Anxiety paralyzes me: why and how to act

Going blank before an exam, in a job interview or while we are victims of a robbery are not remote possibilities if we take into account how our cognitive system works.

Anxiety is a natural and universal defense mechanism that usually allows us to react adaptively when we perceive a threat that compromises our integrity. Its purpose is to mobilize the body and keep it alert to act functionally.

Very simply, Aaron Beck, the leading figure in cognitive psychology, describes it as a fear reaction. But, What happens when anxiety exceeds certain limits?

In this case, it can stop fulfilling its adaptive function, and have dysfunctional effects on our body and mind. I mean that Anxiety can paralyze us, both physically, cognitively and emotionally when we experience it at high levels.

Intrusive thoughts can fuel anxiety.

When anxiety leads to blockage

Mental blockage is one of the most frequent symptoms of excessive anxiety and can manifest itself in the most varied contexts: at work, at university, among friends and even on a romantic date. It is frustrating to discover that our mind has gone blank and that we are not able to think, speak or behave as usual.

Intrusive thoughts usually appear at these times and complicate things further. “What is happening to me?”, “I forgot everything I had studied, I am a disaster”, “I am not able to concentrate”. These feed and enhance anxiety, causing us to feel at a dead end, without the ability to find solutions to our problem.

In these cases, we feel unable to think clearly, organize our thoughts, draw conclusions or make decisions. In turn, mental drowsiness can be accompanied by symptoms and bodily sensations, such as the feeling of being immobilized.

As we have seen, (adaptive) anxiety predisposes us to carry out quick actions to try to get away from danger. When we are paralyzed, things happen to us like not being able to speak in public, having difficulty incorporating and memorizing new information, or being unable to run away if an animal chases us. It is in these contexts that, unfortunately, the possible solutions are not even close to us.

How to deal with paralyzing anxiety

It is unpleasant to feel blocked: The lack of a sense of control can be really frustrating. Furthermore, it usually negatively affects the different areas of the life of those who suffer from it, from their studies and professional and work growth, to the bonding and emotional aspects.

The truth is that when we frequently experience blockages, the body and mind are trying to give us a message: it is worth listening to. Generally, it comes to tell us that we are moving very quickly with our lives, that we are not doing what we really would like, that we have intense pressure inside us and that It is time to start acting and making decisions according to what we want and need.

To reveal its purpose, it can help us to ask ourselves the following questions: What am I doing that I don’t want to do? At what point did I stop feeling authentic? What demands do I need to free myself from? What emotions do I not allow myself to express? Am I living how I want to live? What aspects of myself life would you like to transform?

Once we discover what anxiety wants to tell us and generate the necessary changes, it can withdraw from us. It is possible to learn to manage anxiety with dedication, patience and professional and specialized support.

Anxiety tells us that it is necessary to stop to reflect on our lives.

Specific treatment

Acceptance and commitment therapy is considered one of the best options to treat these types of problems. This therapy will help you identify and overcome anxiety blocks by accepting your emotions, without resisting them.

In short, it is about acquiring tools to confront anxiety and enhance well-being. In general terms, there are some guidelines that can help you with these problems, while carrying out treatment. psychological: connect with your breathing, practice mindfulnesstake breaks, do sports or yoga, maintain a healthy diet and identify your thoughts and emotions.

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