Dear questioner,
I am Ju Ju.
In summary, the questioner's inquiry can be stated as follows:
The patient presents with an anxiety disorder that has had a markedly deleterious impact on his physical and mental health. While the traditional Chinese medicine treatment has resulted in a notable reduction in the physical symptoms, the underlying anxiety persists.
The symptoms of this anxiety disorder, which worsen with the mood of the questioner, are caused by the illness. If the effect of adjusting the diet with traditional Chinese medicine is not ideal, a psychiatric department should be consulted. The decision of whether to prescribe anti-anxiety medication is at the discretion of the doctor.
The anxiety symptoms are relatively mild at home, but when the individual goes to work or a crowded place, the anxiety and the somatic symptoms caused by anxiety are very obvious, making it impossible for the individual to work and socialize normally. In a crowded place, for example, the individual may suddenly experience various anxiety symptoms, panic, anxiety, and restlessness, and may feel the urge to escape from the situation.
The questioner has attempted a variety of techniques to regulate their emotions and behaviors, including cognitive regulation (positive self-suggestion), distraction, and physical relaxation methods. However, these strategies have not provided an expedient means of alleviating the physical and mental distress associated with excessive anxiety. In the event that pharmacological intervention is required, the questioner is advised to consult with a psychiatrist for a prescription. Psychological regulation is also a crucial aspect of the treatment process.
It is my opinion that, in your case, your anxiety disorder is the cause. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to first treat the illness. If necessary, you should undergo a course of medication and psychological treatment.
In the event that psychological adjustment proves ineffective in modifying the current anxiety symptoms, it is advisable to seek consultation with a psychiatrist for professional treatment.
What are the various types of anxiety disorders?
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a persistent and excessive fear of one or more social situations, in which the individual experiences intense anxiety and/or avoidance behaviors.
Anxiety in social situations is manifested in a number of ways, including concerns about how well one is perceived, fears of being ridiculed or made to look foolish, and the potential for anxiety symptoms to be observed by others (such as visible signs of distress like blushing, shaking, or a quavering voice).
· Generalized anxiety
Psychogenic anxiety is characterized by excessive mental worry, manifesting as persistent concern about potential future dangers or misfortune.
Some patients are unable to clearly perceive the object or content of their worries; instead, they experience a strong internal feeling of apprehension and unrest, which is known as free-floating anxiety. In other cases, patients may worry about things that may actually happen in real life, but the level of worry, anxiety, and distress is disproportionate to reality, which is known as anticipatory anxiety.
Somatic anxiety is manifested in the form of motor restlessness and muscle tension. Autonomic dysfunction is manifested in a number of ways, including tachycardia, chest tightness and shortness of breath, dizziness and headache, flushing, sweating or pallor, dry mouth, a sense of obstruction when swallowing, upset stomach, nausea, and so forth.
Panic disorder is characterized by an excessive fear response.
Panic disorder is defined as an acquired fear of a specific somatic sensation, clinically referred to as a panic attack.
A panic attack is relatively brief, lasting only a minute or ten minutes, but it is markedly intense and is accompanied by a pronounced sensation of physical discomfort (such as discomfort in the heart, chest tightness, and the sensation of being unable to breathe). The individual experiencing the attack suddenly feels frightened, but there is no way to predict when it will occur or when it will end, and there is no discernible cause.
Panic disorder is characterized by an excessive focus on autonomic nervous system activity (e.g., heartbeat, breathing, and other nerve activities that require control). These activities are often perceived as having catastrophic and threatening meanings (e.g., feeling that one's heartbeat is not normal or experiencing thoughts of imminent heart attack and death).
The anticipation of somatic sensations in specific locations, such as crowded places or open squares, is a primary characteristic of panic disorder. This anticipation often leads to panic attacks, which are characterized by intense fear and anxiety. The fear of the potential consequences of a panic attack, such as losing control of a vehicle on a highway or dying, can be so severe that it impairs an individual's ability to function socially. This can result in difficulties at work or in social situations.
In some cases, place fear occurs concurrently with panic disorder, which is referred to as panic disorder with place fear. This occurs when panic disorder is associated with the location of panic attacks.
The term "separation anxiety" is used to describe a specific type of anxiety disorder.
Separation anxiety is defined as an emotional state characterized by distress and apprehension in the presence of a significant other, resulting from the anticipation or experience of separation.
Specific Phobias
Specific phobias are defined as fears of specific objects or situations. Examples of such fears include an aversion to snakes and spiders, a fear of heights, and a fear of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), among others.
The original poster indicates that they experience anxiety and anxiety symptoms in crowded places and have a subconscious desire to avoid such environments. Therefore, it is recommended to first provide oneself with a positive suggestion and then practice abdominal breathing to gradually calm oneself.
In this section, I will present my current understanding of the subject matter, acknowledging that my expertise is limited and that the information provided may not be exhaustive. If the reader is seeking professional guidance, I recommend consulting the following resources for a more comprehensive overview.
· Social anxiety can be treated with exposure therapy and cognitive therapy.
The fundamental premise of cognitive therapy is that emotional states are shaped by cognitive processes rather than solely by external circumstances. The objective of cognitive therapy is to alter this cognitive framework that influences emotional states in order to facilitate emotional change.
Exposure therapy is a form of behavioral modification that involves the elimination of avoidance behaviors.
For example, if one is inclined to avoid crowded places, what is the recommended course of action? The solution is straightforward. One must convince oneself that avoiding such social situations is not a viable option. Given that the context is the workplace, it is reasonable to assume that the questioner does not intend to actively escape in order to go to work. Therefore, it is essential to firmly establish the necessity of attending work and the inability to avoid it. It is also important to acknowledge and accept the associated feelings of anxiety. It is crucial to identify the irrational beliefs that contribute to this anxiety and to learn to adapt to it effectively. With time and practice, one can eventually achieve a state where avoidance is no longer a necessary coping mechanism.
However, this process is challenging, particularly for the individual seeking assistance. I believe it was inappropriate, so I have removed it.
Exposure therapy typically entails the modification of behavioral patterns, with the objective of eliminating avoidance behaviors.
Generalized anxiety can be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy.
The core feature of generalized anxiety is excessive worry, which is characterized by two distinct cognitive distortions: an exaggerated perception of the likelihood of negative outcomes and an intensified assessment of the severity of potential consequences (catastrophizing).
This kind of catastrophic thinking is what the questioner must address and overcome.
One can achieve this by contemplating the underlying causes of their anxiety. The individual in question is a patient with an anxiety disorder, and some of their anxiety may be the result of factors that are not immediately apparent. This can lead to significant distress, as they may find it challenging to identify the specific life events that have contributed to their current state of distress.
For example, there is a discrepancy between your thoughts and perceptions.
For example, some of the thoughts that you have are incorrect. It is much more straightforward to ascertain which of these thoughts are incorrect.
Panic disorder and place phobia can be treated with panic control.
For the questioner, there are three possible courses of action: rethinking cognitive deficiencies, reestablishing cognition, or exposing oneself on the spot.
It should be noted that the content provided is not comprehensive or professional in nature, but it is nevertheless a valuable resource for those seeking guidance.
Anxiety is a powerful emotion that possesses considerable energy. When an individual experiences feelings of discontent with themselves, anxiety can impel them to undertake actions with the intention of effecting a change in the situation.
In addition to exercising to relieve anxiety, mindfulness relaxation can be employed to alleviate agitation.
One should endeavor to locate a quiet and comfortable room and assume a recumbent position. It is recommended that one adjust their position in order to achieve the greatest comfort, with their hands resting on either side of their body.
Then, the subject should imagine a beam of sunlight shining on their left big toe and feel the sensation on that toe. Then, they should imagine the beam of light slowly moving to their second toe and feel the sensation there.
The light should be moved slowly and freely, from the feet to the calves, thighs, upper body, face, and finally the head. This process may result in a gradual reduction in emotional distress.
In the event of an obstacle being encountered, what is the recommended course of action?
The three-step problem-solving method is as follows:
(1) Provide a comprehensive list of all potential sources of anxiety, including the rationale behind each item on the list.
(2) Classify the aforementioned reasons or events into two dimensions according to the length of time and importance required to resolve them. The order of priority for addressing them is as follows: important and short-term, important and long-term, less important and short-term, and less important and long-term.
(3) When attempting to resolve a specific issue, it is recommended to utilize a mind map to facilitate the process. This entails breaking down the issue, defining it, envisioning a range of potential solutions, selecting the optimal one, formulating a plan for its implementation, identifying the resources or assistance required, delineating the objectives for each stage, executing the plan, and providing feedback.
Should the questioner have an affinity for painting or a keen interest in the subject, it would be advisable to procure a mandala coloring book and allot approximately 30 minutes to complete a single page.
The term "flow," as defined by psychologists, refers to a state of deep concentration that can provide a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. Conversely, it can also alleviate the uncertainty associated with the future and the remorse associated with the past, reduce anxiety levels, and facilitate a return to a peaceful state of mind in the present.
Ultimately, it is my hope that the individual in question will soon emerge from this challenging situation. It is often beneficial to initially accept one's anxiety. When anxiety arises, it is important not to immediately attempt to "drive it away," but rather to accept the feeling and experience it without resisting it. This approach can effectively alleviate anxiety.
Furthermore, it is evident from the original poster's narrative that you have made an effort and may have also studied this area of knowledge. It is therefore reasonable to assume that you have a basic understanding of the subject matter, which you can build upon through further study. However, if a professional doctor determines that you require anti-anxiety medication, it is imperative that you adhere to their advice.
It is my contention that you will overcome your difficulties in the near future.
Comments
I can relate to how challenging it must be to manage anxiety, especially when it flares up in certain environments. It's great that traditional Chinese medicine has helped with your physical symptoms. Maybe focusing on building a toolkit of coping strategies specifically for work and crowded places could be beneficial. Have you considered professional therapy like CBT to tackle the psychological aspect more deeply?
It sounds like you've already made significant progress with managing some aspects of your anxiety. Sometimes combining different approaches can be effective. For instance, mindfulness or meditation practices might help maintain calmness in stressful situations. Also, sharing your feelings with trusted colleagues or friends before entering an anxietyinducing environment can sometimes ease the transition.
The persistence of psychological anxiety despite improvements in physical symptoms must be tough. I wonder if setting small, manageable goals for social interactions could gradually build your confidence. Starting with less crowded spaces or shorter periods at work might make the process feel less overwhelming. Remember, each step forward is a victory.
It's commendable that you're actively seeking solutions. Perhaps joining a support group where experiences are shared can provide new insights and comfort. Connecting with others facing similar challenges can also remind you that you're not alone. This community aspect can be incredibly empowering and reassuring.
Given that you've tried various techniques, maybe integrating a routine that prepares you mentally before facing potentially anxious situations would be helpful. Preparing with affirmations, visualizing positive outcomes, or even engaging in light exercise beforehand can change your mindset. Consistency might be key to seeing improvement over time.