Making Friends With Anxiety
Briefly

The article discusses the common tendency to avoid or suppress anxiety, highlighting that psychological research indicates this approach can escalate anxiety. Rather than treating anxiety as an enemy, one should embrace it as a friend that encourages growth and the use of coping mechanisms. The author shares a personal experience about how fearing anxiety exacerbated the issue, and emphasizes that this 'fear of fear' often leads to avoidance, ultimately hindering personal goals. Encouraging acceptance and love for one's emotional states can lead to healthier coping strategies.
Instead of trying to suppress or avoid uncomfortable feelings, embracing our anxiety actually allows for better emotion regulation. It may be a radical idea, but it’s effective.
Treat anxiety like a helpful friend or family member. This perspective can motivate you to seek support or employ skills that help manage those feelings.
Read at Psychology Today
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