Breaking free from anxiety | Mel Schwartz | TEDxBeaconStreet

[TheAnxietyGuy]

The biggest problem I see in anxiety sufferers and the connection to the need for certainty is that it stems from deeply rooted beliefs based around safety. Certainty + familiarity = safety, whereas uncertainty + unfamiliarity = unsafe. This formula is deeply rooted within the subconscious mind and many anxiety sufferers would rather stuff the emotions connected to the emotionally traumatic memory within the cells of their body aside, rather than investigate them further because again, this is the familiar response to something that doesn't feel right. It's a truly challenging place to be, to struggle with anxiety and I should know I've been there many years before finding relief. What I can say though is that there is much more evidence that supports the idea that it's safe to look our inner challenges in the eyes, confront them, shift the perceptions over them, and act on them rather than listen to irrational thoughts based on one or a few experiences. Much love to every warrior out there, give this comment a thumbs up if you're on your way to freedom.

[cinderelly]

After watching countless talks and reading countless books on anxiety, depression, relationships and mental health, this is the one that resonated with me. Thank you.

[scvman]

I think anxiety is caring too much about what will happen to you or what people think of you. That’s been my experience with anxiety anyway. I get so worked up about what may happen because I think it matters absolutely. I build things way up and give them way too much importance. I’m not saying I have a cure for anxiety or that I’ve conquered it because I haven’t. But it’s just a theory of mine. Next time you’re in a the grip of an anxiety attack, just tell yourself that you’re caring too much and see what happens. See if it subsides or not. It may or it may not. Just something to try.

I think we give things way too much value.

[randykarnell]

"Turn your thoughts into your ally - when you do that - you can begin to write the script - of your own life."

Thanks Stephen - this was fantastic.

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[jackster]

there is actually a cure to anxiety it is very simple, wanna hear it? Acceptance. Learn to LET GO of uncertainty in life and let go of control, take each day step by step and the universe will take care of the rest with or without your input

[jonclarke]

Excellent analysis of anxiety. So many people talk about how to treat the symptoms, and live with anxiety. I've watched dozens, and some have definitely helped me. However, this treats the cause, certainly in my case. This particular Ted talk has changed my life and within weeks I am now coming off medication. We live in an uncertain world, but it's a world of opportunity! Thank you Mel!!

[Najma-n]

One of the best anxiety talks I’ve come across. It’s about how you approach it. Mindfulness helps with having a relationship with yourself or thoughts. Personal development, nutrition and exercise are also important. Spirituality, gratitude, acceptance, patience and surrender can contribute to your resilience and relief. Taking action helps rewire your anxious brain. Having a whole approach is essential. The clue is that you have pain, something to heal.

[ibn_alhussein]

You have pinpointed the major cause of anxiety for people working in the academic field (specially PhD students).. Discomfort with Uncertainty !!

[SixStringsCovers]

Great message about how to overcome anxiety. I become anxious many times just like most of you here but I manage to stop it before starting to ruin my daily activities and job. I think anxiety starts when you want to live your future before happens and usually you imagine things before happens and create your own reality in mind and live it before the moment come. The best thing you can do is to focus on the present because this is all we have and not hurry the days to come. We have to be more patience and live the moment as it is and stay in the place we are right now not wishing to be somewhere else. Most of the time we want to be in a different place than we are at this moment and when we are there we want to change it. When we realize that we are right where we have to be anxiety will go away and we cannot feel it because anxiety is not in the present moment, it is only a mind game usually in the past or future.

[abyrvalg]

Best advice for people looking for self-help. He managed to explain the essence of many spiritual teachings in a few minutes. This doc must be enlightened

[roslaighleis]

Everyone is different...anxiety kills! talk to someone, or a friend. There is hope for all of us 💚

[littleripper]

I've tried changing my thoughts for years but it hasn't work so far and I have presentations to get through and rent to pay and life to get through. We don't have many years on this planet and so while I check out videos like this once in a while still I end up just going for the meds. They work and there has been no other solution that works for me at this point in time. I always check every so often to see what new info is out there but until there is something more than change your thoughts it will be the drugs for me.

[elizabethhill]

Mel, another wonderful article that makes complete sense. As someone who suffers from anxiety, it’s absolutely 100% linked to my thoughts and not knowing the future. This is a somewhat amazing revelation as I didn’t really think of my anxiety this way until reading through your book and articles. I’m hoping this revelation can be one of the first steps to “getting better!” Thanks for sharing all of your expert advice on this topic. You are helping lots of people out there!

[yisi]

Your speech comes in handy at this point of my life. Very true. Anxiety comes from uncertainty and the fear for uncertainties. I still struggle with my thoughts sometimes. The more I think, the deeper I am sinking down in the bottomless thoughts.

[shaunramjohn]

Being an overly analytical person, this amazingly helped me instantly snap out of my sudden onset severe depression and anxiety. Fantastic viewpoint.

[Sid-mden]

This guy really knows the pain being depressed or having anxiety disorder.

[sebimorari]

this man is extraordinary, brought a tear to my eye and gave me purpose.

[achievetv]

He brings up some very important points - the best one being to let your thoughts be your allies

[dawnshire]

I remember playing chess, your move unreversible but fun because its chess game. No uncertainty for panic. "When you expect uncertainty". Normally when fear of future disaster comes i take a deep breath, close my eye and reset my attention to present issues. Have compassion for others helps also as we move forward as a community.

[alexwatson]

Adding one thought or mantra to your mind won't ever be enough to cure anxiety. Although uncertainty is certainly part of anxiety, it's not as simple as saying go away. It takes work and coping method every day to manage it. It's an overactive flight or fight response, you can't will that away. But you can work with it. I can calm down a lot of my anxiety just by planning for the worst case scenario, because then I don't need to know for sure what's going to happen. Even then with extreme anxiety I need something to calm down the overreaction in order to actually think of that plan to calm it the rest of the way. I don't need medication but I need some substance that will calm me enough, whether that is tea, CBD, or something else it doesn't matter. Fundimentally it's nurological, I can't will it away