Anxiety BUSTERS

                        Healthy Living with
                              Dr. Ronnie Freedman
               Natural Health Articles by Dr. Ronnie Freedman

         

                             Anxiety: Personality Profile
   The personality profile of someone struggling with the anxiety condition is quite different than most would imagine. In fact, it is very much the opposite of the commonly accepted perception. One tends to envision a shy, withdrawn. unhappy individual…someone who withdrew from a sad or difficult childhood or struggled with timidity and desperation. In reality, the opposite is experienced by the majority of anxiety sufferers.

For the most part, these were happy, appreciative, outgoing individuals. Even children struggling with anxiety are not perceived as introverted or bashful. They are sociable, gregarious, and inclined towards interaction with others. They participate in cheerful, loving relationships and experience contented backgrounds.

    There are a myriad of other personality traits connected with this type of individual. A highly evolved intellect strongly accompanies this personality. Analytical proficiency coupled with strong creativity translates into a persona acutely aware of detail and nuance. A strong ability to decipher fine points accompanies this personality as well. Through the vision of creativity and originality, this persona lends itself to the nature of an artist. A keen mind, sharp enough to hone in on outside stimuli, and the nature of others. This may be an asset or disadvantage, depending upon the situation.

    Many who struggle with anxiety are perceived by others as the "good guy," often at his or her own expense. Sacrificing himself/herself in the pursuit of approval, the anxious individual might experience anger (excess energy), especially if reciprocation is continuously overlooked. Unexpressed anger, energy unvented, will often surface as anxiety. The brain, in it’s abhorrence of confrontation, will present symptoms, in an effort to distract…and distract it does, as it fills the entire mind with complete worry over the symptom…leaving little room for anything else. Since confrontation is never the preferred path, the price of symptoms is often dearly paid.

    The artist in nature usually experiences great passion for all paths of creativity: music, painting, writing, sculpting, and other venues of stimuli for the mind.

    A seeker of wisdom, analytical by nature, this individual searches out knowledge, expanding horizons and feeding the mind.

    A moralistic nature and strict sense of right and wrong…this is an individual who will go the added mile to maintain these standards. Guilt would be too great a burden, therefore creating a difficult barrier for anyone venturing past their self imposed rules and regulations. Inner conflict, a high price for crossing the line…and resolution of issues. Reputation and character are held in high regard for the majority of individuals.

    Perfectionism, a trait that often plagues this personality. A job well done is always ensured but many times all consuming to the individual.

    Reliability is seen more often than not in this person, which translates into a responsible, accountable and sometimes frustrated individual if not able to meet his/her commitments.

    Loyalty and devotion, another trait in this pattern, resulting in a personality, which extends far past the norm. This is typified by going "out on a limb"…often at one’s own expense. Lack of reciprocation is disheartening…often leading to anger and resentment. These strong emotions produce adrenaline (energy) and often lead to anxiety symptoms. This is why assertiveness and proper communication skills are necessary. The power in using the term "no" (comfortably) is also essential.

    Guilt is often a strong component of this personality. Exceedingly high standards may deceive the individual into believing they are never achieving their absolute best. This often results in excessive expenditure of energy as this individual strives to prove himself/herself, after giving their "all."

    These are generally not dependent people, once they realize their own strengths. These are people ready, willing and able to tap into their own resources, once they are reminded of their own strengths. They are well-liked and fast learners. They are able to take an idea and develop it usefully. Once they overcome their need for approval, tame their perfection seeking nature, and realize their full potential, they trade in the "doormat" theme for a stronger, more self assured form of the "nice guy."

    They most often learn the positive nature of the personality does not necessarily have to be forfeited for a stronger more self-nurturing substitute.

    Therefore, when one finds himself/herself in the throes of anxiety symptoms, it is beneficial to understand the personality profile that accompanies this condition. Sometimes the "good guy" personality serves to lead one into the condition, but with proper comprehension of how this might lead to dissatisfaction, the key to recovery is handily available. Knowledge of the positive nature of many of these traits will also work to the individual’s advantage. Understanding and addressing the signals (prolonged stress, tension) of anxiety, rather than their particular perceived shortcomings, offers a constructive "take" on the situation, enabling the party to look at the true stimuli rather than employ self-blame.

    The source of anxiety is a thought. It always begins with a thought, which results in an adrenaline reaction. Your body is reacting to the thoughts your mind produces. It is actually reacting correctly, supplying energy for escape, if the signal it is receiving from the mind is perceived as "danger." This may create physical reactions, emotional stress, and disruption of one’s life. The sensitive individual, the "giver," the "good guy" is prone to these reactions, mainly due to the situations this personality lends itself to…giving above receiving.

    One must not try to alter one’s personality but to rather adapt to the situation, teach others how they wish to be treated, and develop their "alpha" or adult voice. Attitude is essential as is understanding how important it is to retain one’s authentic personality while and building on its strengths.

                              By Dr. Ronnie Freedman  copyright © 2007

Free 10 minute introductory telephone consultation with Dr. Freedman.
215-635-4700, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM EST, 7 days a week.

Natural alternatives leading to viable solutions for the anxiety condition.

         TO ORDER OUR PROGRAMS, CLICK HERE  OR CALL 1-800-670-4673