Posted by linkadge on August 19, 2011, at 21:36:11
In reply to Re: Anxiety: exposure the only permanent solution? » Zonked, posted by sleepygirl2 on August 19, 2011, at 18:56:45
There are some situations which are intrinsically fearful. The key is not to always eliminate the fear. Wanting the fear to shut off will not work because it necessarily requires focusing on the fear, not how to adress it - like wanting to shut off pain, not tend the wound. Oftentimes fear should be there, but it should be kept in tune by the ability to adapt to the situation, so that the fear is kept in perspective. In many anxiety disorders, its not that the fears are necessarily bigger, its that the adaptive capacity is hampered, thus letting the fear get out of proportion. The key is to find ways to adress the fear in a way that actually leads to resolution.
For instance, prior to entering university, I was terified about upcoming courses, workloads, demands. However, I used the summer prior to look up upcoming courses and study ahead. Did it eliminate all anxiety...of course not, but it did strenthen the circutry that could control the fear and put it to use. If I had just chalked up the "fear" as irrational, and one which shouldn't be there, thus necessating long term benzo use, I really wouldn't have been in the better position.
Do not fear the unknown, find a way to make it known.
Linkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:994256
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110809/msgs/994350.html