Can chronic stress really trap us in a perpetual state of fight or flight? In this episode of "Why Am I Like This?", Laura Wood and Michaela Beaver unearth the complex layers of anxiety, from generalized anxiety to social anxiety and panic attacks. You'll gain a deeper understanding of how our nervous system responds to perceived threats and why some stress can actually be beneficial. We also explore how anxiety often becomes a fear of fear itself, leading to avoidance behaviors that can impact daily life.

Our conversation then shifts to the digital age and its effect on our mental well-being. In today's world, constant notifications and screen time can create a relentless cycle of anticipatory anxiety, especially for young, developing minds. We explore how this digital dependency not only disrupts sleep patterns but can also lead to daytime fatigue and irritability. Moreover, we discuss the phenomenon of anxiety dreams and how a lack of restful sleep can affect social interactions and overall mental health, raising the intriguing question of whether anxiety can be influenced by those around us.

To empower you in managing anxiety, we dive into practical techniques and the importance of acknowledgment and acceptance. Discover how negativity bias influences our perception of danger and how early childhood interactions shape our self-esteem and anxiety levels. We offer actionable strategies like slow breathing, guided imagery, and the "bucket" technique for organizing tasks and reducing overwhelm. By validating difficult emotions and creating mental space, we aim to help you reach a state where you feel capable of handling whatever comes your way. Join us for this insightful conversation and equip yourself with the tools to better understand and manage anxiety.

Laura's Free Course on Emotional Development and Regulation:
https://benavieri.com/neuroception-sign-up/

This show is sponsored by:

Benavieri Counseling & Coaching
www.benavieri.com

Active Healing Psychiatric Services
www.activehealingpsych.com