Are you more and more controlled by the "what if?" Do you identify yourself as an "anxious person?" Not sure how to get out of the grips of anxiety? Join us for Anxiety 101! You will learn the basics of Anxiety while also identifying Cognitive Behavioral skills to use when anxiety is "tricking your mind and body."

INSTRUCTOR

Randy Floyd, LSCSW, Founder, Clinical Level Therapist

Randy is the founder of Midwest Anxiety. He is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker who is an optimist and passionate about helping people focus on what they can do rather than what they can't do. Randy believes building a strong therapeutic relationship and tapping into a person's strengths are the most essential components of the therapeutic experience. Randy is passionate about changing the way we do mental health. He is focused on making mental health normal, a positive experience. He is also adamant about doing mental health differently. Randy believes the "old ways" suggest mental health is for the "broken" or "mentally ill." Randy believes that "Everyone Struggles." Sure. Some people struggle more than others, but everyone struggles with something. With this belief, Randy is focused on providing a wide range of programs and services to help people be mentally well ;) Go give Randy a fist bump on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Class Recording

WHY ANXIETY 101?

Why did you decide to take this class? Please take a few minutes to tell us a little about yourself.

1.) What’s your struggle with anxiety?

2.) What do you want to get out of the today’s class?

Are situations (ALL) positive, negative, or neutral?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Anxiety likes to play "games" with your THOUGHTS, FEELINGS, & BEHAVIORS.

Anxiety cycle

  1. Thoughts

    1. Zone into the threat, thoughts become negative.

    2. Difficult to focus on other things other than anxious situation.

  2. Feelings

    1. Experience various physiological sensations such as heart palpitations, sweating, headaches, etc.

  3. Behaviors

    1. Fight, Flight, or Freeze.

    2. Generally need reassurance, accommodations, or avoidance.

Two things have to happen for you to become less anxious: Be UNCERTAIN (thoughts) and UNCOMFORTABLE (feelings).

Are situations (ALL) positive, negative, or neutral?

Don't Let Anxiety Trick You!

  1. Self awareness is the #1 Super skill.  Know your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors!

  2. Make sure you are medically well. This will give you confidence that what you are experiencing is anxiety and not medical.

  3. Expect to get anxious. Celebrate getting anxious, because that is when the true work happens.

  4. Get out of the business of asking for reassurance and accommodations to avoid the anxiety.

  5. Don't listen to the "what ifs."

  6. Don't get overwhelmed by the consequences (people looking at you, etc) of being anxious.

  7. Lean into the anxiety. If you are not anxious, you are not getting better.

  8. Gradually expose yourself to situations that have made you anxious.

  9. Think the opposite thought, even if you don't believe it.

  10. Believe "I can handle whatever happens."

  11. Feelings are usually the "show stopper" for alot of people. People generally don't like "feeling this way." Short term consequences vs. long term benefits of avoiding, reassurance, accomodations.

  12. You are never going to "feel" like doing something that makes you anxious.

  13. Your body acts the same way if you are anxious and excited.

  14. Be proactive vs. reactive- Exercise, mindfulness, yoga, scripture, whatever is your jam......

RESOURCES

WHAT'S NEXT?

  1. Nothing. Just let it ride and see how it goes ;)

  2. Take some more classes.

  3. Need more help than just a class? Try Individual Therapy.

  4. Stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Questions?

Do you have more questions?  We want to listen.  Feel free to contact us any time!

Limits and Restrictions:

The materials distributed are provided with the understanding that the author and presenters are not engaged in rendering professional services. This is a psychoeducational class and information in the presentations or group discussions by the presenters, facilitators, or participants should not be considered to be medical, psychological, legal, financial, or spiritual counsel. The presentations and written materials are not intended to provide medical, psychological, legal, financial, or spiritual services or counseling. If expert assistance or counseling is needed, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Any opinions, finding, recommendations or conclusions expressed by the author(s) or speaker(s) do not necessarily reflect the views of Midwest Anxiety, LLC.