There are 2 ways people cope with anxiety: Which one are you?

TL;DR

Mel discusses her personal experience with anxiety, highlighting the importance of recognizing patterns and choosing appropriate coping mechanisms.

Transcript

hey it's Mel and I thought I would take you on my walk today here in beautiful Vermont I wanted to respond to a bunch of your comments about a video that I put up yesterday that went crazy and it was a video that I shot couple days ago over the weekend because I woke up and I had an anxiety attack something I had had about six years and I decided t... Read More

Key Insights

• 👯 Anxiety is a normal response to uncertainty, and many people are currently experiencing it.
• ❓ Over-functioning and under-functioning are two common patterns of anxiety responses.
• 🆘 Recognizing and understanding one's anxiety pattern can help create mindfulness and distance from triggering situations.
• ❓ Over-functioning anxiety manifests as giving advice, assuming responsibility for others, and managing their emotions.
• 🫷 Under-functioning anxiety involves seeking excessive advice, pushing responsibility onto others, and becoming withdrawn.
• 😑 Expressing emotions and seeking support are essential in managing anxiety effectively.
• 🍂 By recognizing their anxiety pattern, individuals can identify when they are falling into unhelpful coping mechanisms.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Mel respond to the anxiety attack she experienced?

Mel filmed herself in the midst of processing the anxiety attack to demonstrate how she copes with it. She wanted to show her viewers that the strategies she teaches are not just theoretical but are actually effective tools that she uses in her own life.

Q: What are the two different forms of anxiety patterns that Mel describes?

Mel explains that the two forms of anxiety patterns are over-functioning and under-functioning. Over-functioning anxiety manifests as giving advice instead of asking for help, assuming responsibility for things that are not necessarily one's responsibility, and managing others' emotions. Under-functioning anxiety involves seeking excessive advice, pushing the responsibility to solve problems onto others, and becoming paralyzed or withdrawn.

Q: What is the importance of recognizing and understanding one's anxiety pattern?

Recognizing and understanding one's anxiety pattern is important because it allows individuals to create mindfulness and distance between the triggers of their anxiety and their coping mechanisms. By understanding their pattern, individuals can develop strategies to manage and alleviate their anxiety.

Q: What is the suggested solution for both over-functioning and under-functioning anxiety patterns?

The solution is twofold - for over-functioners, it involves taking a pause, getting into their bodies, and asking themselves what they need help with. They should also assess what responsibilities they are unnecessarily taking on and find ways to ground themselves in the present moment. For under-functioners, they need to recognize when they are spinning, asking for excessive advice, being paralyzed, or overthinking. They should shift their focus towards problem-solving and taking action.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Mel shares her recent experience of having an anxiety attack and explains that she filmed herself to show how she copes with anxiety.

• She emphasizes that the strategies she shares are research-backed and based on her personal experiences.

• Mel distinguishes between over-functioning and under-functioning anxiety patterns and explains how recognizing and understanding these patterns can help mitigate anxiety.