Anxiety Addiction
First Listed March 17, 2009
I was told recently by a very wise woman that people can be addicted to anxiety. For some it’s a rush, like a scary movie or roller-coaster ride. I had some anxiety issues surface recently and it was hard for me to think that I, or anyone else, could be addicted to anxiety. But then she gave me the example of smoking and I understood better. She said that many people who smoke know they would be better off if they stopped smoking. They know it would be healthier for them and they would most likely feel better, but they don’t stop. This made me realize that having anxiety is similar to many other addictions. Also, physical dis-ease can form from anxiety just like a physical dis-ease can form from smoking.
Wow! Can you imagine being addicted to thoughts? I was aware of what I was going through and of my thoughts but found it very hard to get back to center. It’s like a little gremlin comes in and takes over. Luckily however I chose to dive back into my body and out of my mind – the true way back to our divine self.
What do you think? Have you ever been addicted to something that you know you’d be better off without, but had a really hard time letting go? Feel free to share your thoughts below.
Elly on Wed, 18th Mar 2009 1:38 am
I read a great book which talks about how quickly our thoughts can start a negative vibrational pattern, but also how quickly we can change it. I highly recommend “Excuse Me Your Life is Waiting” by Lynn Grabhorn.
Gina on Wed, 18th Mar 2009 6:00 am
Hi Elly,
Thanks for that recommendation. I’ve heard of that book before. I’ll go check it out.
Thanks so much.
Gina
Mike on Sat, 9th May 2009 6:07 am
HI Gina
Im’ from a small town in South Texas-Im struggling and fighting a case of high anxiety in my life
Its taken me over at work and at home
Im taking medications and seeing a doctor but they don’t seem to help
My wife is very supportive but she can only do so much.
I’ m thinking about hypnothearpy as my next move as I can’t go on living like this
I’m 55 and anxiety has taken over my life
Gina on Mon, 11th May 2009 1:18 pm
Hi Mike,
I’ve never tried hypnotherapy, but it may work for you. It couldn’t hurt to try.
When I first started having anxiety and panic attacks I read the book called, ‘Master Your Panic’. It helped me understand what and why this was happening. Another big thing that helped me was starting a meditation and yoga practice. That led me into aromatherapy. Maybe you can check out some essential oils next time you are at a health food store or at Whole Foods Market. Inhale some and see how they make you feel. I always have a calming blend on me. Another thing i always carry with me is Rescue Remedy by Bach Flower Essences – you can usually find this at health food stores as well.
We usually have anxiety because we have unintegrated emotions- either fear, anger or grief and instead of dealing with these emotions, we suppress them and then one day they show themselves as anxiety. It’s good you are in contact with a doctor so you know it’s anxiety.
Another book that has helped me tremendously is ‘The Power of Now’.
I hope some of these suggestions help you.
Wishing you peaceful days,
Gina
Peter on Thu, 28th May 2009 5:11 pm
Anxiety and the adrenaline from the intense feelings have ruled my life. I leave comfortable, loving situations for the insanity of addicts, to alcohol or stronger drugs.
It probably comes from my early childhood where I was, in effect, abandoned by my mother who was dealing with a terrible case of RA. I became addicted to worrying about her. About the time I turned 12 she was able to overcome the debilitating nature of RA and quit complaining. The lack of anxiety left a hole in my persona that I seek even today when I am in my mid 60′s. I’m an enabler. It’s time to return to consoling and Al Anon.
Peter
Gina on Fri, 29th May 2009 7:44 pm
Hi Peter,
Anxiety can be an addiction just like anything else we become addicted too. The first step toward helping that addiction is to become aware of it, and it sounds like you have.
It’s ok to live without anxiety – that’s what I finally realized.
Best wishes,
Gina
Deborah on Tue, 25th Aug 2009 11:59 am
This is the first time that I have looked at anxiety as an addiction and, I must say, it is the only thing that makes sense. I can now see that I get the same deflection from the feelings/situations that I really need to address that I used to get from alcohol/drugs/sex. I am 52, and for years I have been climbing out of one addiction or another. I thought I had gotten through them all, then anxiety came crashing down like a house on top of me. I have become aware that I actually have no idea of who I am. All I know at this point is that I have been a collection of addictions and the resulting ‘bad’ behavior and choices. I hazard a guess that, some where inside, I DO know who I am, but that who I am was so unacceptable to by family that I learned to subvert that person and put on someone else. To sustain that I drank – which was completely acceptable inmy family….it is what we do. Now I am struggling to seperate from my family and finally be myself. I did not think this would be such a big deal. I live 600 miles from them. I am 52 years old. I have a good job. I am married. I believe that I am addicted to the old way of thinking about myself and that the anxiety is coming from attempting change. What would happen if suddenly I was acceptable just as I am? Where would my power go? What would my purpose be? It is kind of the same thing you go through when your kids are finally out on their own and you look around and say, “Now what?”
Gina on Tue, 25th Aug 2009 2:19 pm
Ahh Deborah, it sounds just like you said – ‘anxiety is coming from attempting change.’ How wonderful for you! Life is change and the more we ‘respond’ to it rather than ‘react’ to it, the more aligned and centered we will be with Life.
All those questions you stated at the end of your post, what feelings do those bring up for you? Anxiety perhaps? Just sit with those feelings without judging them – allow those feelings to be (where do you feel them in your body? Start there) and especially the feeling you may have of not knowing the answers to those questions!
Also feel what feelings come up when you do interact with your family – family members are our best teachers!
All the best on your continued, growing journey,
Gina
Fergus Kelly on Wed, 13th Apr 2011 4:15 pm
makes sense to me. seems i have brought almost constant anxiety in to my life over the last 10 years. needlessly.
gina on Wed, 13th Apr 2011 4:37 pm
@fergus kelly Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts! I’m glad this makes sense to you and hope it brings some deeper insights for you too.
Many blessings!
Gina