Can Personality Traits Like Anxiety Be Changed or Managed?

Can personality change?

A nervous personality causes significant distress, as the more I fear being anxious, the more anxious I become.
Due to accumulated experiences over time, I often exhibit signs of nervousness, as if my mind has engraved the notion that I am an inherently anxious person.
This self-identification makes it even harder to overcome.
Each time I present, I genuinely prepare thoroughly, yet my mind tends to excessively worry.
It feels like I have to manage both my anxiety and the task at hand simultaneously.
I wish I could simply focus without overthinking.
I have considered that my anxiety stems from a fear of not performing well, especially when facing authority figures, which makes me feel even more overwhelmed.
I become particularly fearful of bosses or more aggressive individuals.
Despite my efforts and continuous practice, I still engage in mental preparation, telling myself to improve upon my last presentation.
However, sometimes I can maintain my composure at the beginning, but as I continue to present, I start to shake.
In those moments, I am acutely aware of my unstable emotions and desperately want to overcome them, yet I feel powerless.
I acknowledge that even when I am nervous, I still strive to do a good job and present.
However, this nervousness can lead to a lack of trust from others, as it diminishes my credibility.
A former university professor once said that I should simply communicate what I know, yet it seems that those around me do not understand why I feel anxious or what there is to be anxious about.
My self-image appears to be affected, and others may easily underestimate me, which adds to my distress.
I sincerely hope to overcome my nervousness and would like to ask a doctor if there are ways to conquer this anxiety.
Is taking Inderal a viable solution, or are there other methods? I truly want to become a better version of myself.
Thank you.

you, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/06/06

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry

Hello, personality can certainly change.
One bright aspect of psychiatric issues, or broadly speaking, psychological distress, is that these conditions have the potential for improvement compared to many physical illnesses.
We all know that losing an arm cannot be reversed, but anxiety disorders and depression have a significant chance of improvement, or at least of becoming less distressing.

Firstly, feeling anxious is not uncommon, so you shouldn't feel that you are unique in this regard.
When you present on stage, there are likely several people in the audience who are also feeling nervous; perhaps even your boss is, though it's not always visible.
Thinking this way might help you feel a bit better.
Someone once told me that when I look at them during meetings, it can be intimidating.
What they don’t realize is that leading the meeting is what causes me great distress, as I am very prone to anxiety.
Additionally, I have noticed that being easily anxious is closely related to perfectionism and a strong sense of gain and loss.
Honestly, this personality trait drives societal progress; many great inventions in human society rely on this relentless spirit.
For us, such individuals are reliable and responsible, as long as their perfectionist standards are not imposed on others.
However, not everything in life goes smoothly, and hard work does not always yield the expected results, as many factors are beyond our control.
Therefore, accepting that imperfection will occasionally occur is a lesson we must learn sooner or later.
Before presenting, do not expect to perform flawlessly; instead, focus on conveying the results of your efforts to your colleagues and boss.
The internal standard should shift to simply expressing your work successfully, rather than expecting positive evaluations from others, which will significantly reduce your stress.
No matter how we perform, there will always be someone dissatisfied, just as there will always be those who unconditionally support and appreciate us.
Furthermore, making an effort to help others and cultivating a sense of humor can effectively alleviate anxiety, especially social anxiety.
Even if your ability to help others feels minimal, as long as you harbor good intentions to assist, the barriers and suspicions between yourself and others will begin to dissolve, and the world will start to change.
Our relationships with those around us will become more relaxed and enjoyable.
Finally, if you really want to do well, I suggest that you simply be yourself; there is no need to strive for perfection.
Wishing you all the best.

Sincerely,
Dr.
Ding Shuo-Yan

Reply Date: 2015/06/06

More Info

Managing anxiety and personality traits that contribute to it can indeed be a complex process, but it is certainly possible to change or manage these traits over time. Anxiety, particularly in situations like public speaking or interacting with authority figures, is a common experience for many individuals. The key to managing anxiety lies in understanding its roots, developing coping strategies, and potentially seeking professional help.

Firstly, it’s important to recognize that anxiety often stems from a fear of failure or negative evaluation. This fear can be exacerbated by past experiences where you may have felt judged or criticized. When you internalize the belief that you are an anxious person, it can create a self-fulfilling prophecy. You may find yourself becoming increasingly anxious in situations where you feel you need to perform, leading to a cycle of anxiety that feels difficult to break.
One effective approach to managing anxiety is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. For example, if you find yourself thinking, "I will embarrass myself during this presentation," CBT encourages you to reframe that thought to something more constructive, such as, "I have prepared well, and I can handle this." This shift in perspective can reduce anxiety and improve your confidence.

Additionally, practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques can be beneficial. Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment and accepting it without judgment. Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery can help calm your mind and body before and during anxiety-provoking situations. Regular practice of these techniques can lead to a greater sense of control over your anxiety.

Another important aspect is exposure therapy, which involves gradually facing the situations that trigger your anxiety. For instance, if public speaking is a source of anxiety, you might start by speaking in front of a small, supportive group before progressing to larger audiences. This gradual exposure can help desensitize you to the anxiety-provoking situation and build your confidence over time.

It’s also crucial to address any underlying perfectionism that may be contributing to your anxiety. Perfectionism often leads to unrealistic expectations and fear of making mistakes. Learning to set realistic goals and accepting that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process can alleviate some of the pressure you place on yourself.

In terms of medication, beta-blockers like Inderal (propranolol) can be prescribed for performance anxiety. They work by blocking the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat and trembling, which can help you feel more composed during stressful situations. However, medication should be considered as part of a broader treatment plan that includes therapy and lifestyle changes.

Lastly, building a support network is essential. Surrounding yourself with understanding friends, family, or colleagues can provide emotional support and encouragement. Sharing your experiences with others who have faced similar challenges can also be empowering.

In summary, while anxiety can feel overwhelming, it is manageable. Through therapy, mindfulness practices, gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations, and possibly medication, you can develop strategies to cope with and reduce your anxiety. Remember, change takes time, and it’s important to be patient with yourself as you work towards becoming the best version of yourself. Seeking professional help can provide you with tailored strategies and support to navigate this journey effectively.

Similar Q&A

Transforming Your Mindset: Overcoming Anxiety and Depression

Changing cognition seems to be similar to changing thoughts, but once a belief is established, it feels like there’s no way to revert it. For a long time, I have often felt down and depressed. Eventually, I achieved something I had been worried about for a long time (finding a st...

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: Everyone has a different personality; some are optimistic, while others are pessimistic. People with a pessimistic personality tend to be more cautious and are likely to envision potential disasters. If this tendency is not excessive, they are generally less prone to makin...

Can Panic Disorder Improve Through Personal Courage and Change?

Hello, Dr. Huang. After learning about the term "panic disorder," I realized that I am indeed a patient with this condition. Throughout my life, I often experience symptoms such as palpitations, nervousness, anxiety, and high levels of stress in various situations. I ha...

Dr. Huang Weiqin reply Psychiatry
Dear Inquirer, Panic disorder is a condition related to dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system. With appropriate medication and relaxation training, symptoms can often improve or resolve. However, panic disorder typically does not subside simply by deciding to be brave; r...

Navigating Anxiety in New Environments: A Mental Health Perspective

I often feel uncomfortable when I first arrive in a new environment, experiencing some psychological struggles. For instance, when I moved from the south to Taipei to study and settled into a dormitory, I felt anxious about the new surroundings. I also feel uneasy when interactin...

Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, it seems that you have some regrets about your difficulty in socializing and wish to change yourself. Indeed, changing one's personality is not easy. Choosing a lifestyle that suits your personality is not a bad option; however, if you want to explore whether you have...

Overcoming Low Self-Esteem: Strategies for Personal Transformation

Hello Doctor: "Lack of confidence" is my biggest issue. I have tried many methods and read numerous books, including Carnegie, but nothing has truly resonated with me (perhaps it's because deep down I don't believe change is possible or effective!). Even the p...

Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
Hello CHIA: Since you also perceive it as "personality," the development of personality is fundamentally a combination of innate temperament and environmental factors. You cannot choose your innate temperament, and the environment has already shaped you over the past 28...