MANAGING YOUR PERSISTENT
FEARS AND ANXIETIES
By: Stan
Popovich
Everybody
deals with fear and anxiety, however some people have a hard time in
managing it. As a result, here is a brief list of techniques that a
person can use to help manage their most persistent fears and anxieties.
When
facing a current or upcoming task that
overwhelms you with a lot of anxiety, the first thing you can do is to
divide the task into a series of smaller steps. Completing these
smaller tasks one at a time will make the stress more manageable and
increases your chances of success.
Sometimes
we get stressed out when everything happens all at once. When this
happens, a person should take a deep breathe and try to find something
to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the problem.
A person could get some fresh air,
listen to some music, or do an activity that will give them a fresh
perspective on things.
At times, a
person might encounter a fearful thought that may be difficult to
manage. A person should visualize a red stop sign
which can serve as a reminder to stop thinking about that thought.
This technique is good in dealing
with obsessive and scary thoughts.
Sometimes
we encounter a scary situation that gets us all upset. When
encountering these events, always remember to get all of the facts of
the given situation. Gathering the facts can prevent us from relying on
exaggerated and fearful assumptions. By focusing on the facts, a person
can rely on what is reality and what is not.
Sometimes,
it helps to be able to talk to someone about our stressful situations.
Talking to a trusted friend, counselor, or clergyman can not only make
us feel better, but they might be able to give you additional advice
and insights on how to deal with your
current problem.
Although
I am a layman and not a professional I have interviewed many
psychologists and clergyman and I have over fifteen years of experience
in dealing with fear. Dealing with our persistent
fears
is not easy, however there are many helpful resources available to us
if you look hard enough.
BIOGRAPHY:
Stan
Popovich is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using
Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods" - an easy to read
book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective
in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information
go to: http://www.managingfear.com/
For free articles on
managing fear please go to: http://www.managingfear.com/
MANAGING YOUR EVERY DAY STRESSES AND
ANXIETIES
By Stan
Popovich
Looking
for all of the answers in how to manage your persistent anxieties and
stresses? As an author of a managing fear book, I found it difficult to
find all of the answers in managing my anxieties. Although I am a
layman and not a professional, I have interviewed many psychologists
and clergyman and I have over fifteen years of experience in dealing
with fear.
As a
result, here is a brief list of techniques that a person can use to
help manage their every day stresses and anxieties.
Sometimes,
we get stressed when everything happens all at once. When this happens,
a person should take a deep breathe and try to find something to do for
a few minutes to get their mind off of the problem. A
person could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper or
do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things.
Another
technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive
statements that make us feel good. Whenever you come across an
affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook
that you can carry around with you in your pocket. Whenever
you feel anxious, open up your small notebook and read those statements.
When
facing a current or upcoming task that overwhelms you
with a lot of anxiety, the first thing you can do is to break the task
into a series of smaller steps. Completing these smaller tasks one at a
time will make the stress more manageable and increases your chances of
success.
In
dealing with your anxieties, a person should learn to take it one day
at a time. Instead of focusing on exaggerated assumptions that may or
may not happen, focus on the present and rely on the facts of the
present situation.
Our
anxieties and stresses can sometimes get the best of us, however there
are many helpful resources available to us. It might take some hard
work and persistence, but it is possible to find those answers in
managing your anxieties.
FINDING
THE ANSWERS
IN MANAGING YOUR FEARS AND ANXIETIES
By Stan
Popovich
Looking
for all of the answers in how to manage your most persistent fears and
anxieties? I deal with fear on a personal level and I found it
difficult to find all of the answers in managing my anxieties.
Let me
explain the process of how I found those answers.
I
first went to my local bookstore to find those books that dealt with
fear and anxiety. I looked for those books that reviewed the techniques
in how to manage certain fears and anxieties. As I read these books, I
started a notebook and every time I found a technique that was useful
in
managing my fears, I would write it down in my small notebook.
Secondly,
I interviewed various professionals in the psychology and religious
fields and they provided me with additional information. Some of the
techniques that they talked about was learning how to use positive self
talk, using thought stopping techniques, and gathering the facts of a
fearful situation.
For
instance, a person should visualize a red stop sign in their mind when
they encounter a fear provoking thought. The stop sign is a reminder to
stop focusing on that thought and to think of something else. This
technique is good in dealing with obsessive and scary thoughts.
Sometimes a
person might encounter a scary situation that gets them all upset.
When
encountering these events, always remember to get all of the facts of
the given situation. Gathering the facts can prevent us from relying on
exaggerated and fearful assumptions.
I
made it a point that every time I would experience a fearful or anxiety
related situation, I would use the information in my notebook to help
me. In every anxiety related situation I
experienced, I
began to learn what worked, what didn't work, and what I needed to
improve on in managing my fears and anxieties. I
did this for fifteen years and gained a lot of valuable information.
The
main point of this article is that no matter how difficult it is to
manage your fear and anxieties, the answers are out there if you look
hard enough. It might take some hard work and persistence, but it is
possible to find those techniques that work for you.
A REVIEW OF TECHNIQUES IN MANAGING YOUR
DEPRESSION
By Stan
Popovich
Some people
have a difficult time in managing their depression. Sometimes,
their depression and fears can get best of them. As
a result, here is a short list of techniques that a person can use to
help manage their depression.
I
was told by a counselor that one of the ways to manage depression is to
challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic
thinking. When encountering thoughts that make your fearful or
depressed, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions
that will maintain objectivity and common sense. For example, your
afraid that if you do not get that job promotion then you will be stuck
at your job forever. This depresses you, however your thinking in this
situation is unrealistic. The fact of the matter is that there all are
kinds of jobs available and just because you don't get this job
promotion doesn't mean that you will never get one.
In addition, people change jobs all the time, and you always have that
option of going elsewhere if you are unhappy at your present location.
Some people
get depressed and have a difficult time getting out of bed in the
mornings. When this happens, a person should take a
deep breathe and try to find something to do to get their mind off of
the problem. A
person could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper or
do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things. Doing
something will get your mind
off of the problem and give you confidence to do other things.
Sometimes,
we can get depressed over a task that we will have to perform in the
near future. When this happens, visualize yourself doing the task in
your mind. For instance, you and your team have to play in the
championship volleyball game in front of a large group of people in the
next few days. Before the big day comes, imagine yourself playing the
game in your mind. Imagine that your playing in front of a large
audience. By playing the game in your mind, you will be better prepared
to perform for real when the time comes. Self Visualization is a great
way to reduce the fear and
stress of a coming situation.
Another
technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive
statements that make us feel good. Whenever you come across an
affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook
that you can carry around with you in your pocket. Whenever
you feel depressed, open up your small notebook and read those
statements.
As
a Layman and author of an anxiety book, I have done many interviews
with various counselors in how to manage fear, anxiety and depression.
The techniques that I have just covered are some basic ways to manage
your depression, however your best bet is to get some help from a
professional.
WHEN YOUR FEARS AND DEPRESSION HAVE THE
BEST OF YOU
By Stan
Popovich
What
do you do when your fears and depression are stronger than what you can
handle? There are
times that no matter what you do, your fears have the best of you. Here
is a list of techniques and suggestions on what to do when this
happens.
The
first step is to learn to take it one day at a time. Instead of
worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week, try to
focus on today. Each day can provide us with different opportunities to
learn new things and that includes learning how to deal with your
problems. You never know when the answers you are looking for will come
to your doorstep. We may be ninety-nine percent correct in predicting
the future, but all it takes is for that one percent to make a world of
difference.
When a person is feeling depressed, he or she
should take a few minutes to write down all of the things that he is
thankful for in his life. This list could include past accomplishments
and all the things that that they take for granted. The next time you
feel depressed, review your list and think about the good things that
you have
in your life.
Remember that there is one power that is
stronger than your fears and depression and that is the power of God. A
person does not have to be religious to use the power of God. When the
going gets tough, talk to God about your problems as if you were
talking to a friend. Review the Bible and pray hard. Be persistent and
be open in the avenues that God may provide to you in solving your
problem. It is not always easy, however God is in control and he will
help you if you ask him.
If you decide to use the services of
a professional, get into the habit of reviewing with your counselor
what techniques work for you and which ones don't. Dealing with your
fears takes practice so use this situation as a learning experience in
improving your skill sets. In every anxiety-related situation you
experience, begin to learn what works and what doesn't work in managing
your fears and anxieties.
As a Layman, I realize it is not
easy to deal with all of our fears,
however there are all kinds of help available. The key is to be patient
and not to give up. In time, you will be able to find those resources
that will help you with your problems.
Find the
ways to overcome your phobia. If you have trouble, talk to a
professional who can give you additional insights on your situation.
LIVING WITH OBSESSIVE
COMPULSIVE DISORDER AND YOUR FEARFUL THOUGHTS
By: Stan
Popovich
Living
with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and having to deal with your fearful
thoughts can be extremely difficult. It can be tough for people with
OCD to have to experience obsessive thoughts that are intrusive, scary,
and difficult to manage. As a result, here is a short list of
techniques that a person can use to help manage their OCD and their
obsessive thoughts
The first thing a person must do is not to
dwell or focus on the fear
provoking thought when it comes. The more a person tries to reason out
the thought or focus on the fear behind the thought, the stronger the
thought becomes. The next time you encounter an obsessive thought, get
into the practice of not dwelling on it.
From
my interviews with various psychologists, I was told that a person
should visualize a red stop sign in their mind when they encounter a
fear provoking thought. When the negative thought comes, a person
should think of a red stop sign which serves as a reminder to stop
focusing on that thought and to think of something else. A person can
then try to think of something positive to replace the negative
thought.
A person should keep a small notebook of positive
statements that makes them feel good. Whenever they come across a
positive and uplifting verse that makes them feel good, write it down
in a small notebook. A person can then carry this notebook around in
their pocket and whenever they feel anxious, they can
read their notebook.
Sometimes, a person may encounter a lot
of scary thoughts coming at them all at once. Instead of getting upset,
remember that these thoughts are exaggerated and are not based on
reality. From my interviews with various professionals, I've learned
that usually it is the fear behind the thoughts that gets us worked up.
Ignore the fear behind these obsessive thoughts, regardless how the
strong the fear may be. If you ignore the fear behind these thoughts,
then the thoughts become easier to manage.
Another thing to
remember is that no one can predict the future with 100 Percent
certainty. Even if your fearful thoughts tell you otherwise, the fact
is that there are circumstances and factors in every situation that can
not be anticipated. We may be ninety-nine percent in predicting the
future but all it takes is for that one percent to make the biggest
difference.
Although I am a Layman and not a professional, I
have interviewed many counselors
and I learned that there are many ways to deal with these kinds of
thoughts. It is also important to seek professional help if you have
OCD. There are ways to deal with your obsessive thoughts and with the
proper treatment, people with OCD can live a productive life.
MANAGING
YOUR FEARS AND ANXIETIES WITH THE HELP OF GOD
By Stan
Popovich
Dealing
with fear and anxiety can be very difficult. As a result, using the
help of God can be very effective in managing your fears. With this in
mind, here are some suggestions on how a person can use the help of God
in his or her own struggles.
The
first step a person should do is to start talking and praying to God. A
person can go to church or to a quiet place during the day to tell God
that they are having a problem. They should tell God how they feel and
ask God for some of his help. A person could also review the Bible and
read
some articles on trusting in God and then apply these
concepts in their life. Each and every day, a person should make it up
a habit to talk to God and ask for his help.
When
using the help of God to manage
your fears, a person needs to be aware of how God is working in their
life. Most of the time God works in mysterious ways and the answers he
provides might not be that obvious. A person must
be aware of God being in their life even when they are
dealing with their fears and anxieties.
A person
must also be sensitive to the answers God gives them. Some
people think that the answers that God provides must be religious in
nature. That is not always the case. God
may provide the answers in a way that might not be
religious in nature. These answers could involve basic psychology and
cognitive techniques that deals with how to manage fear and anxiety.
The
point to remember is that although a person may use these psychology
methods, its important to use God/Jesus as the center of everything in
your life and in your struggle.
Finally,
the most important thing is to continue praying and talking to God.
Talk to God as if you were talking to a friend. Read the Bible and pray
hard. Be persistent and be open in the avenues that God may provide to
you in solving your problem. It is not always easy, however God is in
control and he will help you if you ask him.
ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
WILL NOT TAKE AWAY YOUR FEARS
By: Stan
Popovich
It
is not easy to deal with our fears and anxieties however trying to
avoid them through Alcohol or other substances will not work.
Avoiding
your fears and anxieties will not make them go away. Your fears and
anxieties will always be there. The best way to deal with your fears is
to find effective ways to overcome them. As a
result, here are some techniques a person can use to help manage their
fears and anxieties.
The
first step is to learn to take it one day at a time. Instead of
worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week or coming
month, try to focus on today. Each day can provide us with different
opportunities to learn new things and that includes learning how to
deal with your problems. Focus on the present and stop trying to
predict what may happen next week. Next week will take care of itself.
Seek
help from God. You might of heard this before, however have you tried
asking God for help? Praying and talking to God about your problem can
be
effective. Although the answers might not come to you right away, you
can't go wrong on relying on God. You never know how God will work in
ones life. All you can do is to do your best each day, hope for the
best, and take it in stride by using the help of God. God will help us
through our problems if we ask him.
Remember
that no one can predict the future with 100 Percent certainty. Even if
the thing that you feared does happen there are circumstances and
factors that you can't predict which can be used to your advantage. For
instance, let's say at your place of work that you miss the deadline
for a project you have been working on for the last
few months. Everything you feared is coming true. Suddenly, your boss
comes to your office and tells you that the deadline is extended and
that he forgot to tell you the day before. This unknown factor changes
everything. Remember: we may be ninety-nine percent correct in
predicting the future, but all it takes is for that one percent to make
a world of difference.
Another
technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive
statements that make you feel good. Whenever you come across an
affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook
that you can carry around with you in your pocket. Whenever
you feel depressed or frustrated, open up your small notebook and read
those statements. This will help to manage
your negative thinking.
As
a Layman, the important thing is to get the proper help by seeing a
professional. Avoiding your problem through the use of alcohol or other
substances will do nothing in the long run in fixing your problems.
It
will just make things worse. Managing your fear and anxieties will take
some hard work. Be patience, persistent and stay committed in trying to
solve your
problem.
A REVIEW OF TECHNIQUES IN MANAGING YOUR
DEPRESSION
By Stan
Popovich
Some people
have a difficult time in managing their depression.
Sometimes, their depression and
fears can get best of them. As a result, here is a
short list of techniques that a person can use to help manage their
depression.
I
was told by a counselor that one of the ways to manage depression is to
challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic
thinking. When encountering thoughts that make your fearful or
depressed, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions
that will maintain objectivity and common sense. For example, your
afraid that if you do not get that job promotion then you
will be stuck at your job forever. This depresses you, however your
thinking in this situation is unrealistic. The fact of the matter is
that there all are kinds of jobs available and just because you don't
get this job promotion doesn't mean that you will never get one. In
addition, people change jobs all the time, and you always have that
option of going elsewhere if you are unhappy at your present location.
Some people
get depressed and have a difficult time getting out of bed in the
mornings. When this happens, a person should take a
deep breathe and try to find
something to do to get their mind off of the problem.
A
person could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper or
do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things. Doing
something will get your mind off of the problem and give you confidence
to do other things.
Sometimes,
we can get depressed over a task that we will have to perform in the
near future. When this happens, visualize yourself doing the task in
your mind. For instance, you and your team have to play in the
championship volleyball game in front of a large group of people in the
next few days. Before the big
day comes, imagine yourself playing the game in your mind. Imagine that
your playing in front of a large audience. By playing the game in your
mind, you will be better prepared to perform for real when the time
comes. Self Visualization is a great way to reduce the fear and stress
of a coming situation.
Another
technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive
statements that make us feel good. Whenever you come across an
affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook
that you can carry around with you in your pocket. Whenever
you feel depressed, open up
your small notebook and read those statements.
As
a Layman and author of an anxiety book, I have done many interviews
with various counselors in how to manage fear, anxiety and depression.
The techniques that I have just covered are some basic ways to manage
your depression, however your best bet is to get some help from a
professional.
FACING THE FEAR AND ANXIETY OF THE UNKNOWN
By Stan
Popovich
All
most everybody worries about what will happen in the future. The
prospect of not knowing if
something good or bad will happen to you in the near future can produce
a lot of fear and anxiety. As a result, here is a list of techniques
and suggestions on how to manage this fear of dealing with the unknown.
The
first step is to learn to take it one day at a time. Instead of
worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week or coming
month, try to focus on today. Each day can provide us with different
opportunities to learn new things and that includes learning how to
deal with your problems. When the time comes, hopefully you will have
learned the skills to deal with your situation.
Another thing
to remember is that no one can predict the future with 100 Percent
certainty. Even if the thing that you feared does happen there are
circumstances and factors that you can't predict which can be used to
your advantage. For instance, let's say at your place of work that you
miss the deadline for a project you have been working on for the last
few months.
Everything you feared is coming true. Suddenly, your boss comes to your
office and tells you that the deadline is extended and that he forgot
to tell you the day before. This unknown factor changes everything.
Remember: we may be ninety-nine percent correct in predicting the
future, but all it takes is for that one percent to make a world of
difference.
Sometimes
what we fear may happen can be over exaggerated. A lot of times, our
worrying can make the problem even worse. For those of you who believe
in God, prayer can be very effective. In the end, we have to leave it
in the hands of God. If God wants something to happen to us, it will
happen regardless. All the worrying in the world will not change
anything. All you can do is to do your best each day, hope for the
best, and when something does happen, take it in stride by using the
help of God. God will help us through our problems if we ask him.
As
a Layman, I realize it is not easy to deal with the fear of the
unknown, however sometimes the fear can be worse than the situation. If
you have trouble managing your anxiety of the future, then talking to a
counselor or clergyman can be of great help. There are ways to help
manage your fear and all it takes is some effort to find those answers.
MANAGING THE FEAR OF LONELINESS
By Stan
Popovich
Sometime
or another we will experience a time when we are alone. Some people
fear of being alone for various reasons. The first step is to become
comfortable with yourself and having the self-confidence that you will
be able to manage being alone. There is nothing wrong with being alone.
If being alone bothers you then seeing a counselor can help you with
these
issues.
In
the meantime, here is a short list of techniques that a person can use
so that the fear of being alone doesn't become a major issue in their
lives.
The first
step is to find an activity that you enjoy and where you can meet a lot
of people. For instance,
joining a group activity such as a volleyball group, women's club, or
making
Crafts
can be a great way to meet people. Doing something that you like to do
will make you happy and will increase your chances of making friends.
Spending
time with animals can be a great source of companionship. Whether
you have a dog or you go to your local shelter, spending time with an
animal or pet can help us to feel better. Animals can be of good
company to all of us whether we are alone or not.
Helping
others through community service can be of some help. There are many
people out there who could benefit from your time and talents. Helping
others can give you a source of pride and
accomplishment
and also can lead to friendships.
It
isn't fun being alone, but sometimes there are worse things. For
instance, imagine that you are married or stuck in a relationship that
you can't get out of and also makes you miserable. Not only do you have
to live with this person, but there is no way to get out of the
relationship because of various financial or personal reasons. As a
result, you are stuck living with someone that you can't stand and
makes you depressed every single day of your life. With this viewpoint,
being alone doesn't sound that bad.
For
those of you who believe in God, spending time with God and praying to
him can help us in our lonely situation. Spending time with God and
asking God for help in our time of loneliness can be of great comfort.
You never know how God will work in ones life. Ask him for help and
trust that he will help you.
As
a Layman, the important thing is to do something constructive. Sitting
around and doing nothing will not make things any better whether its
dealing with the fear of being alone or something else. Take it one day
at a time and stay committed in
trying to solve your problem.
GIVING UP IN DEALING WITH
YOUR
FEARS IS NOT AN OPTION
By: Stan
Popovich
Your
fears, anxieties, and other problems have the best of you and you don't
know where to turn for help. At some point you feel totally helpless as
you struggle each day. What do you do?
As
a layman and an author of a Managing Fear book, there were times that
my fears had the best of me. Through these experiences, there is one
thing that I learned. You can't hide or runaway from your fears.
Taking
drugs, drinking, or other addictions will not take away your problems
and fears. In the short run, they will make you feel better but in the
long run these addictions will only make things worse.
So
what do you do to make your problems and fears go away? Well, since you
can't runaway from them, then the best solution is to tackle your fears
head on no matter how strong they may be. The key is to be smart in how
you try to manage these fears. Here are some ways in how to manage your
persistent fears and anxieties.
Take
it one day at a time. Instead of worrying about how you will get
through the rest of the week or coming month, try to focus on today.
Each day
can provide us with different opportunities to learn new things and
that includes learning how to deal with your problems. Focus on the
present and stop trying to predict what may happen next week. Next week
will take care of itself.
Learn
how to manage your fearful thoughts that may be difficult to manage.
When experiencing a negative thought, read some positive statements and
affirmations that help lift your spirits and make you feel better.
Remember that your fearful thoughts may be exaggerated so balance these
thoughts with realistic thinking and common sense.
Take
advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible, talk
to a professional who can help you manage your fears and anxieties.
They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on
how to deal with your current problem. By talking
to a
professional, a person will be helping themselves in the long run
because they will become better able to deal with their problems in the
future. Managing your fears and anxieties takes practice. The
more you practice, the better you will become.
When
managing your fears and anxieties do not try to tackle everything at
once. The best solution is to break your fears or problems into a
series of smaller steps. Completing these smaller
tasks one at a time will make the stress more manageable and increases
your chances of success.
Managing
your fears and anxieties will take some hard work. Trying to avoid you
problems will
do nothing in getting rid of your fears and anxieties. Sooner or later,
you will have to confront your fears and anxieties. Remember that all
you can do is to do your best each day, hope for the best, and take
things in stride. Patience, persistence, education, and being committed
in trying to solve your problem will go along way in fixing your
problems.
