Thank you, as someone who lives with a partner who suffers anxiety, this makes total sense. More sense than many of the psychological explanations out there! Sadly, although he removed himself 3.5 years ago from the situation that triggered the anxiety, he still suffers from many of the responses you describe. We have tried many things, but his nervous system seems 'stuck' in the same pattern. I look forward to the next instalments.
Thank you, Vaishali, for this thoughtful and well researched essay on anxiety. It is very timely for me. After studying, practicing and teaching yoga for over 59 years, I am going back to my psychiatrist who I haven’t seen in 50 years to help me handle my anxiety. The world was in a terrible place then, a corrupt US president, the Viet Nam war to which friends were drafted and faced death and despair. I was in a difficult relationship and I was living away from my family. I was feeling very unsafe. I was put on medication and weaned off of it in less than a year and though my life has had many struggles, I did not feel the need for medication because I had a strong and vigorous yoga and spiritual practice - until now with similar circumstances occurring in the world and in my life. And my psychiatrist is still practicing! Though he is trying to retire. He sees some patients because there are so few psychiatrists available. So thank you for this. It gives me much to reflect on.
Blessings your way, Patricia, as you navigate this phase of your life 🙏 As you may know already, vata dosha tends to increase as we get older—not easy but part of the rhythm of Life's movement from one form into another. I'm very glad to hear you have the support of a trusted professional when you need it. But I'm curious, why are there so few psychiatrists?
There are so few psychiatrists because the insurance industry gives minimal or no coverage for psychiatrists and almost all mental health professionals. They would rather rely on primary care physicians to prescribe medication. Those with money can pay the high price of psychiatrists and psychologists out of pocket. Hence the mental health crisis in this country.
Thank you, as someone who lives with a partner who suffers anxiety, this makes total sense. More sense than many of the psychological explanations out there! Sadly, although he removed himself 3.5 years ago from the situation that triggered the anxiety, he still suffers from many of the responses you describe. We have tried many things, but his nervous system seems 'stuck' in the same pattern. I look forward to the next instalments.
Thank you PJ! I hope there's something helpful in the next few posts for you and him.
Thank you, Vaishali, for this thoughtful and well researched essay on anxiety. It is very timely for me. After studying, practicing and teaching yoga for over 59 years, I am going back to my psychiatrist who I haven’t seen in 50 years to help me handle my anxiety. The world was in a terrible place then, a corrupt US president, the Viet Nam war to which friends were drafted and faced death and despair. I was in a difficult relationship and I was living away from my family. I was feeling very unsafe. I was put on medication and weaned off of it in less than a year and though my life has had many struggles, I did not feel the need for medication because I had a strong and vigorous yoga and spiritual practice - until now with similar circumstances occurring in the world and in my life. And my psychiatrist is still practicing! Though he is trying to retire. He sees some patients because there are so few psychiatrists available. So thank you for this. It gives me much to reflect on.
Blessings your way, Patricia, as you navigate this phase of your life 🙏 As you may know already, vata dosha tends to increase as we get older—not easy but part of the rhythm of Life's movement from one form into another. I'm very glad to hear you have the support of a trusted professional when you need it. But I'm curious, why are there so few psychiatrists?
There are so few psychiatrists because the insurance industry gives minimal or no coverage for psychiatrists and almost all mental health professionals. They would rather rely on primary care physicians to prescribe medication. Those with money can pay the high price of psychiatrists and psychologists out of pocket. Hence the mental health crisis in this country.
This is unfortunate, and sad to hear. Thanks for clarifying.