There was a time in my anxiety recovery that I wondered why things always felt worse while I was doing everything right. I viewed these moments as setbacks which brought me right back to square one which consisted of:
- Over-worry
- Fixation over my anxiety symptoms
- Victimhood feelings and victimhood talk
- Fear of what’s to come in the future
- Rage
Little did I realize at the time that there was a spiritual component to this shift as well, I had never considered this before! I also didn’t realize what was really going on which was a profound shift in mind and body in a positive sense even though it didn’t feel like it at the time.
Here’s what I realized!
Irritability often flares up during both the transition from a dysregulated nervous system to a regulated one and a spiritual awakening. Here’s why this happens and how the two experiences are deeply connected:
Navigating the Nervous System Shift
When we’ve been stuck in a state of anxiety for a long time, our nervous system is essentially in survival mode—always on high alert, scanning for threats. This constant activation can feel like living in overdrive, where even small things can trigger a disproportionate response.
As you begin working toward regulating your nervous system—whether through:
There’s a detox phase where all the stress and tension you’ve been carrying for so long starts to release.
This release can lead to heightened irritability.
It’s like your system is recalibrating, shifting from the familiar chaos of a dysregulated state to a new, calmer baseline. In this period of adjustment, things that wouldn’t normally bother you might set you off more easily because your body is trying to settle into a new rhythm. You’re learning to slow down, but old habits of stress and reactivity can still flare up as they lose their grip.
Irritability During Anxiety Recovery and Spiritual Awakening
The same sense of irritability is common during spiritual awakening. Awakening isn’t just a gentle enlightenment; it’s often an intense process that shakes up your internal world. Your body, mind, and spirit are undergoing a deep transformation. Old beliefs, traumas, and emotional baggage are being brought to the surface to be released, and this purge can feel overwhelming.
As you become more aware of your inner world, your sensitivity to external stimuli heightens.
Things that once went unnoticed, like noise, certain behaviors, or even your own thoughts, can suddenly feel unbearable. This makes irritability a natural response because your nervous system is adjusting to a new state of awareness. You’re not just thinking differently—you’re feeling, sensing, and perceiving on a deeper level.
Why Irritability Heightens in Both Transitions
In both cases, irritability is a sign that your system is trying to regulate itself. As you shift from a dysregulated state of chronic anxiety to a more balanced one, or from a pre-awakening mindset to a more conscious, aware state, your nervous system is recalibrating. It’s a process of releasing the old and making space for the new, and irritability is a byproduct of that internal shift.
This heightened irritability is a signal that you’re moving through something significant.
It’s uncomfortable, but it’s also temporary. On the other side of this transition, both in terms of regulating your nervous system and embracing spiritual growth, is a deeper sense of peace, connection, and balance. Trusting the process can help you ride through the irritability with more patience and compassion for yourself.
To Conclude, Remember This if Irritability During Anxiety Recovery is Building…
You’re on the right path. If you’ve been prioritizing self care, putting in time for surrender sessions, and working with your body in a gentler and kinder way it’s just a matter of time. However, it’s best not to focus on when the nervous system will regulate itself, and better to focus on the enjoyment around your new lifestyle habits. Remember, you are more than anxiety.
Dennis
This is so helpful! I have experienced this and have thought I was going backwards, as I my mind was trying to keep me stuck in anxiety. Thank you.
So very welcome and I appreciate your comment very much.