Anxiety: A Visitor, Not a Resident

We often hear people say, "I'm an anxious person." It's a phrase that's become commonplace, almost a casual descriptor. But what if we shifted our perspective? What if we started viewing anxiety as an experience rather than a fixed trait?

This subtle change in language can have a profound impact on how we perceive and manage anxiety. Thinking of anxiety as a trait implies it's an inherent part of who we are, a permanent fixture. It can lead to feelings of helplessness and resignation, like we're stuck with this unwanted guest forever.

However, viewing anxiety as an experience acknowledges its transient nature. Experiences come and go. They ebb and flow, influenced by various factors. Just like a wave, anxiety can rise and crash, but it doesn't define the ocean.

Why this shift matters:

• Empowerment: Recognizing anxiety as an experience empowers us. It reminds us that we have the capacity to navigate and manage it. We're not passive recipients; we can actively engage in strategies to reduce its intensity.

• Flexibility: It opens up possibilities for change. We can learn coping mechanisms, practice mindfulness, and adopt healthier habits that influence the experience of anxiety.

• Reduced Self-Stigma: Labeling ourselves as "anxious" can create self-stigma. It reinforces a negative identity and can hinder our efforts to seek help.

• Focus on the Present: Thinking about anxiety as an experience keeps us grounded in the present moment. We can focus on what's happening now rather than dwelling on past experiences or future worries.

Practical steps:

• When you feel anxious, try saying to yourself, "I'm experiencing anxiety right now." This simple shift can create a sense of distance and objectivity.

• Identify the triggers that contribute to your anxiety. Are there specific situations, thoughts, or feelings that tend to precede it?

• Explore coping strategies that work for you. This might include deep breathing, meditation, physical activity, or talking to a trusted friend or therapist.

• Remember that experiencing periods of anxiety is a normal part of life.

Anxiety doesn't have to define you. It's a visitor, not a resident. By changing our perspective, we can cultivate a more compassionate and empowered relationship with our own mental well-being.