If you’ve ever struggled as you’re heading out the door to that work party, panicked about going to the neighborhood BBQ, or wished you could simply celebrate your birthday alone….well…you’re not alone. Social Anxiety Disorder (social phobia or SAD) is the third largest mental health problem in the world today and affects up to 13% […]
anxiety
7 Ways to Reduce Anxiety Right Now
Anxiety has many faces. It can effect us emotionally, physically, mentally, sexually and even spiritually. It shows up in thoughts and behaviors, e.g. phobias, obsessions, and compulsions. It can leave us feeling helpless with no way out. It has physical symptoms and can interfere with our daily lives depending on the severity of it. A […]
What If You’re Right?
Few more smugly satisfying experiences in life exist than when you’re able to tell someone else, “I told you so.” If you’re humble enough to not say the words out loud, I’m sure you’ve likely thought them. Maybe you gave a knowing nod to the person about whom you were right. Maybe the other person […]
Is Anxiety Your Constant Companion?
When a circumstance in life isn’t working out the way you expected it to, or a relationship turns sour that you never thought would go bad, what do you feel before encountering that circumstance or relationship again? In The Stories We Tell Ourselves, I defined anxiety, in most cases, as “a refusal to accept life […]
7 Steps to Control Your Anxiety
In Chapter 11 of The Stories We Tell Ourselves, I share these seven steps to control your anxiety: 1. Notice your body and emotions (a.k.a. self-awareness). 2. Breathe deeply. 3. Control what you can control. 4. Surrender to what you can’t control. 5. Talk to yourself in a positive manner. 6. Do something life-giving in […]
Do You Accept Life the Way That It Is?
In Chapter 11 of The Stories We Tell Ourselves, I wrote, “Anxiety is a refusal to accept life the way that it is rather than the way we want it to be.” Do you agree with that statement? Think of a recent event where your anxiety noticeably increased. Maybe your boss has scheduled an unexpected […]
The 90/10 Rule (Part 2)
In “The 90/10 Rule (Part 1),” I related that my dad would always tell me, “Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you react to it.” I agree with that statement, and it’s helped me immensely as a husband, father, counselor, family member, and friend. But since beginning my practice […]
The Butterfly Effect of Stress
When a butterfly flaps its wings in America, does a hurricane happen in Japan? You may have heard this example before. It’s known as the butterfly effect and is used to reveal how small changes can ultimately result in large effects. Your stress level suffers from the butterfly effect. Think about it. When you’re able […]
