519-570-9163
LEE HORTON-CARTER COUNSELLING SERVICES
  • Home
  • About Lee
    • Lee Horton-Carter, M.A.
    • Counselling Philosophy
  • Services
    • Resource Links
    • Individuals
    • Couples
    • Families
    • First Responders
    • Therapy Groups
    • What is EMDR?
    • What is EFT?
  • Coping through a Pandemic
  • Mindfulness -2019
  • Building Resilience & Hope 2018
  • Mindfulness 2017
  • Building Resilience & Hope 2015 & 2016
  • Contact
  • Untitled

Ain't it the truth?... Ain't it the truth?

1/8/2016

 
The Cowardly Lion says "Read what my medal says 'Courage'....Ain't it the truth? Ain't it the truth?"  That was in 1939.  And I'm quite sure that we have more people suffering from anxiety disorders now than we ever did then because our society has become flooded with media and the massive amounts of judgement and ridicule that come with it.  

It takes courage to deal with anxiety and to develop the skills to make your life different so you don't suffer as much.  If it is truly an anxiety disorder then it's not one of those things that goes unnoticed by others, so the feelings of being exposed while your fear hangs out for everyone to see is huge. That is why it is important to remember that it is actually very courageous to face and deal with anxiety.   Lately I have been handing out a helpful sheet to people that summarizes very succinctly what you need to remember to calm your anxiety.  It's a visual reminder to give yourself a reality check re: how scary the event really is.  If it is really and truly scary.....then leave!!  Sometimes what people call fear is actually wisdom!  If, rationally, you know that it is something that makes you feel anxious but isn't dangerous, then breathe and calm yourself internally. Deep breathing reminds you at a deep physiological level that you are safe and that you are not in 'fight, flight or freeze'.  Positive self-talk counteracts the shaming messages going on internally.   You can also practice naming things that you can see, hear, and feel in your body so that you remember where you are and that you are an adult who has choices.....even if you might not always like them!  For people suffering from anxiety the main skill to be learned is how to feel safe and calm in your body.  That is why practices such as yoga, mindfulness and meditation are helpful.  
.
Sorry....no metaphor this week.....just plain ol' useful information!  I hope it's helpful.
Picture

Comments are closed.

    Categories

    All

    Archives

    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    October 2013

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.