Distinguishing Anguish from Stress and Anxiety

Anguish is often mistaken for stress and anxiety, yet they are not the same. Stress and anxiety are responses to specific, time-limited situations, such as an objective to achieve or an unexpected scenario. They evaluate and challenge your self-perception. In contrast, anguish addresses a deeper, more primal emotional wave. Originating from humanity's ancient reactions, anguish is tied to primary contexts where an individual's life or survival is at stake.

True Nature of Anguish

Anguish triggers physiological responses in critical situations directly linked to imminent death. These responses are legitimate and rooted in humanity's primal urge to survive potentially lethal threats, like facing a dangerous animal.

Time: At the Heart of the Problem

Anguish is intertwined with the concept of time. In imminent danger, such as encountering a dangerous animal, the body knows it must react swiftly. This situation triggers physiological processes like increased muscle blood flow, stiffness, sweating, hyperventilation, and narrowed peripheral vision. These responses are expected in the face of immediate danger. But why do they occur in non-threatening situations? The brain reacts as if the threat is real. In cases of anguish without visible danger, it's equivalent to facing imminent death. Such sensations can arise from long-term situations leading to a feeling of being trapped, where life's opportunities for joy, motivation, and vitality seem inaccessible.

Anguish of Hope

Anguish shuts down an individual's temporal projections and motivations. The well-known phrase "hope keeps us alive" encapsulates its essence. An individual needs to know why they exist and what makes their life meaningful. In cases of anguish or panic attacks, an individual faces a series of events leading to psychic deterioration, disconnecting them from fulfilling interactions, personal or professional disappointments, or neglecting basic bodily needs, leading to a generalized lockdown.

Extending One's Projection

How to escape this lockdown? It involves keen emotional listening to identify the situations leading to this dire state. The goal is to regain visibility into your future and renew hope in various life aspects.

Identify Themes: Assess each aspect of your daily life for sincerity, authenticity, and alignment with your true self. Revise and correct elements to resonate with who you are.

Care for Body and Sleep: Address depressive symptoms, dietary issues, and sleep disorders. Establishing a daily routine is crucial to recalibrate and restructure potentially dysfunctional habits.

Mindful of Emotional Responses: Pay attention to gut feelings and ensure your actions align with your true self. Remember, anguish is not inevitable, and it's never too late to start taking care of yourself.