Weekly Prompt #28: What are some positive things that can come from experiencing anxiety?
Hi everyone, I hope you are all being easy on yourself this week.
A couple of weeks ago we discussed: What is it about setting goals that fills us with anxiety? Thank you to all who participated and shared your thoughts with us. I appreciate you all. I hope all who may read it find it relatable too. If anyone hasn't shared yet, please share them here and I look forward to reading and discussing them with you.
This week's prompt: What are some positive things that can come from experiencing anxiety?
@ASilentObserver
Ooh positives of anxiety. Good prompt, Obziee, it's nice to reflect on the somewhat glass-half-full sides too hehe.
I feel, for me a major plus because of anxiety has been the ability to analyze my surroundings better, be watchful and more observant, in general have a better understanding of the environment, better reading of societal cues and human behavior.
How about you?
@Sunisshiningandsoareyou It sounds like, through your experiences with anxiety, you have developed skills in observing your surroundings and gaining insights into human behavior. Those abilities could serve you well. I am glad we could reflect on this potential positive aspect. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Sunnie.
@ASilentObserver
Thank *youuu*, Obziee!
The positive thing of it is that I'm prepared for anything haha. I'll have thought trough every possible scenario so I'm ready for whatever. And since my anxiety assumes worst case scenario always, it's probably likely to be not as bad as I thought.
@SleepyPersonForever It sounds like experiencing anxiety causes you to prepare carefully for different possibilities. While worrying about worst case scenarios is difficult, being ready for what may come has its benefits. What kinds of support do you find most helpful during anxious times?
@SleepyPersonForever
I can't agree with this more! This is also how I perceive anxiety in a positive light. It motivated me to be fully prepared for many things and helped me succeed too.
@LZYYYy It sounds like you've found some benefits to experiencing anxiety at times. Reflecting on how it's motivated you and helped you prepare must give you a sense of resilience. You have an understanding of yourself and coping strategies that serve you well.
@ASilentObserver the good things about anxiety🤔🤔 I guess it helps you learn what scares you and what triggers you, so makes you aware of your limits and boundries ❤
Also very true! I agree with that one for sure.
@Tinywhisper11 experiencing anxiety has helped you gain insight into your limits and what triggers you. Reflecting on this can be useful for understanding yourself better.
@ASilentObserver
What are some positive things that can come from experiencing anxiety?
I think a big thing for me is that I have found a lot more compassion for people suffering with anxiety. My anxiety has grown over the past few years, and I've learned more about it, and about others and what they deal with.
@thoughtfulmomma Thank you for sharing about how your experience with anxiety has helped you develop more compassion. Finding even small positives during difficult times is so important. You have great strength in learning about anxiety and not allowing it to define you.
Anxiety makes me think all possible sides of any thing. To make decisions after thinking well about it. Sometimes it freezes me.
@compassionatePomegranate5476 It is understandable that anxiety can leave one feeling frozen at times. While the freezing may not feel positive, it seems your awareness of different perspectives could serve you well in making thoughtful decisions.
There is nothing about my anxiety that is positive.
Anxiety is the mind killer.
@Gettingbettertoday I understand this is difficult to see anything positive when experiencing anxiety. While anxiety can feel all-consuming in the moment, have you found any small ways it may push you to focus on self-care? Please know you deserve to feel at ease. We are all here with you.
@ASilentObserver
Just the opposite. Anxiety distracts me from doing the things I need to be focusing on.
For example my doctor says I need to be more social and make new friends. My anxiety has kept from making any real attempt to do this.
@ASilentObserver
When harnessed and utilized properly, it can make you more self-aware, improve problem-solving skills, and make you more conscientious of others. Since anxiety can trigger the "fight-or-flight" response, releasing adrenaline can actually enhance focus and drive, and that for me has helped me to be more prepared, and thorough in any work I do. Good topic!
@Heather225 Thank you for sharing your insightful perspective, H. It is understandable how experiencing anxiety could lead to feeling more self-aware and conscientious. You have a thoughtful understanding of how to work with what comes up inside. That comes up with overtime practice and small steps.
The lived experience of anxiety helps us understand other anxiety sufferers and empathize and validate their experience. Even if what helps some might not work for others, at least we know we're not alone. But often, shared resources can help too, and it's nice when that happens.
@Zeraphim It sounds like you have gained insight through experiencing anxiety. While difficult, sometimes facing challenges helps us understand others going through similar struggles. You also mention finding shared resources helpful - connection and support from others can make a big difference.
I guess it makes you super aware of situations, surroundings and stuff. Which can have a lot of bad effects like struggling to make decisions, fear or overanalyzing. But at least you're aware and not completely "blind" to everything...
@Michelh1996 It sounds like experiencing anxiety brings some awareness that can feel both helpful and challenging. Being more attuned to your surroundings and situations is one potential positive. You're right that increased overanalyzing and difficulty with decisions can make things difficult at times too. I'm glad you're bringing these things to light to gain understanding. How does that awareness show up for you in everyday life?
@ASilentObserver I guess when it comes to people, you are so focussed on their behaviour, how they received it, you very much want to take that into account when doing something, planning something or making a decision. But this can also lead to putting a lot of effort in trying to do things right, taking everything into account and then the result being underwhelming, or someone not giving it the amount of attention or care that you have given it. Might leave you frustrated as well because they don't "seem" to care as much. It can lead to situations where I am like: that's logical or to be expected (that you do that or take that into account or whatever) and others didn't even think about it because they don't overanalyze it as much
@Michelh1996 It sounds like being so considerate of others can sometimes leave you feeling frustrated when your care and effort aren't reciprocated in the way you expect. You are dedicated to understanding different perspectives, though that approach also comes with its challenges.
What feelings arise in you during those times when others don't seem to share your level of thoughtfulness?
@ASilentObserver I think sometimes a bit of anger, which is based on feeling like the other person doesn't care enough, doesn't understand me or value me or my actions and efforts. There is some disappointment in that I guess. Feeling let down, alone, misunderstood or missing some appreciation. This leads to more negativity than positivity to deal with. I am not sure now to deal with this very well, especially talking about trying to surpress that anger or not getting annoyed at someone for it.
@ASilentObserver
Wow this is an interesting prompt because I never associated anxiety with anything positive until I started talking with my therapist. She was the first person who ever told me that it was ok to be anxious that it was my body's way of alerting me when something is not quite right.
So from this perspective, I think I have learnt to be more self aware. I also empathize more with persons especially when I see that they are struggling emotionally. It has also allowed me to be to more clear with my boundaries that I have for others and even the boundaries I have for myself.
@Invisibility101 It sounds like reflecting on anxiety with your therapist has brought some helpful insights. Increased self-awareness and empathy for others' struggles can be positive outcomes. You're creating understanding where there was once discomfort. How have these lessons impacted your daily life and relationships?