Process - Physician - Fraser Health Authority

In this next example the same situation and similar feelings are dealt with in different ways,producing different outcomes.ANXIETY REACTIONSituation: Man wants to ask boss for araiseThoughts: What if he yells at me, tellsme I’m not good enough for a raise?What if he fires me?Feelings: Anxious, nervous, and scaredBody: Trembling, flushed, diarrheaBehaviours: Hesitates outside door andthen goes back to own office.HELPFUL REACTIONSituation: Man wants to ask boss for araiseThoughts: I don’t care what he says.I know he’s a yeller, but I have a right toask. He won’t fire me, not when otherson the job are much worse.Feelings: Anxious and nervous butdeterminedBody: Little shakyBehaviours: Goes in and presents thebest argument he can.The first man lets his anxiety control his behaviour and avoids an anxious situation. He feelsrelieved but engages in negative self-talk and calls himself a coward. The next time he wantsto ask for a raise, he will remember this incident and his anxiety will be even stronger.Avoidance feels good at the time, but makes anxiety worse and reflects badly on self-esteem.If he keeps giving in, over time, his anxiety will continue to grow.The second man fights his anxious feelings and follows through despite his anxiety. Hecongratulates himself on his effort and the next time he faces a difficult situation it’ll be easierfor him to act in spite of the anxiety. By taking risks and not avoiding anxious situations hisanxiety lessens over time.In this example, different behaviour (going against anxiety) produced differentthoughts and feelings.Patient Empowerment Anxiety Manual VIHA.March.2010 93