The 3 Thoughts That Lock You Into High Anxiety (And How To Get Rid Of Them)

[@KayFletcher-j6i]

Being diagnosed with agraphobia was the worse thing that the doctors could have said. I read so many stories how people with it now travel the world etc it sent me into depression as well. But after thinking about what you said Tim i realised that its just part of who i am. Iv never liked travelling, im a home bird and always have been. My anxiety as always been with me but iv always accepted it and worked with it. Its never hurt me, made me feel uncomfortable but iv always managed to " fet a grip ". Thank you for these videos.

[@paolobradley1]

My anxious tension rises in the evenings and it seems as though I anticipate that now. My challenge is to break that loop of fearing the fear. Tim, this is one of your finest videos. All of your videos are wonderful but this ranks as one of my favourites. Thank you so much. And can't wait for the Members Area and the Live Q&A sessions of course.

[@TimBoxMindCoach]

Thanks Paul. Member's area is finally all uploaded and ready to go. Should be going live in just over a week. :)

[@craigsoota1]

The part I wanted to reflect on today Tim was the last comment.. not getting bought into the concept that this is an illness that you can do nothing about. I’ve been finding language key in this area. I so often refer to ‘my anxiety’ or that ‘my anxiety’ has flared up again as if it is a condition that is built into me. The thing is I have had many years in between high anxiety bouts where I live anxiety ‘normal’, so I already must know it’s not a permanent or fixed condition. Yet when the flare ups come again, as they tend to last months, I tend to refer to them as if it’s the same thing again .. i.e ‘its back’ One of the most pleasing ways I try and describe that to people (all be it it’s difficult to keep reminding yourself when feeling the anxiety) is when it does lift, you are so free again. Many “illnesses” leave a mark, reduced health etc, but each time I’ve come through high anxiety, when it lifts, it really is such a liberating feeling, it feels ‘normal’ again. I am continuing to try and take each day as it comes.. I wish you and all your viewers peace

[@TimBoxMindCoach]

Great advice Craig. We often look on emotional struggles as in some way damaging. In truth these responses aren’t us taking damage, they’re us learning and growing. Thanks so much for commenting and supporting the channel. I’m glad the message is resonating.

[@ivannovoselac3518]

@@TimBoxMindCoach i have the same problem with GAD. I have it for 10 years on and off, i have been years be normal and then it came back. Why is this happening? Is there something wrong in our brain circuitry, chemistry, lower stress treshould, overthinkers, sensitive personality or something else. What is the diference between us and people who never expirienced anxiety disorder. Where is the catch?

[@cheryllryan8440]

Never had it presented as learning and growing. Only heard meds and permanent.

[@milbronjames]

I guess the thing that i struggle with is the fact that, even if it is an emotion and not an illness, a person can suffer a mental breakdown and have real consequences from too much anxiety. I am trying to be ok with this as a possibility so that i can stop living in fear of anxiety

[@TimBoxMindCoach]

Whilst anxiety is common, mental breakdowns are rare, and the majority of them happen over time to those that don’t seek help. The fact you’re here means you have probably already lifted yourself out of the vulnerable group. Hope this thought helps.

[@milbronjames]

@@TimBoxMindCoach Thank you Tim, I will sit with that thought. I heard your TED Talk many years ago when I was going through a very difficult time and had far fewer tools to cope, it was extremely helpful. Going through a rough patch now, have been listening to your channel, and just listened to your audiobook. Appreciate all of the great help you have provided me through difficult times.

[@TimBoxMindCoach]

@ so sorry to hear you’ve been going through a rough patch but I’m glad the videos and book are proving helpful. You’ve got this.

[@t.b.r.2844]

I have anexiety and you are spot on with this - thanks a lot 😀

[@TimBoxMindCoach]

You're welcome. Glad this helped.

[@paulabrown1881]

I’m suffering with severe anxiety it’s debilitating I hate the “ what if “ thoughts 😢

[@TimBoxMindCoach]

Hi Paula. So sorry to hear you’re in that place right now. Hang in there as things do get better and you’re not alone in those ‘what if’ thoughts. Take a look at my previous video about catastrophising as it’s geared towards answering those concerns. Wishing you all the best.

[@kylemonette2308]

I was the same a month ago. I found it was debilitating as well and watching Tim’s videos worked and allowed me to accept the anxious thought and then challenge it with Socratic Questioning. Doing this over and over for multiple days I was able to start to create a new habit and self heal. By gaining confidence and not doubting that the process works.

[@ClaudiaLevaVallejo-ld3fw]

me too, is horrible

[@brendanking6110]

lately I've been trying to use the work of the Greek stoics to get some perspective. very good for the internal/external stuff.

[@TimBoxMindCoach]

Brendan, I totally get what you’re saying. A good friend of mine once told me that my approach was very stoic. There must be something in it. ;)

[@cheryllryan8440]

Never heard the term human. Almost 50 years, therapy since it started and never heard the word human. Thats sad....

[@TimBoxMindCoach]

I agree it's sad that we don't really get taught that anxiety is natural and not dysfunctional.

[@Peterstevoli]

Thank you for the information

[@TimBoxMindCoach]

You're very welcome.

[@travishenderson6598]

I was doing good and off meds for the first time in years ‘ then i started dating and hit rock bottom ‘ is there relationship anxiety ‘ or is it just anxiety ?

[@TimBoxMindCoach]

There's anxiety as a result of whatever we're feeling anxious about. Basically, there's the emotion and the reason we feel that emotion. I tend to dislike specific labels as giving something a name suggests added importance.

[@clairelomax6112]

Anxiety hits me if I’m asked to speak publicly. Im always anxious that the physical symptoms will come across to whoever I speak to. Not sure how to shake those feelings off

[@TimBoxMindCoach]

Claire I totally get what you mean. I’m thinking of making a video about public speaking anxiety. It’s something I’ve had to deal with a lot in the past and I see a lot of clients for this. Whenever I felt the physical response before speaking I would always remind myself that it was very natural to be feeling adrenalised and excited about this situation. It’s my body waking me up to do the important thing. When we accept those nervy feelings as appropriate then we have no need to focus on them and what tends to happen is those feelings pass as we start speaking and taking action. Rather than framing this as nerves frame it as excitement.

[@clairelomax6112]

@@TimBoxMindCoach great advice - thank you. I’d look forward to a video on public speaking if you decided to do one. I was curious as to how you overcame your anxiety when I watched your excellent Ted talk. Gives me hope that it’s possible to manage my overwhelming nerves.