lifelong character trait. Seriously thank you so much.

[@bwinkle2915]

Thank you. You have motivated me to continue watching these videos and help myself after 40 years+ panic disorder with avoidance. Haven’t had help from drs so need to help myself.

[@melbournerepublic8114]

@@bwinkle2915 good for you! It's really hard but so worth it. Anxiety is something that I don't think is ever cured, but it can be managed.

[@AntonyJS]

@@melbournerepublic8114 it can be cured using acceptance. Once you accept the sensations and let them be and move on the sensations start to reduce and eventually go away altogether. Buts it's having the mindset that you aren't trying to calm your body and mind. You are learning to accept the anxiety and allow it to do its thing. That way your mind tells your body that your are ok and over time your brain and body re-pattern.

[@candycewindels1337]

Yes! I have felt lost and stuck with my ptsd and panic disorder/agoraphobia for 13 years. I about freaked and wanted to bail at the store today, but I stopped and breathed and told myself I was safe in the moment. I made it through. For most this doesnt seem like a thing but it's a big accomplishment! Nobodys normal and thats what makes us each unique. Im a weirdo and I'm cool with it, I'd just like to be a less anxious one lol. Im glad you are working on kicking anxietys ass as well!

[@billbill6404]

What will you do with those 10 pages of notes?

[@TheBlackswede]

"you are ready to face your past, to heal and grow" these words of yours just bought tears to my eyes... you are an angel, Thank you for sharing these videos, god bless...

[@sydneyjohnstone3546]

Just listening to you has eased my stress, I’ve been in a state of extreme anxiety for a day and a half now and it doesn’t seem to go away, I’ve been distracting myself by watching tv thinking it’s the right thing to do, now after watching your videos I’ve gotten up, done the laundry, cleaned the house and actually ate something. Thank you, I thought I’d never get out of that state.

[@xo6298]

Yo idk u but I love u and I'm proud of u and believe in u, remember no matter what happens you're amazing, brave and not defined by any bumps on the road. Just holding on to your will makes you more fascinating than you realize!

[@meghanarella3573]

@@xo6298 love you too! n' idk you but I do know that you're a sweetheart!

[@menelbens2190]

It's tough but it always goes away

[@Secretzstolen]

Amazing, now go journal and write down how you're feeling! 😊

[@abdulmalik053]

I literally asked a dumb question in a meeting and spent the rest of the day and night thinking about how stupid I am and the started distracting my brain with video games and KZbin 🤦

[@adelinkostov7134]

You are a freaking blessing Emma, such an angel! Great job!

[@abh0029]

Agree

[@DimitrovTG]

Literally ❤️

[@LaceyMyriah]

The part about old traumas coming up is exactly what I needed to hear. I experienced something very traumatic a few years ago and everything that my anxiety catches onto seems to root back into that... ive always been very anxious, but obviously it catches onto different things over time... I am so here to work through trauma because I want to live a life where i can interact more successfully in relationships and where I can achieve the things I want.

[@chrisreyes2393]

diagnosed with GAD: i needed to be constantly worrying, lest i feel naive momentary relief with benzos, but after having a seizure in my psychiatrist's office, she weened me off of them meditating greatly improved my life by making me face all my problems, to see they are manageable (no point to constantly worry about them. if something unpleasant is going to happen, it's going to happen)

[@bwinkle2915]

Benzo reduction occurring here with me right now. Need these videos to self help as drs just prescribe poison then lecture you for doing so. Good for you!

[@salcinicus9537]

Hi Emma. I am a lic. psychologist not in the therapy area (in the military). I have experienced anxiety my self after a really challenging deployment. It doesn't matter if you are in the profession or not no one is immune to the subtle process of anxiety growing on to you, resulting in a anxious mind. I find your videos were professional and relevant, far better then many clinical psychologist that I know of. I believe that many military (I'm not from the US btw) bor globally, experience anxiety after deployment without it having to be PTSD. I think your advice would be great for that community. Based on the ide that they often "train" the brain to be really aware of threat for a long time and then come back to a low threat environment. So keep up the good work it makes a difference even across The Atlantic. N

[@karenlast5170]

I have PTSD and I found it helpful. I came across this video after seeking help because I am at the point I have anxiety about having anxiety! Last year I was physically attacked 4 times and my PTSD flared up to the point all I thought about for 3 months was signing up for assisted suicide. Since, I have gotten better in a lot of ways EXCEPT for the anxiety. I still have no guarantee from my lawyer, the judge or the police that I won't be physically beaten again, so, I have been living in fear and constant anxiety for months on end! Even when I try to tell myself, no one is hurting me RIGHT NOW, it doesn’t go away. I am going to try your suggestions and watch more of your videos.

[@girlupnorth555]

This video series is the most helpful information I have heard on anxiety. It has started to help me immediately. I am grateful for your incredible content. Thank you. p.s.If it's possible in the future to make a video on coping with physical health symptoms, that would be a HUGE help! It's NOT health anxiety about there being something 'serious' wrong, it's having symptoms like pain, rashes, amongst others and 'reacting' to them/ getting totally distracted by them, getting anxious, sustaining the symptoms longer or making them worse or creating new ones and going round and round in an anxiety-symptom-anxiety loop.

[@janewillis5115]

Thanks so much for your knowkedge and your calming presence. You have helped me with anxiety, fear and catastrophizing. I am a single female and I just bought a 30 foot RV. I also tow a car. I have had tremendous fear and anxiety about driving it. Not long ago I successfully drove up the mountains to 7000 feet. I could not have done it without you! I listen to several videos each time I set out!!!!

[@anitacerny7626]

Woo hooo!👏🏻Go you!!! Bravo Jane Willis 😁

[@GurenSuzuki]

This series has helped me a lot in very little time. My anxiety story is quite complicated, let's just say that lately I've been struggling with seeing people outside of my family after quarantine ended (I'm from Italy). I've made great progress in the last yeas, and I'm only feeling anxious in certain situations and not always. After seeing your videos about taking actions, small steps to normalize activities which are stressful to us, tonight I got the courage to get to a social gathering alone. I didn't stay all the night (I didn't intend to in the first place since tomorrow I'll wake up super early), but I showed and I stayed almost an hour. That, for me, has been a step in the right direction. Thank you.

[@theblendedpalette97]

Exactly this is also my problem..

[@margo5919]

Emma, you are so calming, encouraging and helpful! Thank you!!

[@taratara859]

Hi. I’m a therapist as well and I’ve referred a bunch of clients to your content. I tell them to like so I hope you are getting those. You are amazing and present so well. Thank you. You are helping so many with these videos. Tara McNamara

[@teenagray6696]

You are such a good therapist. I love watching your therapy programs. It always makes me feel better. Thank you, Emma.

[@leeboriack8054]

I respect how she points out that personal accountability is a keystone to anxiety.

[@isabela4882]

Thank you so much! I’ve been avoiding and distracting myself by watching tv all day. I’ve never done that before. Everything you say makes so much sense. I appreciate your help.

[@MaxVinstappen]

Your series of videos have been the best I’ve come across. Super professional and authentic. This is extremely helpful, especially now during all the things going on in the world.

[@linda__4587]

Your videos just calm me. The one with you laying down and talking about getting to sleep made me so sleepy. I've had insomnia for decades. Thank you

[@seanvanbastelaar7178]

I am so thankful to have found these videos! You are describing me, "in a nutshell", haha. These are encouraging and are giving me hope that I don't have to take medication for my anxiety, but can rewire my brain! Thank you for these and for using your gift to help others!

[@vibhadeshpande6925]

Hi Emma, I am a therapist myself and I love watching your videos. Your way of explaining things is understandable for a lay person, and that's sounds so much like me..I love your videos.

[@mandybeth512]

Thank you.. These videos are soooooo helpful. I related to everything you said and it felt really good to have someone describe it out loud. Thank you.

[@Eden639]

Thank you Ema, you are a great therapist, just watched your 4 part series on anxiety and panic attacks. Indeed I am the type of person to avoid and distract as a way to ignore how I’m feeling. I never knew how to process my emotions. I am truly grateful for these tools. It is true that panic attacks are a way that the body signals that it’s ready to process past trauma and heal. I have gone through that.❤

[@danielmercado9575]

Thank you for your videos. Really. In the past months I have been going through overwhelming anxiety that has been adversely affecting certain aspects of my life and function. I am so glad I found your videos. Having a greater understanding of how it happens and how to manage it gives me a great feeling of relief. I want this gone or at least managed so from today on I'll be applying your advice. Thanks, thanks, thanks.

[@anitacerny7626]

Great determination ! Go you , being proactive !

[@jackiecarson1541]

What a clever lady . Just to understand the physiological actions in the body helps . I’ve been exercising all the time to get rid of anxiety, now realise I need to stop and listen. Thank you Emma .

[@mishandledgrace]

I love your videos. There is always something keeping me from finding the right therapy and getting help. If I didn't find your channel I would have given up but I'm still trying. Thank you.

[@vinib.4196]

One of the most useful videos I have ever watched. Thank you so much!

[@annammazur9712]

I love those videos and your calming voice 😌 thank you for chance to understand how our brain works.

[@justing1810]

Thanks. I feel like just having a better idea of how anxiety works is a step in the right direction.

[@shubha2308]

Brilliant! You are a blessed being sharing the blessings. You will certainly stay blessed all your life. Thank you!

[@michelemaxwell9261]

I've just discovered your posts Emma...You are SO clear and calm and enlightening ...Thank you🙏❤

[@lesadelisi9385]

This is wonderful information and I’m so grateful to find it. Thank you, Emma!

[@prabuddha1011]

Thank you so much! You do justice to the name of your channel so incredibly ❤️

[@karinafigueira3076]

this series just made me feel normal. i have had anxiety for no reason since summer started (it’s not the first time it happens i think) and i have kept myself busy ALL summer long. i thought i was doing the right thing, but maybe not. like i haven’t spent one single day at home all day. because i don’t want to feel that feeling so i keep myself busy. i am going to start a journal so i can keep track of when i’m feeling anxious and i am going to stop avoiding it. thank you so so much.

[@abh0029]

Please keep doing this for the people

[@florizafajardo2238]

You're a heaven's sent. God bless you. Thank you. I'm so grateful You're born in this world to help us!

[@hohohohehehe6910]

Thank you Emma. This was more helpful than the NHS

[@AmidasEmbrace]

You're SAVING MY LIFE today. Thank you

[@rosesforhanjisung4161]

Thank you always for your helpful information and dedication to make all these and make them easy to understand! ♡

[@parkin8595]

Emma, you are an angel. Thank you from me and so many others.

[@user-ge5dk8qv9p]

Wow you are wonderful! Specifically with the examples of thinking patterns and dialogue with talk therapy etc

[@Babygiggles5855]

Emma, thank you so much for all your help. I appreciate you.

[@rc3946]

Thank you! I love your videos so much it really help my anxiety disorder so much

[@gandharvgedam3218]

Thank you so much for your valuable insights on this topic. It has helped me a ton in understanding the real reason behind my anxiety and how to deal with it effectively. I also got to understand the concept of rewiring my brain(neuro plasticity) which is like f******* awesome. Always glad to watch your videos Emma. Most importantly those feelings were not wrong but the way through which I was dealing with them was wrong. Also the people who taught me that way are also responsible. But finally I feel like I found the right person to guide me through this whole process. Deeply grateful to Therapy in a nutshell channel as a whole.🙏🙏❤️❤️

[@rachelcorinnaford9190]

I have GAD and MDD. I have just gotten over Covid19 and and finding out my neighbor has COVID19 now. I'm also having PMS so my anxiety is so bad I'll have really bad stomach issues and break out in a sweat. I'm so glad I discovered this channel. I've got a lot of work to do.

[@user-jw1bp5sk2u]

She is an excellent speaker.

[@hxyoutube]

Your vids are so helpful just discovered you on youtube. You talk really calm. ❤

[@bebellaba3936]

love this anxiety video series thank youu

[@irisrojas4547]

Completely right. In my case was IBS who was causing the anxiety symptoms. And until I found out I could get out. Great video

[@susanaustin_filmproducer]

I simply cannot Thnxyou enough & believe some divine intervention led me to your Chanel 🙏 I did your breathing & yawning exercises yesterday laying calmly & comfortably & they obviously worked as I slept / napped the deepest I have, in probably years 😊 So much so that my 24 year old son arrived home from Rehearsals & said he came down to my room to say he was home & I was passed out with your video blaring 🤣🤣 Thnxyou times a million..... I am listening to you again today 🙏 Susan xx

[@ceciliamanalo2619]

Very insightful...you're really nice. God bless you and your family Emma.

[@AliciasAdventures]

I'm a therapist and I'm going to recommend your site to people...to enforce what I'm trying to teach them. 👍

[@candycewindels1337]

I dont know what other videos you have planned, but Im really hoping you do a video on panic disorder and agoraphobia. I have found your videos make me hopeful when I had about given up hope that my anxiety/panic would ever get better. I realize after 13 years of dealing with this that it will take time to retrain my brain but to at least know it can be done and to know where to start gives something that a lot of us have not had in a long time, hope. Thank you very much for putting this all out there for people who can't afford the best mental health resources and sometimes its easy to feel lost and without direction when dealing with mental health disorders.

[@elainebertholini5538]

Thanks so much for your videos they are really helpful to me im practising gratefulness daily and I'm being more accepting of the feelings and sensations 🇬🇧❤️👍

[@sammathews6634]

Thanks for making this video!

[@anfal.2104]

Your content is so helpful, thank you so much

[@lindsylovell2976]

I really loved this. Thank you!

[@kianleyon6613]

I want to thank you for giving me tools to manage my feelings and emotions, god bless you

[@flodannah9326]

Gosh you are brilliant 🤩 your videos are gold dust! Gonna look into your courses too . Thank you

[@karlenedavies6655]

I'm so thankful I found your videos You're definitely a earth angel 😇 Bless you kind soul ♥️

[@WalkWithFaith7]

Your a god sent. Thank you so much for your videos.

[@j.dean7767]

Great videos, I find them quite helpful. Please talk more about anxiety and being introverted. Thank you.

[@Oceans780]

Introverted is a good thing. We are smarter and google it because it's not a bad trait like most think it is. Check it out here: www.healthline.com/health/what-is-an-introvert#Introversion-is-a-spectrum

[@karenrobargemacon68]

Wow, I've learned a lot from your videos! This one was exceptionally helpful. Thank you! 😺

[@VVVedic]

Your videos helps me a lot,to overcome my anxiety. Thank u very much.

[@KeikoBushnell]

For some reason I can’t go to my previous video my phone is so glitchy but I was complaining in your previous video that you didn’t answer the question but you did in this video and I think I’ve got something to work on now. thank you!

[@anthonywebb7486]

Thank you for these very helpful videos...

[@deepakcrao]

Great to hear your advice...helped me a lot

[@bharatirai527]

Great stuff, thank you 😍😍🙏🙏

[@alissarghanem5155]

This video is waht i needed the most.. You are an angel ❤️

[@TrialTappersMentalHealthTips]

I agree so much. Hidden trauma will always resurface at some time in the future. Failing to address your emotional trauma will prevent you from successfully helping others.

[@medilabhealth1265]

If you have any difficulty of finding what is generalised anxiety disorder watch our video here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z36vXpevh951nZo

[@fana7181]

This vid is gold 🏆🥇 thank u so much Emma 💛💜💙❤️💚🧡 god bless u 🙏

[@playalot86]

Once again, this woman is amazing.

[@curtissanders5044]

Thank you for the information that's. Big help.. keep up the good work .Your Amazing..

[@user-rj9xd2uo4s]

Thanks for your hardworking on these popularization of science to help people in need like people who subscribe

[@samatha1994]

Thank you. These are very helpful.

[@elizabethmwaniki7421]

This information has been immensely useful in helping me take note and deal with the anxiety. Thank you! About how long does it take to rewire the brain, like resume to normal response only?

[@miriamzarate1904]

You are a blessing! Thank you so very much 😊

[@ThatPicture1]

Thank you so much for helping us here. Seeing the comments section and looking that I'm not the only one with anxiety and we're all doing our best and living our day with a more healthy mindset toward our goals. It feels like I'm not alone and EVERYTHING WILL GET BETTER. I start to see things as "see, you are safe there is no problem, you're just overthinking”. Thank you for your videos. God bless you!

[@emankamel4140]

The last one really surprised me. Our brains are amazing

[@TheyCallHimShaddow]

Thank you Emma!

[@kate-mq2fz]

I cried my eyes out when you said that anxiety may mean you're ready to deal with the past. Mine has taken the form of panic attacks when riding horses. I have never been a fearless rider but it's gotten worse in recent years after very stressful episodes. I did every recommended thing: gave up alcohol and junk food, made sure I got enough sleep, focused on my sensations and breathing, soldiered on through my discomfort hoping that it would pass. Nothing makes it better. I can push through half an hour but in the end the instructor has to ask me to dismount because my rising panic is actually making the situation dangerous. I force myself to mount again after a while so as not to avoid the source of my anxiety but next time is the same if not worse. This has gone on for several months now. I am very ashamed of myself, which makes the anxiety worse. Maybe I just need time to heal. I hope I can keep going until then.

[@michael35241]

Maybe your instructor is triggering you by their concern. Their words and actions may be telling your mind that your anxiety and that horseback riding are a threat. You need wins to tell your mind that it is okay. Maybe just sit on the saddle without the horse every day for a while. Then walk with the horse every day for a while. Then maybe ride a very short and calm horse slowly for a while. Etc. Etc. Every time you are training your mind to be relaxed

[@kate-mq2fz]

@@michael35241 Thank you for this. You are right, I need to take small steps and end each time on a positive note so my brain just remembers the relaxing feeling. So far I'm OK around horses and up to a trot. It's the canter and above the idea of other riders not controlling their horse and triggering mine that makes me nervous. My instructor encourages me to stay with my horse and walk off the anxiety while leading the horse. Then he pays me no attention at all and just tells me to mount again when I feel better. I like it that my brain thus can't create the panic to get his attention.

[@stuartwalker5991]

You give me so much hope thank you

[@rrodrig10]

Thank you for this information

[@TinaGlorioso]

Anxiety is such a troubling disorder! I started having it and retired early because of it but I should have just tried to live with it till it went away. Recently, I got tinnitus and this of course adds greatly to the problem on top of some depression and low energy. It has gotten better but I think it’s due to micro threats in the environment as you mentioned, habitual avoidance, and not living my values plus bad the self talk. I definitely see where these things are playing a part. I’m obviously not alone. But good work and thanks for the information.

[@edwardyeargan15]

Emma thank you very much for your wisdom and caring,!

[@andresanchez3520]

Thank you so much for these videos

[@telepathicteddybear]

This was helpful!

[@ariryanreyes6523]

Thank you for sharing this video..

[@caramccormack5566]

Perfect storm: 1. I had to put my cat to sleep. 2. Sudden major move 3. Dad suddenly died 4. Brother suddenly died 5. Mom's partner dying 6. Pandemic 7. Job loss 8. Unemployment and old employer appealing 9. Sitting at home 10. Headed towards menopause and my hormones are messssssssssed up. All this within 14 months! I wonder why I am anxious? 😢😢😢😢

[@qhhh4189]

😔😔😔😔

[@emilykirkman8468]

Just said a prayer for you 🙏🏻❤️

[@deepakcrao]

Things will look up

[@rhondapelletier2141]

I’m soooooo sorry you have had Sooo many situations that are working hard on your emotions❤️........losing my cat Alone would send me into a Spin.....😢 I’m sending you PRAYERS , LOVE & strength........I guess I would tackle each one by itself.........Give kitty full attention of your emotions.....grieve ( I’m sure weeks , months later you may get teary eyed but you will remember sitting in the Grief ..........sooo many losses at once will definitely be OVERWHELMING for Anyone❤️........It’s been months now.......I hope you are in a Good place ( head & Heart wise.....& health) ...........Be kind to yourself ❤️❤️❤️❤️.........

[@DimitrovTG]

Thank god i found this Emma you are great

[@Humanessence778]

Such good advice.

[@drea_pace]

Thank you soooooo much ! GOD BLESS YOU !!!

[@karen_ellen]

Theses videos are helpful! I hope to apply the information you set forth. I may be interested in the Udemy courses. I believe they could be very helpful! I believe in neuroplasticity! What a wonderful hope for anxiety sufferers! Thanks, Emma! Great resources! God bless you and Happy Sunday!!!🐈

[@tash7069]

This series has been incredibly helpful. Thank you so much! Do you know much about ADHD and what we can do to rewire our brain to manage it?

[@mayurdugar03]

Very very helpful! Thanks a lot :)

[@pratishvishwasrao2557]

wohh wtf...its totally me ,thnx doc much appreciated im gonna suggest this channel to anyone ,i like such surprises in which someone or some article exactly put into words which totally identifies my problem i get very stressless 😌

[@katischlimm]

We love you!

[@anandateertha7865]

Thank you. Very helpful.. best wishes..

[@oneredmango]

Thank you ma'am .. Helped me a lot.. I am from India