What we know about anxiety that we didn’t know before
Anxiety is a group of mental health challenges that manifest in cognitive and thought-based intrusions that increase the stress response in our bodies. These include symptoms, such as excessive worry that is uncontrollable, and difficulty stopping the worry. Anxiety also manifests in your body, including sleep issues, muscle tension and just feeling like your heart is going 100 mph.
What we didn’t know about anxiety in the past, is that it isn’t just a thought process disorder, we know much more today about anxiety manifests in bodily symptoms, especially in the West.
In the cultures in the East, China, Korea, Japan, etc. Anxiety is talked about in its bodily manifestation and the energy in the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, anxiety is about poor Qii flow and a feeling of “stuckness” in the digestive system and circulatory systems of the body. This is based on metaphysical beliefs that are rooted in Taoism that studies the effects of nature and the emphasis of recovery through body-based interventions, such as acupuncture or cupping, or herbal remedies. What isn’t addressed as much in the East is the cognitive/thought processing that contributes to the excessive worry, that also need to be addressed.
What can we take from this in terms of mental health treatment?
It means that we need to merge the treatment of anxiety to the mind and body. And, as a therapist who integrates faith and spirituality, alongside mental health treatment, it is important to understand how our spirit is involved.
Often that feeling of anxiety impacts our ability to worship God, concentrate in prayer, or manifests in worries that are moral or religiously-toned. Anxiety can hurt our spiritual practices and sense of connection with God. Reading Scripture can be difficult, and regular attendance at worship services may not bring the comfort it once did.
You may also have a hard time listening to God’s direction and accept the love and warmth of faith. This all is discouraging and isolating.
The steps of recovering and managing your anxiety is most quickly addressed through the mind-body connection as well as addressing existential concerns that can be supported by your faith.
If you have found this blog, thank you!
Hi! I am Dr. Regina Chow Trammel. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a PhD and over 19 years of experience in clinical practice, teaching, and research.
Clients often come to me when they are looking for more than surface-level coping strategies. They want a space that is both emotionally attuned and intellectually grounded—where they can better understand themselves while also creating real change.
My work is cultivated by a deep respect for each person’s story, including the roles of culture, family, faith, and life experience.
Reach out today if you are in the states of CA or Illinois. 626-765-7602 or reginatrammel@icould.com