Are you feeling overwhelmed? Paralyzed when making decisions? Racing thoughts and rumination? Difficulty focusing? Exhausted? Not sleeping? Are social situations stressful? Anxiety can be exhausting and all-consuming. Often it is mistaken for ADD or learning disabilities. Social situations, being in a group, or even in a crowd, can be debilitating as it creates unrealistic social expectations. As a result many individuals will isolate or procrastinate and avoid responsibilities, events and gatherings which can then lead to depression. One of the most common causes of anxiety is an internal expectation of perfection which leads to a consistent pattern of self criticism, unrealistic expectations and a fear of judgment. Over time these negative thoughts can become stronger, causing more anxiety which often leads to depression. 40 Million adults in this country have anxiety. People with panic attacks are caught in a primitive physical response to repressed feelings which lead to irrational fears and phobias. We will stop the adrenaline and cortisol rush of the fight or flight instinct that creates misfiring neurotransmitters and foggy thinking. Irrational thoughts must be confronted with a closer look at the underlying irrational beliefs. We will work on changing mental habits of negative thinking and develop new habits of mindful deep breathing, muscle relaxation and meditation to stop the cascade of symptoms. Anxiety is not just a chemical imbalance but the interaction of biology and the environment to create a pattern of thoughts. Some people are afraid that if they talk about their anxiety it will get worse. There is a difference between ruminating on negative thoughts and talking about anxiety. Talking and acknowledging your irrational fears does not make your anxiety worse, but brings to light unspoken fears that have been locked up and denied which causes them to become stronger. There are no good or bad thoughts, only our subjective opinions that judge them as such. The human brain is complex and understanding and harnessing our thoughts away from our emotions will help us to make better choices.