In my years providing counseling in OKC I have heard many people talk about their experience with anxiety & panic. There are several myths around working on understanding and befriending anxiety and panic. You did hear me right, befriending these two emotions that are often seen as “terrors” is possible and often helpful in creating healing. I want to help you learn about the top 3 anxiety and panic myths as we debunk them today!
1. It’s Not That Bad
People that struggle with anxiety but are still able to function in this world (at least on the outside) are often great at minimizing. They are known to down play their struggle, seem to believe that others must have it worse and even gaslight themselves regarding their negative experiences. It is true that there are varying degrees of anxiety and how it impacts your life. However, it is also true that when any difficulty is made to be smaller than is actually true for you there are often adverse effects. One of these adverse effects is not being able to get the support you need to heal. After all we cannot work with something that we deny being a problem.
2. I Can Do it on My Own
You can do it on your own as you have been. Which will also mean that you continue to get the outcomes you are currently facing. Anxiety and panic are “silent injuries”. Outside of having a panic attack in a public way many people seems at though they are functioning well. However, it’s often exhausting and requires so much more time, energy and resources to be able to function.
Doing things on owns own is just one way of doing things. It often results in feelings of isolation and continued struggle with little relief. Of course, I hear the many of you that don’t want to have to ask for help but know that it is available and you do deserve it.
3. If I just Don’t Do the Things that Induce Panic, I’ll be Alright
I have heard this time and time again! People start to keep track of the items to avoid so that they can decrease the likelihood of having an anxiety/panic attack. The list may start off small but often only grows until it is easier to write a list of what you can do instead of what you need to avoid. Though avoiding certain triggers can be helpful short-term, for most it is not a long term solution. The list of items that “need” to be avoided often only grows and do not become any easier to address. It is also unlikely that avoiding these items will always be doable as life is unpredictable at times.
Wrapping Up Counseling in OKC’s Top 3 Myths for Anxiety & Panic
Anxiety and panic do impact the way people live even if on the outside you appear to be “functioning well”. Though you can continue to take this journey alone there is support available. If you are ready to reach out for that support be sure to schedule your free phone consult here and learn more about how counseling in OKC can help you with anxiety and panic.
