Steve Davidson, Ph.D.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a strange thing. Often, anxiety and panic appear out of the blue. You
may be a little mystified, especially if you previously felt calm and completely in
control. But decades of research have suggested the following as possible causes:

1. A person is relatively sensitive, perhaps overly conscientious, and especially
concerned about doing things the right way.

2. Stressful situations hit such people especially hard.

3. Therefore, sensitive people are inclined to avoid the stressful situations.

4. There is short-term relief, a sense of safety, but long-term the avoidance becomes a kind of trap.

And, decades of research have indicated that, unexpectedly, the basic solution is pretty straightforward:

1. Identify the stressor.

2. Practice relaxation and visualize coping successfully.

3. Break the stressor up into parts, or stages.

4. Face the easiest part or stage until you are comfortable with it.

5. Then face the next section, and so on until you begin to master your fear!
Facing things can be tough, so it's best to take it easy - a step at a time.

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