There are many different things that cause anxiety. So it would seem reasonable to find the things that cause anxiety and stop them. However, there may be a cause and effect link that ends up causing your anxiety triggers to go off. Causing the cause so to speak. Therein lies the problem with preventing things that cause anxiety. We need to stop trying to cure anxiety by solving the external causes and work to find a solution from within.
It is a debilitating scenario. One that makes you feel the humility and ridiculous shame of a dog caught chasing its own tail and finally realizing it all at once. For me it’s also a lot about shame. Although I’m sure there are many other different comparisons, the general consensus of an anxiety sufferer is ‘Feeling trapped by fear’.
It can be important to understand that for anyone suffering from anxiety it is the fear of fear that is actually causing the problem. For those who don’t suffer from anxiety disorder, that’s the only way to understand what this disorder does to people. Many people confuse the symptom with the disorder.
Let’s put it another way. The fundamental problem surrounding anxiety and panic is not what people think is causing the fear, but the fear itself. The central problem of all anxiety disorders is the fear of panic itself, the fear of the unpleasant feelings or thoughts that make up the anxiety disorder. The person is not afraid of flying or even crashing, but is afraid of anxiety attacks or panic while on the plane.
So it doesn’t really help to explain over and over again how safe it is and recite the statistical probability that it’s safer to fly than to drive. So the problem facing someone who suffers from anxiety is not outside but inside the anxious person and that is where you can begin to cure the disorder.
Breathing practices are one way to try to ease some of the anxious thoughts and feelings. It is a very popular recommendation to help stop or prevent an anxiety attack. It’s also pretty cool, but this alone doesn’t work for everyone. Meditation alone is another highly recommended method of battle. Both are very common.
What is suggested here is a combination of breathing and meditation practices infused with autosuggestion. If you create an opportunity to deflect an oncoming anxiety attack before it happens, then you are well armed against your anticipatory anxiety.
Every morning begin to breathe deeply and slowly. Meditate while you do this and try to relax as much as possible. Once you feel that you have achieved maximum calm, say out loud three times: “I can breathe to take away my anxiety” or “I can breathe to take away my fear.” If you can do this every morning and every night for at least a month, your subconscious self will not only believe it but also achieve it.
So when you’re out and about, you can prevent those things that cause anxiety attacks by repeating your catchphrase along with your breath. It will have a greater effect the more you practice it, the more you will benefit from it.
