Life Skills Unlimited

Lisa H. Lang, Ph.D.

110 Red Oak Lane
Flower Mound, TX 75028
972-724-0748
214-797-5504

Thoughts lead to
Feelings lead to
Behavior

“I think, therefore I feel.”

Blog > Anxiety Management

Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist

Anxiety is a feeling of fear or dread

There are psychological and physical symptoms. It is a normal reaction to stress when you are faced with a difficult problem or worrying about things/events that you have no or little control over.

You may have trouble concentrating or making decisions or feel irritable or have physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating, trembling or have trouble sleeping. There is a sense of impending danger or doom—-creating a panicky feeling. You may believe the world is speeding up or slowing down. You may think that other people can see that you are anxious and are looking at you, so you feel embarrassed.

Anxiety usually goes away when the triggering event is over. However, it may recur when there are certain life circumstances. It may become a long-term condition that interferes with your life daily.

Remember: Thoughts lead to feelings that lead to outward behaviors. Stress is an emotional response (feeling) based on a mental interpretation (thought) of an event. We feel anxious – we do not think stress and anxiety.

You may stop and think clearly by using questions that help you evaluate a situation more calmly. Ask questions that get you specific answers vs “what if” questions. You may ask questions such as: What am I telling myself about this situation; What facts do I have to back up my thinking; Who might help me solve this problem; How might I look at this problem/situation differently, i.e., more logically.

Cognitive Behavioral therapy is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders. CBT is based on the theory that what we think and how we act directly influences the way we feel. By altering thinking that is distorted, and behavior that is not productive to our needs, we can change our emotions and our lives.

Learn Cognitive Behavioral Skills to:
Communicate Effectively
Problem Solve
Team Play/Work

Move to calmness


Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress. It is a feeling of fear or dread about what is to come from any imagined event. Examples: The first day of school, a job interview, giving a speech, meeting a new person, etc. It may be a big event or a buildup of smaller stressful life situations that triggers excessive anxiety; e.g.: a loved one’s long illness and then death, loss of a job and continued worry about how to pay the bills. People with certain personality types are more prone to anxiety disorders or there may be other mental disorders.

Symptoms of anxiety may include: racing thoughts, constant over-thinking, difficulty concentrating, feelings of dread or panic, sleep problems, changes in appetite, feeling irritable.
Some ways to cope with feeling anxious/stressed: take a time out, eat health, get nurturing sleep, exercise, limit alcohol and caffeine, take deep breaths (practice this one daily).

We know that thoughts lead to feeling that lead to outward behaviors. Therefore, learn to change your thinking to be more problem solving as you focus on the facts of the situation and how to solve the issue at hand vs rehearsing old thoughts that create the panicky feeling. Focus on the “reality of now” and stay out of the past.
Remember: Anxiety/stress is an emotional response (feeling) based on a mental interpretation (thought) of an event.

Learn Cognitive Behavioral Skills to:

Communicate Effectively
Problem Solve
Team Play/Work

Less anxiety = more peace

 
What are your unhealthy habitual behaviors today that are a
reflection of your childhood?

Get to know yourself today.
Learn to love and appreciate you.
Be honest and kind with yourself and others.

Anxiety/stress is an emotional response (feeling)
based on a mental interpretation (thought) of an event.

STOP … THINK CLEARLY

Change your life to Calm, Confident and Peaceful

Learn Cognitive Behavioral Skills to:
Communicate Effectively
Problem Solve
Team Play/Work

Fact vs fiction

 
Is my thinking based on FACTS?
Does my thinking help me achieve my GOALS?
Does my thinking help me feel the way I want to feel?

Anxiety is a “what if” disorder.
“What if I don’t get that job?”
“What if I can’t make this relationship work?”
All the “what if” questions keep us stuck.
My concerns are real to me at the time.

STOP: Think clearly: What are the Facts
and What can I do in this situation?

I can control only one person – ME.
I cannot control others.

Happiness is one thought away.
Misery is one thought away.

You decide your thinking!
Use your Skills and Problem Solve in the Present.

Learn Cognitive Behavioral Skills to:
Communicate Effectively
Problem Solve
Team Play/Work

For more counseling information:

Life Skills Unlimited
110 Red Oak Lane
Flower Mound, TX 75028
972-724-0748
214-797-5504
© 2024 Life Skills Unlimited & Dr. Lisa H. Lang, PhD. All Rights Reserved.

Lisa H. Lang Ph.D. is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) & marriage and family therapist (LMFT) located in Flower Mound, TX with over 30 years experience. She is a Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist and life coach offering psychotherapy, hypnosis, and other solutions to those seeking counseling. Dr. Lang is conveniently located to residents of Flower Mound, Lewisville, Carrollton, Southlake, Grapevine, Coppell, and the Dallas/Fort Worth area.