Worrying Amidst Stressful Situations Creates More Stress

Posted on November 29, 2012 by Patricia Reynolds-Meade , One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

Did you know that stress can cause the brain to become chemically imbalanced? It actually rewires itself to deal with the stressor that is being experienced. This chemical imbalance is partially genetically influenced, for each person has a different threshold for stress; however, genetics, in your case, is not the main cause of chemical imbalance. The byproduct of stress is the paramount result of a fast paced lifestyle. This is something to think about at least. Often it is much easier to correct the genetically based anxiety disorder than the ones caused by learned conditions. The reason is because it is much easier to treat a chemical imbalance than it is to counsel a client about changing the way they think, feel, and behave. Our emotional reactions have usually been influenced throughout our lives within such a substantially negative construct that it reflects our lack of confidence in self, others, and the universe.

When working with clients, I use the “Worry Book” to address anxiety issues. This is a journal where the client is allowed to write for only ten minutes a day in a journal about every worry, concern, or anxious thought she is experiencing. The goal is to release these feelings in hopes of reducing their effect by being participating in another activity. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything” (Philippians 4:6-7). The use of medication is often crucial to the process also. The medications that are often used to replace the chemicals in the brain and relieve anxiety enable you to focus and deal with the anxiety-producing stress. There is much evidence in support of medication treatment used in partnership with therapy. It must be remembered that when stress is prolonged, so are anxiety symptoms. Every anxiety sufferer must learn new ways of thinking and develop methods for changing their former thinking patterns and the use of prescribed medication often helps facilitate this goal. This frees you to learn how to be grateful as you go through your stressful circumstances which leaves no room for worry! Love ya, Pat