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
oooh positives on anxiety good choice!
see anxiety can bring many positive effects. Anxiety may be just the warning sign you need to bring awareness to your current situation and make some necessary changes in your life. Rather than always being considered a hindrance, anxiety may actually help you feel more motivated and prepared when faced with challenges. its a built in warning system even though it may seem useless at times, there is a purpose for anxiety. stress or anxiety isn’t necessarily a bad thing. just take deep breathes ook around and figure out what may be causing it, and if you have, as i said earlier make some necessary changes on your current situation! welp thats about all i have but its the thought that counts
@harperwxlf Thank you for sharing your perspective on anxiety. It seems you have given this some thought and found some potential benefits. I am glad you mentioned using deep breaths to help manage physical feelings. Finding what works for you can help healthily deal with stress. How do you feel when you experience anxiety in challenging situations?
What are some positive things that can come from experiencing anxiety? 01/19/2024
For me anxiety means I can slow down my thinking before taking action. Sometimes this means I have racing thoughts, but over time I'm learning how to carefully listen to what my fears are. They be irrational, but there may be a kernel of truth in them that is worth listening to. This has made me a more conscientious person and my loved ones say that I help them plan things thoroughly and consider options they otherwise wouldn't have.
@JarofSeeds627 It sounds like through facing anxiety, you have gained valuable insights about yourself and how to support those around you. Your self-awareness and care for others are strengths that will serve you well. What realizations have helped you the most in learning to listen to your fears while still moving forward?
My first experience with anxiety was about 30 years ago. I was clueless about anything mental health. I got my first panic attack and had to go to the ER because I thought I was dying. That's where I was told it was anxiety. It ruined my late teens and all of my 20s. Somewhere in my 30s I learned to look for the positives in it. I think the biggest positive for me is the fact that I can judge a persons character better. I can tell if someone has bad intentions towards me, or if they're being sincere. I can also easily tell if someone is lying to me. Another positive, I am able to explain it in great detail to my child who also struggles with this demon.
@Kewaniej Thank you for sharing your experience with anxiety over the years. It sounds like you've come a long way in your journey of understanding it. Finding positives amidst difficult challenges is so important for well-being. Your ability to support your child also shows great strength and caring. What aspects of learning to cope have helped you most over time?
@ASilentObserver I can always remember the way home, when I go somewhere, bc I become hyper aware of my surroundings.
@TheMadHatterWasHere It sounds like experiencing anxiety can increase your awareness of your surroundings. Focusing inward during difficult times can strengthen our ability to tune into ourselves. You are not alone in navigating challenging emotions. What kinds of things do you notice when your awareness is heightened?
@ASilentObserver I honestly notice everything and nothing at the same time. I notice everything that "sticks out" visually, while I hear every broken part of conversations around me, but none of it makes sense to me.
But hey, it's gave me navigating skills like crazy, so that's a plus right? I always know where to go to find the exit.
@TheMadHatterWasHere It sounds like when your awareness is heightened, you notice a lot around you both visually and aurally. You mentioned you pick up on things that "stick out" as well as every part of conversations, even if it's not clear. While this provides navigating skills, it seems there is also a sense of being overwhelmed at times.
@ASilentObserver I am indeed very overwhelmed when out of my own apartment. Being around many ppl or even just a few takes a lot of my energy, and I have a hard time staying present "outside" my own apartment for a longer period of time. It helps a little when I am with someone I know, but after half an hour my brain is completely done. Sometimes even after 15 minutes :S
@TheMadHatterWasHere It sounds like interacting with others outside of your home can feel quite draining for you. it must be challenging at times to maintain your energy levels.
I'm on alert and sober minded when I have good anxiety
@compassionateCar7091 It sounds like the anxiety you experience helps you feel more alert and focused. You have also mentioned that anxiety can help you feel more sober minded. Many find that increased self-awareness, even in difficult times, can be a catalyst for growth.
@ASilentObserver I think anxiety can make you prepare for the worst.
@amicableEyes4124 It is understandable to want to find some benefit from experiencing anxiety. Preparing for potential difficulties could be seen as a way to feel more in control. You are not alone in experiencing anxiety, and it shows strength that you're reflecting on your experience. How does preparing for the worst impact how you're feeling in your day to day life?
This is a bit broad, but my anxiety actually started me going to therapy, where I then got diagnosed with ADHD! Anxiety helped me discover more about myself - as I now find it a lot easier to figure out why I do things the way I do (due to my ADHD) - and I came out stronger the other side; I now have the perfect mix of optimism and pessimism.
@sereneIris7175 It is insightful that you've found some benefits from experiencing anxiety. Gaining self-awareness and a better understanding of yourself can indeed help us grow stronger. You have a wise perspective in finding a balance with your outlook.
@ASilentObserver
I guess it helped me accept my reality in a way. I didn't want to believe the environment I was in was toxic or harmful because it was family. No one wants to think your own family would harm or hurt you. So, whenever things would happen I'd brush them off and try and make excuses because it was easier. Then, anxiety started creeping in and all these other very obvious issues that don't just spawn out of thin air. At one point I couldn't deny it anymore and had to be faced with the harsh reality that my family, or my parents did not seem to have my best interest at heart. Do they love me? Clearly not as much as they love themselves. Don't know if this answers the question, but this is what I think.
@JollyRacher Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights. It seems the anxiety helped reveal an uncomfortable reality that can be difficult to face within family. You have found the strength and courage to gain clarity, and I have no doubt you will keep empowering yourself as you move forward in a way that feels right for you.
I think anxiety is a warning to search for the caue and trigger but you have to think it through
@goldenVase86 It sounds like you have been giving some thought to your anxiety. Reflecting on how to understand it more fully is a wise step. What thoughts or feelings have come up for you as you've searched for causes or triggers?
Not all triggers are from the outside sometimes they come from within like I was lazy and didn't study in the exam this cause me anxious
@goldenVase86 It sounds like you are experiencing some difficult feelings related to your recent exam performance. Feelings of self-blame can be really tough to deal with.
@ASilentObserver
My anxiety sort of pushes me to try my best in every situation because I want to prevent unwelcoming consequences that could be avoided if I worked harder. Although I don't like the feeling of anxiety, it has helped me in the past to prepare for tests and interviews because I motivated me to put in my best effort.
@LZYYYy It seems the anxiety you experience pushes you to work hard and prepare well. Focusing one's energy in that way can indeed lead to positive outcomes. You have found strength in facing challenges through diligent effort.
