top of page

Overcoming Paralyzing Moments: How to Reclaim Your Life from Anxiety

Writer's picture: Yengyee LorYengyee Lor

There are certain things in my life that still completely paralyze me, such as moving to a new place. This might seem like a simple, even exciting, venture for many, but for me, it brings up a whirlwind of emotions and memories tied to some of the most challenging periods in my life.


Moving reminds me of the trauma associated with my divorce, the poverty I experienced, and the lowest point in my life. It takes me back to a time when I had to start from rock bottom, feeling lost and overwhelmed by the weight of my circumstances. Even though it has been over eight years, certain words, situations, or even my thoughts can transport me instantly to that place of complete exhaustion and anxiety.


Another example that can paralyze me is financial uncertainty. As a business owner, I must manage my finances strictly to ensure that my little family and I will be okay. The uncertainty of not knowing when I will be paid brings back memories of the financial struggles I endured during that difficult period. The resulting anxiety can be overwhelming, causing me to feel stuck and unable to move forward.


In these moments, I feel paralyzed and unable to take action. It's as if the past reaches out to pull me back into its grip, and my body responds with a visceral reaction. My mind races, my heart pounds, and a heavy fog of anxiety settles over me, making it difficult to think clearly or move forward.


When this happens, I have learned that I need to pause. I must stop everything and remove myself from the situation or thought that is triggering this response. Sometimes, I just need to go to bed and let sleep offer a temporary escape from the overwhelming feelings.


In these times of paralysis, I find solace in recognizing my need for self-care and compassion. I remind myself that it's okay to feel this way and that these moments do not define my strength or resilience. Even if the wounds have healed, my body keeps the score, often reacting before I can control it. These episodes are simply remnants of past trauma that still linger beneath the surface.


Over the years, I have developed strategies to help me navigate and push through these paralyzing moments. Here are a few practices and strategies that might help others facing similar challenges:


1. Pause and Breathe

Deep Breathing Exercises: Taking a few deep breaths can help calm your mind and body. Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps reduce stress and anxiety. Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing or the 4-7-8 method can be particularly effective.


2. Remove Yourself from the Trigger

Change of Scenery: If possible, physically remove yourself from the situation or environment that is causing you distress. A change of scenery can help break the cycle of anxiety by providing a new context and reducing exposure to the trigger.


3. Rest and Recharge

Sleep and Rest: Sometimes, the best thing you can do is give yourself permission to rest. Sleep is crucial for mental health and can help reset your emotional state. Lack of sleep can exacerbate anxiety, so ensuring adequate rest is essential.


4. Seek Support

Social Support: Talk to someone you trust about what you're experiencing. Sharing your feelings can lighten the load and provide a sense of connection and support. Social support has been shown to buffer against stress and improve mental health outcomes.


5. Practice Self-Compassion

Self-Compassion Exercises: Be kind to yourself. Acknowledge that it’s okay to have these feelings and that they are part of your journey. Self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding as you would a friend. It has been linked to lower levels of anxiety and greater emotional resilience.


6. Challenge Your Thoughts

Cognitive Restructuring: When anxiety paralyzes you, it often brings a flood of negative thoughts. Try to challenge these thoughts by questioning their validity. Are they based on facts or assumptions? Reframe these thoughts into more positive or realistic perspectives. CBT techniques are particularly useful here.


7. Push Through the Fear

Exposure Therapy: Gradually expose yourself to the situations that paralyze you, taking small steps towards overcoming your fear. This is known as exposure therapy, a well-established method for reducing anxiety by gradually increasing exposure to the feared situation in a controlled manner.


8. Coach Yourself

Self-Coaching and Positive Self-Talk: Become your own best friend and cheerleader. Encourage yourself with positive affirmations and remind yourself of past successes. Self-coaching involves guiding yourself through difficult moments with motivational and supportive language.


9. Visualize Success

Guided Imagery and Visualization: Spend a few minutes visualizing yourself successfully overcoming the situation. Imagine the positive outcomes and the relief you will feel. Visualization can help shift your mindset and reduce anxiety by creating a mental rehearsal of success.


10. Create a Plan

Breaking Tasks into Manageable Steps: Break down the daunting task into smaller, manageable steps. Create a plan with specific actions and timelines. This structure can make the task seem less overwhelming and more achievable. Goal setting and planning are effective strategies for overcoming procrastination and paralysis.


11. Professional Help

Therapy and Counseling: If these feelings of paralysis are frequent or severely impact your life, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic approaches can provide tools and strategies to manage and overcome these challenges.


Understanding that certain triggers can paralyze us is the first step in overcoming them. It's a journey of self-awareness, patience, and compassion. While the process may be slow and sometimes painful, every small step forward is a victory. Not every step back is a failure either; sometimes, stepping back is also progress, allowing us to gather strength and gain a new perspective.


As I continue to navigate these moments, I remind myself of the progress I've made and the resilience I've built. The shadows of the past may still linger, but they no longer define my future. With each day, I strive to create new memories and experiences that bring light and hope into my life, slowly but surely moving past the paralysis and embracing the journey ahead.


27 views1 comment

Recent Posts

See All

The Power of Forgiveness: Releasing to Heal

Forgiveness is a radical act of courage and liberation. It’s not about erasing the past or pretending it didn’t hurt—it’s about...

1 Comment


lyn xiong
lyn xiong
Jul 15, 2024

Your vulnerability and honesty in sharing this means a lot. I want you to know that I understand how moving to a new place can bring up so many difficult emotions for you. Your feelings are valid and a testament to the strength and resilience you've shown in overcoming past traumas. It's okay to take a pause and give yourself the care you need when these memories resurface.


Remember, it's perfectly fine to feel overwhelmed and to take steps back when needed. It's not a sign of weakness but a crucial part of your healing journey. You've come so far, and every small victory matters. Lean on your support system, practice self-compassion, and continue to acknowledge your progress. I'm here…


Like

Partner with us.

Do good, Be the Good, Uncover More good.

Your details were sent successfully!

Contact Information

Administration

contact@faithfulconsulting.com

(715) 432-5623

Do good, Be the Good, Uncover More good.

Administration

contact@faithfulconsulting.com

(715) 432-5623

Company

FAQ

Connect With Us

  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • instagram

Discover More

Contact Us

Thanks for submitting!

Faithful Consulting LLC | Certified Women-owned Business | Certified Minority-owned Business

©2020 Faithful Consulting LLC

bottom of page