Healthy Vs. Problematic Anxiety
When you hear the term anxiety, what comes to mind? Do you picture an overwhelming sense of hopelessness, despair, or intense fear? Or, is it a protective factor that enables us to achieve our goals? We rarely talk about the true meaning of anxiety. Furthermore, we struggle to differentiate “healthy” anxiety from anxiety disorders.
For Example, Johnny has a midterm paper due at midnight, which he has not yet started.
In this scenario, it is likely that Johnny will experience many symptoms of anxiety (i.e. feeling worried, agitated, tense muscles, etc.). Does this mean Johnny is an anxious person, or that perhaps he has an anxiety disorder? Maybe, but chances are, he is experiencing a normal reaction to the situation at hand. In this case, Johnny’s “anxiety” has the potential to benefit him, by allowing him to hunker down, block out other aspects of life, and complete his assignment.
So, when does “healthy” anxiety become problematic?
The simplest way to ask this complex question is, are there are recognizable patterns of behavior that create continued, identifiable problems in the person’s life. For example, Johnny believes that no body, including his friends, like him at school. Thus, every day he pleads and pleads with his parents to stay home. When he is at school, he cannot concentrate on his school work because he thinks everyone is watching him and his every move. As a result, his grades begin to suffer, and he begins to distance himself from his friends.
In the example above, it is reasonable to assume Johnny and his family are feeling hopeless and afraid. So, how does someone like Johnny regain control of his life? Fortunately, anxiety is a very treatable disorder. Research has demonstrated that one of, if not the most effective treatment for anxiety is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
CBT operates on the assumption that an individual’s negative, self-defeating thoughts (whether conscious or unconscious) create a false reality, in which the person feels stuck or unmotivated. By identifying the falsity of the thoughts (cognitive distortions), one can begin the process of replacing them with more productive thinking, which ultimately leads to more constructive actions. CBT empowers individuals by training them to be their own “therapist,” which allows them to take responsibility for their difficulties and effect change in their own lives.
If you or your loved one are struggling with symptoms of anxiety, you may want to consider seeking professional help. Anxiety can be treated.
Ben Backes, LCSW/LDAC
Ben is a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LADC), who provides counseling services to students and their families, as well as, individual crisis management for schools. In addition, Ben speaks frequently about addiction to audiences at schools and organizations. His presentations include, “21st Century Addiction”, “An Honest Conversation” and “My Story”, in which he provides the latest evidence based research regarding substance use along with insights from his personal journey with addiction.