I remember it like it was yesterday; my high school graduation. Hundreds of eyes were watching as each student received his or her diploma. My heart raced. I felt nervous about just walking in front of such a large crowd. I joked about tripping during the ceremony, hoping that would assure that it would NOT happen. The walking up part was successful. However, as fate would have it, the climb down the stairs from the stage proved to be my “moment.” I stumbled and fell—right into the sure hands of my principal.
Normally, I know how to walk and use stairs, but the anxious part of my brain switched “on,” causing me to feel a sense of alarm and panic just long enough to forever mark me as “the girl who tripped during graduation.” And, here I am years later, just fine and even able to laugh about it (mostly).
Most of us function with some amount of anxiety. In specific situations, a feeling of panic may even be necessary for survival. For example, if you were to see a bear while on a walk, the “flight or fight” response that bypasses rational thought to avoid any further exchange with that bear can be a very good thing!
Anxiety as an Inhibitory Emotion
Anxiety can be vital to survival, but many times it is just uncomfortable and miserable and prevents us from participating in life the way that we want. Continue reading
