Powerlessness is another common cause of anxiety. When we feel trapped or stuck in a situation we're unable to change, our fight-or-flight kicks in and we start to panic. However, our feelings of powerlessness are often an illusion; we probably have much more power than we think, we may just need to see things differently. While we may not be able to change the circumstances of a situation, we can usually change the way we respond to or handle it.
One very common cause of feeling powerless is actually a learned behavior: not speaking up for yourself. How often do you say yes when you want to say no, tolerate being mistreated or being dismissed; or perhaps you have needs that you don't allow yourself to meet because someone might judge, reject or shame you in some way? Holding in such strong feelings causes emotional pain which leads to anxiety.
The next time you feel anxious or powerless, instead of focusing on what you can't do, focus on what action you can take to empower yourself and change the situation. Ask yourself if there is something you want to express that you're not allowing yourself to say, and see if you can speak up. There is great empowerment and peace that can be gained by expressing your feelings and needs.
Click here for Coping With Anxiety, part 1 and Coping With Anxiety, part 2
