Why am I Anxious? A Quick Assessment

Sep 20, 2024

Explore the hidden micro-habits that might be fueling your anxiety. Discover seven common triggers and how to identify them using an engaging worksheet. Learn about the powerful connections between anxiety, worry, and physical symptoms. Dive into the impact of lifestyle changes, like nutrition and exercise, on managing anxiety. Uncover how overwhelm, avoidance, and past trauma shape your anxiety patterns. Plus, gain insights into cognitive patterns and practical strategies to make small changes for better mental health.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

Exploring Anxiety: Understanding Worry and Physical Symptoms

01:52 • 2min

Understanding the Roots of Anxiety: Overwhelm, Avoidance, and Trauma

03:53 • 4min

Overcoming Anxiety: Understanding Thought Patterns and Small Changes

07:56 • 3min

Download the worksheet and resources here: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/pl/2148572004

Check out my membership, where you can take the online courses "Stop the Anxiety Cycle in 30 Days" or "How to Process Emotions": https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership

Anxiety is often caused by micro-habits that we don’t even notice but build up over time. So let’s troubleshoot, today we’re going to explore 7 common reasons why someone might feel anxious without realizing the cause.

These are the things I might explore with a client in the second session or thereabouts. If you want, you can print off the worksheet that I’m using, and fill it out right now.

But first a disclaimer. Though I wish I could get to know each of you, I am not your therapist and this is not a formal assessment. It’s just a chance to explore your anxiety. Let’s jump in.

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Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.