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Learned behavior

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Posted 8/5/2011 9:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hello y'all...today I want to share an observation. I happen to live about 30 minutes away from Disney World, which means I am also 30 minutes away from all kind of tourist attractions....Universal studio's, MGM studios and every kind of dinner theater that you can think of.

 

Yea, so what's the point?

When I go to one of these places I become a people watcher, many of you are saying....oh yea...I do the same thing. For me it's just free entertainment. Lets just say there are some really cool roller coasters at some of the places.....have you ever watched the people in line?

 

Ok, so you have someone with anxiety going to attempt to ride this coaster...They're standing in line with friends, nervous...tapping their foot..got their best fake smile on for the people they're with. Heart beating a little fast...lines getting short...closer to ride time, heart beating a bit faster, can't stand still. So, they climb aboard and the coaster starts moving...heart beating pretty fast now, body getting tense....40 seconds later the ride is over, they feel panicky and they are trembling and glad it's over so now maybe they can calm down.

 

Same scenario, 15 year old with friends in line, fidgety..heart a little fast...ride line getting shorter. they're laughing, can't stand still...got a genuine smile on...time to get on. Heart begins to race...40 seconds later, they get off... heart pounding in their throat, shaking, laughing and saying "what a rush"....LETS DO IT AGAIN!

 

Both felt pretty much the same body syptoms for the most part, but one came away feeling axiety and fear, the other came away feeling excitement and a thrill.

 

None of us are born with fear....for those not listening...none of us are born with fear....Fear is a LEARNED behavior....it's all about perspective....just food for thought. Have a great weekend....Benny

Post Edited (wingman) : 8/5/2011 4:18:27 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/5/2011 11:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hey benny, as usual fab post and so true, I totally believe that some of my anxiety issues are learned behavior from my mother....When I was little my mother often had to lie down because of her nerves....she often spoke about people having so and so diseases in such catastrophic terms, you know they got sick yesterday and the funeral is next week that I used to be so terrified..I literally was a worrier since I was a child...

I of course don't blame my mum for all my anxiety worries but I do feel that what you see as a child imprints on to you and molds you as a adult.....I have 6 children and thank the lord I only have one who is an anxious girl, but I blame myself for that......anyway Benny thank you very interesting topic, gives us a lot to think about......best wishes Shannon.... :-)
Posted 8/6/2011 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
Great input Benny !

There is evidence that anxiety disorders run in families. If parents or other close relatives have an anxiety disorder, children are at higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder in the future.

Being raised in a family where fear and anxiety are shown on a constant day to day basis can affect a person in adulthood. The brain and its learned behavior is inherited which is reason enough to believe anxiety is heredity. By changing the way one thinks, and changing thought patterns with Cognitive Behavior Therapy, one can overcome anxiety.

My Father had a lot of anxiety as well as my oldest sister.  I am still trying to break free of the disorder and feel I do a pretty darn good job of it.  I know we all can overcome our anxieties with the support and caring of each other.

Gentle Hugs,

Kitt

Posted 8/6/2011 9:32 AM (GMT 0)
Wingman,
Absolutely enjoyed your fabulous post. Your posting made so much sense regarding learned behavior, so thanx. I'm totally a people watcher...Lol

Shanny, I can relate to what you were saying about your mother & learned behavior. I really believe that as well. By the time I was 4-yrs old I was already diagnosed with Ulcers caused from worrying, stressing, nervous, & anxious. My stomach & intestines both had Ulcers. I remember around 6-yrs old that my Doctor was talking to my mom asking her questions as he couldn't understand what would make me so worried to the point of being so sick on a daily basis. He felt at that age I should have been happy.

Well anywaz, Thanx again Benny...Great post! I love reading them.
Your Healingwell Friend,
Serenitee

Bipolar 2, Borderline, Anxiety/Panic Disorder, Ptsd
Posted 8/6/2011 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
Serenitee, I am sorry to hear that story:( I definitely believe it is both nature and nurture, and thankfully, sometimes neither! When I do or say something that appears anxious, my youngest daughter will roll her eyes, and say 'Mom, don't be so stressed!' It is so cute, and a welcome reminder, that I don't even bust her for the eye roll:)
S.C.
Posted 8/7/2011 4:10 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, fear and alot of other things are learned behavior. Unfortunately, most are learned during our childhood and we suffer as adults later in life.  It's not easy. And it's not simply about changing perspective in this case. Bullied in school and dealing with abusers has been the main cause of fear and anxiety in my life.
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