by: Author Unknown,
So often people see setbacks during their road to recovery as a failing of their hard work and progress. This is an unfortunate point of view to have; it can only increase the feelings of anxiety that may already be experienced.
Focusing on the 'setback' it is easy to see how this could be thought, until that moment everything had been going well and then 'suddenly' the anxiety or a panic attack returns. This could be perceived as the return of former levels of anxiety and be interpreted as the progress and achievement no longer being effective. What a slap in the face for all the courageous and hard work invested in minimising anxiety and panic attacks!
When used positively, the setbacks we experience can provide much information as to their current presence in our life. They can also bring to our attention the things that may need more of our focus. Regardless of the reason/s for the setback, the fact of its occurrence can be used to our advantage. While sometimes painful and disheartening, they can be a great source of insight. Even the scariest of setbacks can be an affirmation to all the positive personal gains that have been achieved.
Finding a positive side to the return of anxiety does not dismiss the feelings of pain, fear and helplessness that can accompany the setbacks. It is because of these difficult feelings that sometimes come with the setbacks that the positive benefits can be found. Quite often people fail to see how much work they have actually done on their management of anxiety, fail to see the day-to-day benefits they have been experiencing.
The old saying of two steps forward, one step back really does have a place in the process of recovery from anxiety. Setbacks can bring attention to all that has been accomplished, can highlight the courage and strength shown thus far. Recovery is a journey and it is one definitely worth taking, at the end of it is a happier you. It is in the perception that we direct the influence it has, friend or foe - that is your choice.
Focusing on the 'setback' it is easy to see how this could be thought, until that moment everything had been going well and then 'suddenly' the anxiety or a panic attack returns. This could be perceived as the return of former levels of anxiety and be interpreted as the progress and achievement no longer being effective. What a slap in the face for all the courageous and hard work invested in minimising anxiety and panic attacks!
When used positively, the setbacks we experience can provide much information as to their current presence in our life. They can also bring to our attention the things that may need more of our focus. Regardless of the reason/s for the setback, the fact of its occurrence can be used to our advantage. While sometimes painful and disheartening, they can be a great source of insight. Even the scariest of setbacks can be an affirmation to all the positive personal gains that have been achieved.
Finding a positive side to the return of anxiety does not dismiss the feelings of pain, fear and helplessness that can accompany the setbacks. It is because of these difficult feelings that sometimes come with the setbacks that the positive benefits can be found. Quite often people fail to see how much work they have actually done on their management of anxiety, fail to see the day-to-day benefits they have been experiencing.
The old saying of two steps forward, one step back really does have a place in the process of recovery from anxiety. Setbacks can bring attention to all that has been accomplished, can highlight the courage and strength shown thus far. Recovery is a journey and it is one definitely worth taking, at the end of it is a happier you. It is in the perception that we direct the influence it has, friend or foe - that is your choice.
No comments:
Post a Comment