Anxiety As a Badge of Honor? We Need To Do Better And Here Is How

date: 2024-07-14

author: Ivana Mrgan

I cringe at mentioning high functional anxiety as a badge of honour. Especially when it is frequently just a debilitating coping response... Functions for whom?

  • Companies that only see high achievers?
  • Family where basic needs are not met?
  • Extended family as they are most responsive when someone needs it?
  • Society as they are seen as productive members?

I'm thinking of changing my job role to Advocate or Activist. Because supporting people in getting off the hamster wheel is a rebellious act. Systemic shifts on all societal levels are needed. People with anxiety are not highly functional, they are barely functioning. If you see people around you being applauded for extending themselves beyond what is possible, act.

If you see them ridden with fatigue and unrelenting standards, extend compassion and care. Support them in your own small ways to get off the hamster wheel by

  • Avoiding comparisons and ensuring flexibility
  • Establishing and supporting healthy boundaries
  • Showing up, being open, acceptant and caring
  • Aligning action with core values, not societal expectations
  • Creating a supporting network for people around you

Even if you decided to get off the hamster wheel you might still feel tempted to jump back on it sometimes. Setbacks in the process of recovery can happen at any time and are to be expected, especially when dealing with anxiety.

There is a great deal of brain chatter involved and this results in anticipatory anxiety around 'being and feeling well all the time' as a criterion for successful recovery. Try not to fall into this trap and focus on meaningful and values-driven strategies:

  • Be mindful and engaged: Stay present and fully utilise what you have learned. reminders to be mindful and engaged in what is there in front of you, fully utilizing what you have learned
  • Journal and track your mood: This helps you stay on track and reminds you to revisit specific skills. journaling and mood tracking to keep you in check and prompt you to revisit specific skills
  • Develop new routines: Support your recovery and expand by introducing new routines that align with your values. new routines that support recovery and expanding on those by introducing new ones that fit your values
  • Cultivate meaningful relationships: Surround yourself with supportive people as you are trying your best to stick to new patterns. meaningful relationships that will support you while trying your best to stick with the new patterns
  • Practice self-compassion: When things get tough, be kind to yourself. You’ve got this! self-compassion when things get tough - you got this! It makes sense to be self-kind in the meantime...

Good luck and let us know should you need anything in the meantime.

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