By Arthur Nowlin LMSW, CAADC & Dr. Kim Logan-Nowlin

A young woman came into our office recently and expressed feelings regarding her inability to progress in her life.  She stated that she felt as if she has been missing opportunities to take advantage of being successful.  In many situations she stated that she would make preparations to complete important task but something prevented her from following through with completion.  The young lady recognized that her behavior was becoming more and more uncomfortable around her friends.  As she was driving recently she pulled over on the side of the road because she felt nervous with the traffic on the highway.  Also, this lady is having problems with her employment because her position requires her to engage with the public.  She is becoming fearful and unable to feel comfortable.  Now she is experiencing increase anxiety and fear in every aspect of her life.  Her issues of anxiety and fear continues  to prevent her from a successful life style.

Most people begin feeling overwhelmed and unable to control the rapid breathing and increase in heart beat so they believe they are having a heart attack. Their thoughts are causing difficulty in their decision making and they become unable to associate outside of their own homes.  In many situations the person has difficulty walking in their neighborhoods.  When someone has determined that they are experiencing anxiety and fear they should search for help.  Some of the treatment possibilities begin with changing your routine, which is taking a risk for improving behavior.  Before consideration of medication, you can try a few steps to help address your fear. 

First, when feeling overwhelm and fearful, take a time out.  It is better to find something to do such as sitting down in your favorite chair sipping on a soothing beverage.  Also consider taking a hot shower or bath to help you relax. 

Second, don’t allow mistakes to make you uncomfortable.  No one is perfect and it is ok if you need to make better decisions. Third, visualize a peaceful place and imagine being where you will not have to worry about unhealthy thoughts and allow yourself to put things into perspective. Fourth, face your anxiety and fear.  Don’t try to disallow your feelings but, recognize those feelings and begin your strategy to avoid a crisis. Fifth, talk to someone about your feelings and try to understand what is happening to you and how to develop positive coping skills.

According to Medicine Net, anxiety is a common thing in the U.S. and more than 60 million people will suffer from anxiety at a certain point of their lives and more than 3 million people will have panic disorders in the course of their lifetime.  Over 4 million people experience general anxiety each year.  Panic attacks begin in the teenage years of 15 through 19. Talking to a therapist can help you address anxiety and fear and allow you to improve your quality of life.  Take the risk and change the behavior.  

Arthur E. Nowlin LMSW,CAACD, serves as the Deputy Director of Kim Logan Communications Christian Family Counseling Clinic and Kim Logan-Nowlin, Ph.D., LPC, BCPC, MFT, is the President/ CEO of Kim Logan Communications. 313-898-8200 [email protected], www.kimnow.com or www.familylifelrc.com Visit us also on Psychology Today.