Anxious But You Don't Know Why? General Anxiety Disorder: Rewiring the Anxious Brain Part 4

Summary

In this video, Emma McAdam discusses general anxiety disorder, emphasizing that anxiety often stems from learned behaviors and thinking patterns rather than being a fixed trait. She explores six key reasons for unexplained anxiety, including cognitive distortions, past traumas, bodily health, and living out of alignment with one's values. By recognizing these factors, individuals can begin to rewire their thinking and adopt healthier habits. McAdam encourages viewers to take small, actionable steps towards change and seek professional help if needed, reinforcing that anxiety can be managed and improved over time.

Takeaways

• 😀 General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves persistent anxiety not linked to a specific event.
• 🧠 Anxiety can be treated by rewiring the brain and learning to feel differently.
• 📖 Writing about feelings of anxiety can help identify the underlying causes.
• 💭 Cognitive distortions, like black-and-white thinking and catastrophizing, can worsen anxiety.
• 🔍 Recognizing and challenging negative thought patterns is crucial for managing anxiety.
• 🔄 Changing how you think can lead to changes in how you feel.
• ⏳ Past trauma may resurface as anxiety, indicating readiness to heal and process those experiences.
• 🏃‍♀️ Physical health, including diet, exercise, and sleep, plays a vital role in emotional regulation.
• 🌱 Living in accordance with personal values can reduce anxiety; feelings of anxiety may signal the need for change.
• 💬 Seeking therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy, can provide individualized support for managing anxiety.

Q & A

What is general anxiety disorder?

General anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent feelings of anxiety that are not tied to any specific event or situation.

How can habitual distraction contribute to anxiety?

Habitual distraction can keep stress stored in the system, leading to feelings of anxiety when individuals may not understand the source of their discomfort.

What are some cognitive distortions that can exacerbate anxiety?

Cognitive distortions include black-and-white thinking, mind-reading, jumping to conclusions, mental filtering, and catastrophizing.

How does black-and-white thinking affect anxiety levels?

Black-and-white thinking can lead individuals to view situations in extremes, causing feelings of failure or inadequacy, which increases anxiety.

Why is understanding our internal dialogue important for managing anxiety?

Understanding our internal dialogue helps identify habitual thinking patterns that may contribute to anxiety, enabling us to address and reframe them.

What role does past trauma play in present anxiety?

Sometimes, anxiety may arise from unresolved trauma, indicating that the brain is ready to process and heal from past experiences.

How can physical health impact anxiety levels?

Physical health influences emotional regulation; factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, and sleep deprivation can exacerbate anxiety.

What does it mean to not live your values in relation to anxiety?

Not living in accordance with one's values can trigger anxiety as a signal that changes are needed in one’s life to align better with personal principles.

How can cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) help with anxiety?

CBT helps rewire the brain by teaching individuals to respond to anxiety-provoking situations with healthier thought patterns.

What are some small steps one can take to manage anxiety?

Small steps include establishing a regular sleep routine, engaging in physical activity, or making dietary improvements to support overall health.