Why “anxiety” is so hard to fix

In the West, we separate the mind and the body. This is counterproductive. There’s not a strict line between “psychological” problems and “physical” problems.

We’re taught that anxiety is a problem because anxiety feels bad. I want you to question that.

Does anxiety really feel bad? If you say “of course”, then tell me: what specifically feels bad about it?

Here are some symptoms of anxiety (according to the Mayo Clinic):

• Having an increased heart rate.

• Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation).

• Sweating.

• Feeling weak or tired.

Are you going to tell me you can’t think of any “good” feelings that involve these same symptoms? Of course not.

The feelings are neutral.

So, if you want to fix your anxiety problem by trying to eliminate anxiety, you’re already barking up the wrong tree.

What, then, is your actual problem?

—Michael