Overcoming Anxiety Neurosis: A  Journey with Vivek, a High-Achieving Country Manager

People are afraid of different things. The degree of fear depends on a lot of factors. When we know what we are afraid of, for example, about jobs, relationships, finance, driving, public speaking, insects, or rodents; we can work towards alleviating that fear. But there is a strange kind of fear. It is known as the fear of the unknown. A person who is fearful of the unknown develops a condition, medically known as Anxiety Neurosis. A condition where the mind comes up with wrong answers and wrong fears to life’s questions and issues. 

Vivek 45, worked for an MNC as the country manager. The fancy designation came with a truckload of responsibilities and extensive traveling around the world at short notice. He is smart and brilliant. The job made him a workaholic. Media Management, Press Conferences, conducting workshops for employees in different parts of the world, making presentations, following up on sales targets, writing columns for reputed professional journals with strict deadlines, connecting with people and much more gave him respect and social status. 

He expected all these, because, it was part of his job description. Something that came unexpectedly was anxiety. 

He was growing more anxious, becoming more fearful of something that held him back. His performance suffered because of this fear of the unknown.  

One day, while making a presentation to a team of executives in Berlin – Germany, he experienced twitching, sweating, and nausea, which forced him to end the meeting abruptly. Immediate medical attention was sought and he was given alprazolam — a fast-acting, potent tranquilizer of medium duration. 

Although he felt relieved, the medication made him drowsy for about 24 hours. He couldn’t rely on such medicines. He did not seek better medication, because, he thought that it was a one-off situation. But it occurred again, when he was in Manila – Philippines, for a product launch. He decided to seek medical advice. He consulted doctors in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and London. 

The pattern of medical advice he received was similar. The doctors he consulted put him on pills and advised him to take less workload, get good sleep, take the pills regularly, hit the gym, and stop being over-ambitious. 

He was a university topper and did a master’s from IIM, Ahmedabad. He was ambitious, and never missed an opportunity to prove his mettle. Yet, his desire, passion, and hard work, took a toll on his health and threatened to scuttle his ambition and career. 

One day, his wife rushed him to my clinic with restlessness, increased heartbeat, and mild tremors. 

I examined him carefully and diagnosed that he suffers from Anxiety Neurosis. 

I began to counsel him. During counseling, I learned the root cause of his condition. 

Vivek hails from a poor family. Although he was good in his studies, he suffered from an inferiority complex, right from a young age. His parents would subject him to repeated insults and beat him up for simple and silly mistakes. Once, while still in school, he was insulted in front of the entire village for failing in one subject. He began to nurture low self-esteem since then. 

After getting to know his background in detail, I taught him simple yoga exercises and breathing techniques. He underwent Shirodhara treatment along with Ayurvedic medication. 

Vivek’s journey toward overcoming his anxiety and regaining his self-confidence was not an easy one. It required commitment, perseverance, and the help of a skilled doctor who could guide him through the process. Over the course of five counseling sessions, Vivek was able to make significant progress in his recovery.

The First Session: Building Trust and Identifying the Problem

In the first session, I focused on building a rapport with Vivek and establishing trust. We discussed Vivek’s background, his work history, and his current challenges. Through this conversation, I was able to identify the root cause of Vivek’s anxiety: his fear of the unknown. We discussed the various ways in which this fear was impacting his life and causing him distress.

The Second Session: Developing Coping Strategies

In the second session, I worked with Vivek to develop coping strategies to manage his anxiety. We discussed various techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and visualization. I also encouraged Vivek to practice self-care, such as getting enough sleep and exercise, and to set boundaries around his work.

The Third Session: Addressing Underlying Issues

In the third session, I focused on addressing the underlying issues that were contributing to Vivek’s anxiety. We discussed his childhood experiences and how they had impacted his self-esteem and sense of self-worth. I helped Vivek to reframe his thoughts and to challenge his negative beliefs about himself.

The Fourth Session: Practicing Self-Compassion

In the fourth session, I focused on practicing self-compassion. Vivek tended to be hard on himself, setting high expectations and pushing himself to achieve. I  convinced him to see the importance of self-care and self-compassion, encouraging him to be kind to himself and to prioritize his mental health.

The Fifth Session: Creating a Plan for the Future

In the final session, I and Vivek worked together to create a plan for the future. I suggested ways in which Vivek could continue to manage his anxiety, such as scheduling regular self-care activities and taking breaks when needed. We also talked about ways in which Vivek could continue to work on his self-esteem and sense of self-worth, such as practicing positive self-talk and surrounding himself with supportive people.

Overall, the five counseling sessions were instrumental in helping Vivek overcome his anxiety and regain his self-confidence. Through my support and guidance, Vivek was able to develop coping strategies, address underlying issues, practice self-compassion, and create a plan for the future.

Concluding remarks

As Vivek left my clinic on the final day of our counseling sessions, a deep sense of pride and fulfillment washed over me. Watching him transform from a fearful and anxious individual to a confident and resilient one was truly rewarding. I knew that life would continue to present challenges, but I was confident that Vivek now had the tools and techniques to face them with grace and ease. His journey had not been easy, but it had been worth it.

This experience reminded me that true growth often comes from confronting our deepest fears and insecurities head-on. As we learn to respond rather than react to life’s challenges, we discover a greater sense of peace and joy. I felt grateful for the opportunity to guide Vivek on his journey and excited for the transformations that lay ahead for him and all those who choose to embark on the path of self-awareness and inner peace.

Vivek followed my instructions diligently, taking a sabbatical for a month, practicing yoga and meditation, and receiving Ayurvedic treatments. He had rid himself of his anxiety and emerged as a rejuvenated individual, filled with energy and positivity. He had become more than just a patient; he was now a close friend who regularly checked in and referred others to my practice.

( Note: To protect the privacy of the person, the name in the article has been changed to Vivek )