Gentle Introspection Helps with Workplace Anxiety

Workplace anxiety can manifest in various ways for every individual: whether it’s an intense worry over an imminent deadline or a shapeless feeling of creeping dread, these mental stresses invite unpleasant thoughts that most people have little control over.

Such situations often develop into a second layer of anxiety caused by attempts to quell the initial anxiety. It’s a vicious cycle, and the compounding negative feelings can lead to full-on panic attacks. This is all very real and something that many people experience every day.

Psychiatrists in Westport, CT suggest that breaking this self-destructive cycle is possible through gentler methods of meditation. We break this down into two important principles to help you manage workplace anxiety better, at least until you can consult a professional for help.

Validate Your Feelings

You might be afraid to admit to your co-workers that you’re plagued by anxiety. This might be due to pervasive notions that anxiety disorders aren’t as real as physical pain like migraines. On the contrary, the National Institutes of Health reports that anxiety disorders are pervasive medical conditions affecting as many as 1 in every 5 Americans.

Acknowledging that your feelings of anxiety are just as real and painful as physical conditions allow you to take better care of yourself.

Acknowledge Anxiety as Part of Yourself

Psychologists have advocated for a more compassionate approach to dealing with anxiety for quite some time. Yes, this means having compassion for yourself, and not treating your feeling as “the enemy.”

Acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) is a new and innovative form of therapy that hinges on the neutral and non-judgmental observation of your negative thoughts. The technique essentially helps individuals re-orient their negative feelings towards anxiety into realizing that those feelings are part of their being — that they should not be resisted or pushed aside but accepted instead.

Anxiety is a medical condition that can inhibit a person’s ability to function normally, and our treatment programs are designed to help you manage it better. Contact us today to receive the professional help you need.