John R. Cook, Ph.D.
Registered Psychologist

Why is it some people have to be so negative? You try to make polite conversation about spring coming early this year (last time I checked this was a good thing), and what you get back is a litany of doom and gloom statements about the rain making driving hazardous, and allergies being worse this year than ever. Do you know someone like this, or are YOU someone like this?

People like this are often dismissed as being overly negative or pessimistic, but on closer examination, they are kind and compassionate people who care deeply about the well-being of others, and who give generously of themselves. They aren't negative, they're simply scared of what might happen in the future, and the negativity is simply their way of preparing for the worst.

This worry condition is called generalized or free-floating anxiety, and at some point during our lifetimes, nearly six percent of us are likely to suffer from it badly enough that it causes significant distress or impairment in our lives. The average worrier is two and a half times more likely to be female than male, has relatives who suffer from anxiety, and reports being worried off and on for as long as they can remember. If you should meet such a person, either marry them or hire them because they'll do your worrying for you!

Other than their apparent negativity, or unless they become so depressed they can't fake it any more, worriers show few outward signs of having a problem. On the contrary, they often seem supernormal, using their extraordinary acting abilities to mask the chronic physical tension and fatigue they get from trying to anticipate every conceivable threat or danger. If they are "found out", it is most likely to happen in their doctor's office, where they present with vague aches and pains that also become the subject of their worrying.

While it may be tempting to use an anti-anxiety medication such as a benzodiazepine, to treat this problem, last month's article (viewable by clicking here) presented several compelling reasons why you should not. Instead, consider a safe and effective alternative to medication - cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). According to the theory behind CBT, anxiety is the product of exaggerated or biassed ways of thinking that cause the worrier to believe conditions will become far more dangerous or far less manageable than they really are.

CBT treatment consists of teaching the worrier how to manage their physical tension using breathing and deep muscle relaxation techniques, how to dispute their anxiety-producing thoughts using logic and reason, and how to reduce worry behaviours such as procrastination and checking by directly confronting their fears. Although CBT is commonly available in one-on-one sessions with a psychologist or counsellor, other options are available. Easily the most cost effective form of treatment is the 12-week, group CBT program offered through Aegis Psychological Services The tools of CBT, such as relaxation CDs and tapes, are available for purchase on the Aegis storefront, http://www.FeelBettterSolutions.com, and day-long CBT workshops will soon be announced at http://www.FearDoctorSeminars.com.