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

Anxiety Support

53,526 members49,383 posts

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.

Written by
Jeff1943 profile image
Jeff1943
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
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.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Are you standing in the way of your recovery?

Our nervous system is fully able to repair itself like any other part of the body. All it needs is...
Jeff1943 profile image

The symptoms of your anxiety disorder are perfectly normal.

Anxiety symptoms can be frightening and people often think something strange and unusual is...
Jeff1943 profile image

Fighting anxiety is futile. So do the opposite instead.

How long have you been fighting anxiety? Has fighting it worked? Did it help you recover? 'No!' I...
Jeff1943 profile image

Anxiety disorder, let's start at the beginning.

Let's start at the beginning. Maybe you inherited a tendency towards high anxiety. Maybe not, maybe...
Jeff1943 profile image

Anxiety can take many forms but it is always anxiety.

People who encounter anxiety disorder for the first time don't know what's hit them. One day...
Jeff1943 profile image

Moderation team

Darryl profile image
DarrylPartner
Bethishere profile image
BethisherePartner

Top community tags

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.