anxiety

(1)

“Human beings, by

changing the inner

attitudes of their minds,

can change the outer

aspects of their lives” –

(2)

ANXIETY

Five Principle Types



Generalized



Phobic



Panic



Obsessive-Compulsive



PTS

Approximately 19% of the population

Physical Symptoms



Trembling, muscle tension, diarrhea, dizziness,

(3)

GENERALIZED ANXIETY

Extreme worry

Gradual onset

More frequently female

Donny Osmond

(4)

PHOBIC ANXIETY

Persistent, irrational fear (that

interferes with everyday behavior)

of object or situation that

(5)

PANIC ANXIETY

Recurrent, overwhelming anxiety

Sudden, unexpected

Agoraphobia – now seen as result of panic

attacks rather than a fear

2/3 are female

Howard Hughes – The Aviator

(6)

OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE ANXIETY

Obsessive (thought) Compulsive (act)

Persistent, uncontrollable, unwanted thoughts and

urges to act



The compulsion usually temporarily relieves the obsession

and anxiety (operant conditioning, negative reinforcer)



Specific obsessions are often associated with specific

compulsions



Full-fledged disorder is only 2.5% of population

Howie Mandel

(7)

POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS (PTSD)

Psychological disturbance from major

traumatic event



Sometimes doesn’t surface for months or years



Nightmares, flashbacks, emotional numbing,

alienation, social problems, increased vulnerability,

elevated arousal, anxiety, anger and guilt



Greater the injury, loss, or exposure, the greater risk



Greater the intensity of reaction at the time, greater

risk

(8)

ETIOLOGY OF ANXIETY DISORDERS

Complicated interactions of biological and

psychological

Twin studies - there is moderate genetic

predisposition

High sensitivity to symptoms of anxiety; prone to

overreact

Neural circuits using GABA (gamma-aminobutyric)

Classical to operant conditioning

(9)

OVERCOMING ANXIETY

Our reality is created inside of our own heads based on our interpretation of the world. If we change our

interpretation of the world around us, we have the power to change our reality.

It all comes back to that two-way connection between our mind and our body. It doesn’t matter what

happens TO us, it is our perception of the event that determines our reaction to it.

Feelings of extreme worry, nervousness, or panic

(10)

THINKING THAT LEADS TO ANXIETY

1. The belief that we must ALWAYS have love from

ALL the significant people in our life.

This sounds good, but people are real people. They

will make mistakes, they will let us down, they will say

and do things they don’t mean and regret. “Never meet

your heroes.”

2. The belief the you must ALWAYS be TOTALLY competent

Zero tolerance for mistakes sounds good, but is

(11)

THINKING THAT LEADS TO ANXIETY

3. Belief that you cannot control negative emotions. Your perception of where emotions come from

determines the control of the emotions. When you give up control of emotions, you let anxiety in.

4. Belief that if something appears threatening or fearful, you must spend time worrying about it.

(12)

THINKING THAT LEADS TO ANXIETY

5. Dwelling too much on the past

Just because something had influence in the past, does not mean it must continue. Focus on the here and now.

6. Exaggerating the importance of the event

“If I don’t win state, life will be meaningless.” Keep perspective. That kind of added pressure only produces more anxiety.

(13)

HOW TO REDUCE ANXIETY

FOCUS, ATTITUDE, PERCEPTION

1. Self-Image

You are not your sport, you do your sport. No

matter what happens, you are still you. Your value as

a person and the value of your performance need to

be kept in separate places in your mind.

2. Focus on performance goals

(14)

HOW TO REDUCE ANXIETY

FOCUS, ATTITUDE, PERCEPTION 3. Focus

Have a focus technique that you have practiced. When you focus on here and now there is less room for worry about past and future, and less anxiety. 4. Analyze

Detach from the emotion and ask: “What is making me feel this way?” “What am I doing to produce

(15)

HOW TO REDUCE ANXIETY

FOCUS, ATTITUDE, PERCEPTION 5. Be positive

How did you start your day? It will take a conscious effort to be positive. Be aware of, and in control of your self talk.

6. Be confident

Remember past success, act the part, feel physically fit, and work hard

7. Reinterpret how you feel

(16)

HOW TO REDUCE ANXIETY

FOCUS, ATTITUDE, PERCEPTION

8. Have a routine

Routines calm the nerves, focus the mind, and

reduce nervousness. Have a routine that can be

done anywhere.

9. Use a relaxation technique

These weren’t just fun days to sleep in the