a woman in a tan dress dancing on the beach representing freedom through anxiety through therapy for anxiety los angeles or san francisco

Anxiety can feel like an interloper in our lives that we desperately want to get rid of. But there are reasons why you might not want to eliminate your anxiety entirely. Let's explore both sides of the coin: why people are hesitant to treat their anxiety, while also recognizing the potential downsides to getting rid of anxiety completely.

Reasons People Are Hesitant to Treat Anxiety

Trauma and Hyper-vigilance Reinforcing Anxiety

For many people, trauma has left them feeling the need to remain constantly vigilant. Anxiety serves as a protective mechanism, keeping them on high alert and prepared for potential threats. In this context, the idea of reducing anxiety can feel terrifying, as it may be perceived as letting down one's guard and leaving oneself vulnerable to harm. But prolonged hypervigilance has significant health consequences and doesn't actually protect as well as people think.

Fear of Losing Drive and Ambition With Anxiety Treatment

Some people worry that if they were to eliminate their anxiety, they would lose their drive and motivation. They may believe that anxiety fuels their ambition and keeps them striving for success. Without it, they fear they might become complacent or lose their competitive edge.

Benefits of Anxiety

Believe it or not, anxiety can be beneficial. A moderate amount of anxiety can provide a sense of alertness and readiness to tackle challenges. It can serve as a motivator for taking proactive steps towards self-care and personal growth. In these cases, individuals may be hesitant to let go of anxiety entirely, fearing they might lose these perceived benefits.

Why Complete Eradication of Anxiety Isn't Ideal

Loss of Momentum Without Anxiety

A small amount of anxiety can provide the momentum you need to take action and move forward. It can push us out of our comfort zones and encourage us to pursue our goals. Without any anxiety, we become stagnant and complacent, lacking the drive to work toward goals or make changes in our lives.

Diminished Alertness Without Anxiety

Anxiety acts as a natural alarm system, alerting us to potential threats or dangers. Without any, we may become more susceptible to overlooking important cues or signals in our environment. A healthy level of anxiety helps us stay attuned to our surroundings and respond effectively to potential challenges.

Impact On Self-Care Without Anxiety

A manageable amount of anxiety can serve as a reminder to take care of yourself. When we feel anxiety, it can prompt us to set boundaries, practice relaxation techniques, and seek support. Without this reminder, we may neglect our own needs and become more susceptible to burnout or overwhelm.

How Much Anxiety Should A Person Have?

The right and healthy amount of anxiety for most people is one that allows them to live a full, rich life while staying motivated and alert. Anxiety is as a natural and adaptive response to life's challenges and can help protect us. It alerts us to potential dangers and motivating us to take appropriate action. Occasional feelings of anxiety can be beneficial, helping us stay focused, prepared, and resilient in the face of stress.

However, anxiety shouldn't overwhelm or interfere with daily functioning. When anxiety becomes excessive or persistent, it may indicate the need for support to restore balance. Ultimately, a healthy level of anxiety allows us to navigate life's uncertainties while maintaining a sense of control and perspective.

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Signs It's Time to Seek Therapy For Anxiety

While some amount anxiety is healthy and normal, at a certain level it becomes counterproductive. Here are some signs it’s time to work toward lowering your anxiety.

Persistent, Excessive Worry That Interferes With Daily Life

If constant worrying or fearful thoughts are making it hard to focus on everyday tasks or enjoy things you used to love, therapy can help you regain calm and enjoyment.

Difficulty Controlling or Managing Anxious Thoughts and Feelings

When your anxious thoughts feel overwhelming, therapy provides practical strategies and coping mechanisms to help you manage and reduce your anxiety levels.

Physical Symptoms Such As Rapid Heartbeat, Sweating, Trembling, or Dizziness

Experiencing physical symptoms of anxiety can be distressing and disruptive to your daily routine. Therapy offers techniques like relaxation exercises and mindfulness to alleviate physical tension and promote a sense of calm.

Avoidance Due To Anxiety

If you find yourself avoiding certain situations or activities because of anxiety, it's time for therapy. Common avoidances are leaving the house, going to restaurants or other crowded places, or certain work situations. Therapy can provide guidance and support to overcome your fears.

Impact On Relationships, Work, or School Performance

When anxiety starts to interfere with your relationships, work, or academic performance, seeking therapy can help you develop healthier coping mechanisms and communication skills to manage stress and maintain important aspects of your life.

Difficulty Sleeping Or Concentrating Due To Anxiety

We all have the occasional restless night. But anxiety can disrupt your sleep patterns and ability to concentrate significantly, impacting your overall well-being and productivity. Therapy can help improve sleep quality and focus.

Understanding Anxiety and Secondary Gain

Anxiety is a complex experience that can have a profound impact on our lives. It can manifest in both physical and psychological symptoms. While anxiety is generally perceived as a negative experience, it's important to recognize that there can be hidden benefits that contribute to its persistence. One important phenomenon is secondary gain.

What is Secondary Gain From Anxiety?

Secondary gain refers to the unintended benefits or rewards that a person may experience as a result of their anxiety. Secondary gain can influence the individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

To be clear, no one wants to feel keyed up and on edge all the time. It's physically and emotionally uncomfortable. We also do not think anyone is faking their anxiety. Anxiety is so real! But sometimes the secondary gains are significant.

Examples of Secondary Gain From Anxiety

Avoidance of Discomfort

One common form of secondary gain in anxiety is the avoidance of responsibilities or obligations. Someone experiencing social anxiety may avoid social gatherings, thereby escaping feelings of discomfort. While this provides temporary relief from anxiety, it can also perpetuate the cycle of avoidance and reinforce the belief that social situations are threatening.

Attention and Support

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To be clear, we don't think anyone is faking anxiety for the attention. But people with anxiety may also receive attention and support from others in response to their anxiety. Loved ones may offer reassurance, sympathy, or assistance to help ease their distress. And that feels good! Everyone deserves to feel loved and supported. Unfortunately, many people only feel that way when something is wrong. While support is well-intentioned, it can inadvertently reinforce anxiety.

Identity and Belonging

In some cases, anxiety may become intertwined with a person's identity and belonging. They may perceive their anxiety as a defining characteristic or a means of connecting with others. While this can provide a sense of validation and acceptance, it can also contribute to the perpetuation of anxiety symptoms. It also reduces a person down to their symptoms rather than looking at them holistically. Even the most anxious among us is more than our anxiety.

If someone you care about is struggling with anxiety, we have a list of ways to support them. We also have a list of things you shouldn’t say to someone with anxiety.

Addressing Secondary Gain in Therapy For Anxiety

Recognizing and addressing secondary gain is an important aspect of anxiety treatment. By exploring the motivations and benefits of anxiety, we can better understand patterns of thinking and behavior. Therapy can help people challenge maladaptive beliefs and develop healthier coping strategies for managing anxiety. We also want to find ways for you to get all the benefits of anxiety without the high cost to your wellbeing.

The Courage To Start Therapy for Anxiety in California

If you're struggling with anxiety and ready to explore treatment, therapy can provide support and guidance. Our California therapists specialize in anxiety treatment and are here to help you towards greater peace of mind and resilience. But of course, we won't get rid of your anxiety entirely. We'll help you keep just enough to function at your absolute best. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a life with less anxiety.