How to Deal with Anxiety and Start Living a Happy Life | Jesse GIUNTA RAFEH | TEDxSouthLakeTahoe

TEDx Talks・2 minutes read

Focusing on simple questions like "How are you doing?" can be more effective in uncovering underlying issues, especially for those with anxiety, as self-improvement gurus' positive questions may trigger negative thoughts. The clash between big dreams and reality can lead to anxiety, but facing it with compassion and self-appreciation exercises can help understand oneself better and use anxiety as a motivator for positive change.

Insights

  • Positive, motivating questions used by self-improvement gurus may trigger negative thoughts for those with anxiety, emphasizing the importance of starting with simple, open-ended questions in psychotherapy to uncover underlying issues more effectively.
  • The shift in young people's values towards making a positive impact on the world over material possessions reflects a growing awareness of the clash between big dreams and reality, leading to anxiety and low self-worth, highlighting the need to address internal expectations for sustainable happiness.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • How can anxiety be triggered by positive questions?

    Self-improvement gurus often use positive, motivating questions to start sessions, but for those with anxiety, these questions can actually trigger negative thoughts and self-doubt. This is because individuals struggling with anxiety may interpret these questions as setting unrealistic expectations or highlighting their perceived shortcomings, leading to increased feelings of stress and inadequacy.

  • What shift has occurred in young people's beliefs about happiness?

    Over the years, there has been a shift in what young people believe they need for happiness. Rather than focusing on material possessions, many now prioritize making a positive impact on the world. This change reflects a growing awareness of the importance of meaningful connections, personal growth, and contributing to something larger than oneself in achieving lasting fulfillment.

  • How can the clash between dreams and reality lead to anxiety?

    The clash between big dreams and reality can lead to anxiety, low self-worth, and a sense of doom. When individuals face overwhelming external and internal expectations that seem unattainable, they may experience heightened stress and feelings of inadequacy. This discrepancy between their aspirations and their current circumstances can create a sense of failure and contribute to anxiety.

  • Why are rising rates of anxiety despite advancements in resources?

    Despite advancements in resources and technology, rising rates of anxiety can be attributed to the fact that our brains are wired for survival, not happiness. This evolutionary trait means that our minds are naturally inclined to focus on potential threats and dangers, leading to increased anxiety in response to stressors, even in the absence of immediate physical harm.

  • How can anxiety be used as a motivator for positive change?

    Facing anxiety with compassion and love, rather than denial or judgment, can help individuals understand themselves better and use anxiety as a motivator for positive change. By acknowledging and exploring the root causes of their anxiety, individuals can harness its energy to drive personal growth, cultivate resilience, and make meaningful progress towards their goals.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Navigating Anxiety: Embracing Self-Compassion for Growth

  • Self-improvement gurus often start sessions with positive, motivating questions, but for those with anxiety, such questions can trigger negative thoughts and self-doubt.
  • In psychotherapy practice, starting with a simple question like "How are you doing?" can be more effective in uncovering underlying issues.
  • Over the years, there has been a shift in what young people believe they need for happiness, focusing more on making a positive impact on the world rather than material possessions.
  • The clash between big dreams and reality can lead to anxiety, low self-worth, and a sense of doom due to overwhelming external and internal expectations.
  • Our brains are wired for survival, not happiness, which can explain the rising rates of anxiety despite advancements in resources and technology.
  • Karen Horney's concept of the "tyranny of the shoulds" highlights how striving to meet an ideal self-image can lead to anxiety and unhappiness.
  • Facing anxiety with compassion and love, rather than denial or judgment, can help us understand ourselves better and use anxiety as a motivator for positive change.
  • Practicing self-appreciation exercises, focusing on internal achievements rather than external events, can help cultivate self-love and confidence, ultimately using anxiety productively.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself β€” It’s free.