Anxiety is something we all feel at one time or another. In fact, anxiety has a purpose. The purpose of anxiety is to keep us safe from harm. But anxiety can also get out of control when there is nothing around to harm us. When we feel anxiety at those times, we need to take back control and recognize that what we are feeling isn’t always what is true. There are three lies that anxiety tells us and we will examine each and how to deal with it.
Anxiety Lie #1 You need to constantly check the future
Anxiety sometimes tells our brains that we need to always be worried about or monitoring the future. The thing is, who can tell the future? We know we are experiencing this when we constantly ask ourselves the question
WHAT IF?
What if I get sick?
What if I don’t do my homework?
What if I can’t fall asleep?
What if people look at me funny?
What if I don’t have enough money?
What if…
What if…
What if…
You can fill in the blank for your own what if questions.
Asking ourselves, “What is?” allows us to see WHAT IS right in front of us. It shows us WHAT IS true and WHAT IS happening right now. Knowing WHAT IS …is more powerful than worrying about what might be. You can make a plan if you know WHAT IS real! Having a plan will help you become a more resilient person and be able to handle anxiety if and when you feel it.
We all feel anxiety; it is a normal emotion. Be prepared and have a plan for how you will handle the next time you feel anxious.
For more information about anxiety go to www.gozen.com
Written By: Christine B., Masters Level Intern
CounselingMatters.live 
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