Systematic desensitization versus anxiety (9)

We have previously analyzed the concept of systematic desensitization to treat anxiety. We explained that when a person confronts a particular situation, phobia or any circumstance that causes him what is known as an anxiety attack, he must learn to overcome that fear through a process where he will confront the object or event he fears, but gradually.

The process will be carried out in different stages until dominating the situation. Imagine, for example, that the person is afraid to cross the street. Maybe the first step would be to stand on the sidewalk, look at the road, watch cars pass by and analyze where the fear resides. The next step could be to cross the street accompanied by another person. The third stage would be to cross the road calmly while another person waits at the other side. The fourth would be to cross the street alone.

The most important thing in all of this is to have an action plan designed to act with a coordinated and efficient strategy so that we can win the battle against anxiety. Do not forget the simple exercise that we can carry out anytime we confront a situation that we are worried about: take several deep breaths, exhale slowly and visualize that we act in full control of ourselves. We can't succeed with only a couple of attempts if we want to be in control of our emotions. We need to plan and work on this project because the conditioning to the anxiety that we have become accustomed to over the years will not be eradicated in two or three days.

In the process of systematic desensitization, it is preferable to start working with an area that does not cause us too much anxiety. That way we do not get discouraged in the task since when we manage to overcome in a particular field, this will encourage us to continue working in other areas of our life.

With each experience we learn more, we will possibly have some failures, but we will not let this discourage us if we want to succeed. When we fail in the attempt, let us analyze why and this will help us to be more prepared next time. The most difficult part of this process is to determine what particular thing causes us stress, as this is somewhat confusing to define. However, we must do our best to find the causes of anxiety. The human being, under no circumstances, should stop to wonder why.

Overcoming anxiety is not a matter of logic. Each of us knows that there is no logic in those situations that paralyze us by fear. Anxiety can be overcome very effectively through the treatment we have analyzed: systematic desensitization.