Why People Give Up on Anxiety Recovery

Millions of people in our nation suffer from anxiety disorders, including social anxiety. Some seek treatment for their condition, while it seems that most do not. Of those that seek treatment, many decide that the road is much too difficult for them to handle and give up some time along the way. The following paragraphs will illustrate different reasons that people commonly give up, and strategies people can use that will help them to stick with it.

The first reason that many people give up is probably because the problem has been so prevalent in their lives that it seems that no matter what steps a person takes, the problem will never be solved. For example, a person may be unable to work a job, have friends, have a family, or so much as go to a store because of a severe case of social anxiety. No matter what small steps this person takes, it seems that the steps taken will be too small and insignificant to actually make a difference, and that recovery and the leading of a normal life is an unrealistic goal for this person. This is one good reason why people should enlist the help of a counselor or a supportive social network (see the Anxiety Support Network’s Supportive Friends and What to Expect from Counseling). Recovery on one’s own is virtually impossible in severe cases, and having that friend or professional who has already navigated the road and knows how to handle the tough situations is a priceless asset to have. No problem is too large such that it cannot be solved. If a person lives in a difficult situation, it will simply take time to resolve the situation, but so long as the person sticks with it, the situation will be solved and one will eventually lead a healthy and happy life.

Another reason that people may be give up on treating anxiety is that they again try to do it on their own, but it just seems too difficult. Any little step taken to move outside of one’s comfort zone seems to result in extreme anxiety, and then the person in question cites this as a reason to him or herself that he or she is simply meant to be a “loner.” However, this view can be challenged in that most anxiety professionals and those who have recovered from anxiety know that when a person embarks upon a quest to recover from anxiety, the anxiety actually becomes worse in the short run. Some readers may now be asking the question, “So why even bother to try to recover at all?” Well, the answer is that a long-term view is needed in order to maintain one’s motivation. Yes, it is true that anxiety will be worse in the short run; this is because one is moving outside of one’s comfort zone, which makes anyone anxious. But, if a long-term view is adapted, one will realize over time that his or her anxiety, while difficult at first, is beginning to reduce. It may take a period of a few months before that anxiety level begins to come down, but if one perseveres, come down it can, and come down it will.

A final reason that people seem to give up on anxiety recovery is that they seem to hit this wall where it seems that progress is no longer possible. The person becomes tired, stressed, and burned out from all the anxiety that has been resulting from the anxiety recovery process. Everyone will hit this point at some time in their recovery, and most people will feel this way many times. The best strategy to employ here is to take a break, but not a permanent one. No one can continue to challenge his or her limits indefinitely without taking a break. The wise person will take a break for the next couple weeks or so, simply enjoying the progress that has been made, and knowing that more will be needed in the future, but also realizing that where this person is at right now is okay. During the break, the person should do whatever it is that he or she enjoys doing and that helps to refresh him or her. Dysfunctional people will get drunk, go on a gambling binge, or spend their money on something they do not need; these are maladaptive strategies that only increase anxiety. A person needs to engage in healthy things that help him or her to simply enjoy life. Drinking a beer or two in celebration of the progress made can be very appropriate. For males, playing videogames, having a party, or going out to eat are some healthy ways of taking a break. Females might enjoy a spa treatment, manicure or pedicure, or perhaps some relaxing time reading a book. The point is for one to do what it is that one enjoys and that is healthy. During this period, it is wise to not worry about challenging anxiety or stepping outside of one’s comfort zone. One should just be him or herself and enjoy life as it currently is. Just remember that one needs to get right back to it sometime in the near future when he or she is feeling ready. Several break periods during the course of a year can be quite appropriate, and as demonstrated, are necessary for one to maintain his or her sanity.

These were a few examples of reasons that people give up on recovering from anxiety, and hopefully this article has demonstrated a few successful strategies for combating these temptations to quit.

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