The shadow of the shadow: why anxiety diso... - Anxiety Support

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The shadow of the shadow: why anxiety disorder doesn't always yield when the cause is resolved?

Jeff1943 profile image
8 Replies

So you've been worried sick for months, maybe years, about some major problem. Only you know what. Eventually your nervous system can take no more and becomes highly sensitised. This only magnifies the problem to make it appear 10 times worse. The default outlook is always for the worst case scenario.

Often the problem is suddenly resolved. You weren't made redundant at 55 after all. In fact you're promoted and given a decent rise.

You'd expect such an outcome, the removal of the insoluble problem, would result in the dispersal of anxiety and all its distressing symptoms. But often, to our surprise and disappointment, it does not.

The nervous system isn't like a tap that turns on and off just like that. It continues to be over-sensitive until the fact that you're no longer flooding it with anxiety hormones allows it to gradually recover. No more panic attacks. No more phobia about leaving your home. No more health anxiety turning a sore throat into lymphoma.

But all that can take time. Be prepared to accept....and let time pass.

Sometimes when the 'big problem' yields we transfer our worries to the symptoms before they disperse. They take over the task of flooding our nerves with fear hormones and we enter a self-perpetuating cycle of symptoms causing anxiety causing more symptoms causing more anxiety ad nauseum.

These things are merely the shadow of the shadow: the transient after effects that are overcome by acceptance without fear based on understanding and reassurance and the willingness to Let time pass.

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Jeff1943 profile image
Jeff1943
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8 Replies
AnnieKing profile image
AnnieKing

perfectly interpreted as ever Jeff. Very relevant at the moment to my grandson, I will pass this on.

Hope4me1 profile image
Hope4me1

That is a great explanation. Thank you for that. 😊

Cat33 profile image
Cat33

Thank you Jeff I found this very very helpful You are a great comfort on this forum with your wise words and knowledge

asenath profile image
asenath

Once again Jeff1943, you've hit the spot! Thank you for your help today.

Binkyooo profile image
Binkyooo

Thanks Jeff, wise words.☺️

twinks profile image
twinks

thanks just what i needed... a little bit more understanding to help

Tinkynutbug profile image
Tinkynutbug

Thank you so much for that message sir I needed to hear it.

God bless you

Leticia

RupertBrown profile image
RupertBrown

This was so insightful. I had noticed these things but never really saw it put so succinctly. Thank you for this.

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