ABSTRACT
Anxiety is extremely useful to protect people from harmful situations. Unfortunately, it also triggers worrying thoughts and makes them think in a negative manner. This has the effect of causing them to want to avoid situations. The more they avoid them, the more negative thoughts they have about them, causing more anxiety and so on. The physical sensations brought on by anxiety fuel the thoughts. A person may think they are going to faint, become ill or die. The fact is that these very uncomfortable feelings are seldom dangerous and can be overcome with courage and practice. Negative thoughts focus on anxiety, creating more and more anxiety until the situation is out of control. Realistic and positive thoughts will reduce anxiety, divert attention and give back control. Combined with breathing and relaxation techniques, it provides a really powerful technique for coping with the most anxiety-giving situations.
