Anxious But You Don't Know Why? Rewiring the Anxious Brain Part 3

After making my video on the anxiety cycle and how to rewire your brain to be less anxious, I got a lot of questions, but one of the most common ones was "I don't know why I'm anxious. What do I do about that?"
In this video, I discuss two reasons why you might be anxious and what you can do about anxiety. I discuss the principle of neuroplasticity and how you can actually rewire your brain to be less anxious overall.

Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC, 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.

About Me:
I’m Emma McAdam. I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I have worked in various settings of change and growth since 2004. My experience includes juvenile corrections, adventure therapy programs, wilderness therapy programs, an eating disorder treatment center, a residential treatment center, and I currently work in an outpatient therapy clinic.

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.

Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC
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[bandaralsaif]

Hope that everybody breaks out from the anxiety cycle

[honeybrain]

"What are your distraction techniques? Are you watching this video to make your anxiety go away?"
Ma'am please don't call me out like that

[kaloingie]

Finally an explanation for my procrastination... It's actually avoidance. I've been struggling with this for years and I didn't realize that it was actually part of the anxiety cycle.

[sullivangrace]

my problem is that even though I tell myself that it’s not dangerous, my anxiety still persists and my body still wants to find a reason to freak out and it’s still there

[kookyvlogs]

You have such a kind and calming voice, and explain everything so thoroughly and clearly. Thank you.

[oanyverve]

I'm feeling human again because of your. I listen to you every day, thank you from all of my heart!

[ANNA]

I've developed a terrible fear of being home alone, what's supposed to be my safe space! Your videos are helping me prepare for tomorrow. Thank you!

[ithacacomments]

When I get stuck in rumination, I stop and tell myself...."that was then...this is now....use your energy to deal with the now."

[judithcooks]

This is so very helpful!! I am a pro at avoidance. Keeping busy, eating, being 'happy' all the time, all of these are things that I do regularly. These are 'coping' skills that I have "perfected" since I began to have anxiety issues. When I was first introduced to meditation (slowing down the brain and body), I immediately found some relief. I couldn't understand why at the time, but now I do. This video is awesome!! The road to recovery is going to be a difficult one because I have struggled with anxiety for a very long time, but after viewing this video, I know that there is hope. I've got to learn to work with my brain instead of against it! Thank you, this really help!

[vickyalberts]

Everyone encourages distraction/avoidance, even many mental health professionals! They tell people to do something to take their mind off the anxiety and keep busy all the time.

[angelameyer]

Your videos have been a Godsend for me. Thank you for explaining why I feel and react the way I do, and for giving me hope that I can teach my brain to be calmer.

[timswen]

Are you kidding me?!?! I AM using your video to distract and make my anxiety go away lol. Because I had been watching a lot of your videos and learned SO MUCH but at this point I think you’re absolutely right. I need to face my anxiety and do something

[diehardpatriot]

My therapists are on YouTube. God bless the work you and the others do

[maryoleske]

Your videos are fabulous: science based, practical, empathic, to the point. What a great gift to anyone who is exposed to them. Thank you.

[anjumshaik]

"We can't just make this go away by trying not to have it."- Needed to hear this

[Andisheh]

Can I just say how wonderful you are! When you said "for god sake stay on the toilet without your phone" it brought tears to my eyes. I am one of the people watching your video to distract myself and I am always continually doing that. Just watching your videos made me more calm. I have such important people in my life that I care about, so motivated to start this journey of discomfort. Thank you for the great impact you have on our lives ❤️

[armeliabuzzini]

Love this series! I am a new counselor, just finishing my internship before graduation. This is one of my favorite video series to share with clients. Thank you!

[CarolineJordan]

this is SUCH a good video! thank you for making this!!

[BeylaKaythin]

Thanks for these amazing videos. I came to your channel through a basic video on neuroplasticity my therapist sent me, after which she said "just do it" and I was like * panicked * "I CANT THATS THE REASON WHY IM HERE KAREN"

But you explain so clearly and nicely WHY avoidance actually creates more anxiety and how to face it.
Still not easy though. I am now discovering I have a long term issue with avoidance and anxiety, and rn it's coming to a focus point around my relationship. And right now making me unable to change, confront and feel like a ghost in my life.
However your videos do help a lot in making the thoughts in my head clearer... thanks for putting the effort in making these things.

[MrsSpcDomo]

Its crazy how i have gotten more from your videos than actual therapy! 😫😫😳😳🤦🏽‍♀️