Client’s Success Story

‘Case of Illness Anxiety Disorder’

When Amar (name changed) first reached out, he wasn’t seeking therapy in the traditional sense. He was searching for answers.

In his early thirties, Amar came across as composed and rational. But beneath his calm tone was a persistent fear.

“I’ve done all the tests,” he said during our first call. “But something still feels wrong. No one can tell me what it is.”

He had already consulted several specialists, cardiologists, gastroenterologists, and had undergone bloodwork, ECGs, and even an endoscopy. Aside from a diagnosed H. Pylori infection, all reports came back normal. Yet, his anxiety only intensified.

Every bodily sensation, chest tightness, throat dryness, digestive changes, triggered catastrophic thoughts: 

What if something’s been missed? 

What if it’s serious? 

Amar wasn’t just reacting to symptoms; he was trapped in a cycle of hypervigilance and fear.

The onset of these worries could be traced back to January 2024. While working out, he noticed a dry throat and chest discomfort, minor at first, but after Googling and self-checking, it spiraled into heart-related fears. Frequent travel and irregular meals worsened his digestion, further reinforcing his belief that something was deeply wrong.

Despite repeated reassurances from doctors, Amar couldn’t shake the dread. The tipping point came after a panic episode in June, when a doctor suggested, “This might be anxiety.”

That idea opened a door.

He came to therapy cautiously, not convinced, but curious. We didn’t rush to label his fear as “just anxiety.” Instead, we acknowledged the real distress he felt, while introducing the idea that maybe it wasn’t his body failing, but his mind overprotecting.

Together, we worked to interrupt the cycle that sustains Illness Anxiety Disorder:

Symptom → Fear → Reassurance → Brief relief → Symptom-checking → Renewed fear

Through cognitive reframing, grounding techniques, behavioral experiments, and psychoeducation, Amar slowly began to shift. The sensations didn’t vanish, but they no longer ruled his day. He started to separate his body’s messages from his mind’s catastrophic interpretations.

In one session, he shared,

“I still get scared sometimes… but now I know it’s a thought, not a fact.”

That was a turning point. Not the end of anxiety, but the beginning of insight.

Today, Amar still pays attention to his health, but not obsessively. He’s learned to live with uncertainty, to listen to his body without fearing it.

“Maybe I’ll never feel 100% sure,” he reflected in a closing session, “But that’s okay. I don’t need to live in fear to stay safe anymore.”

At Vibrant Aura, we offer a space where fears are heard without judgment, and healing unfolds with compassion and care,  just like it did for this client.

Also read about- https://thevibrantaura.in/index.php/2024/03/01/three-essential-areas-to-reset-and-calm-anxiety/

How Much Control Do You Truly Have Over Your Life?

Have you ever thought about who’s really in control of your life, you, or everything happening around you?

The Rotter’s Locus of Control Survey is a simple way to find out. It gives you a glimpse into how you view the world, and what might be shaping your decisions without you even realizing it.

For example, here’s a sample question from the survey:

“When you get what you want, is it usually because you worked hard for it, or because you were lucky?”

Interesting to think about, right?

The best part is that your results are for your eyes only. Once you complete the survey (link below), your results will be sent straight to your email. No one else, not even us can see them.

Take a few minutes for yourself. You might be surprised by what you learn.

https://thevibrantaura.in/ninja-forms/117egc

Also read about, https://thevibrantaura.in/index.php/2024/10/01/the-30-days-gratitude-challenge/ and take the challenge.

Shielding Yourself from Negative Emotions

Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt drained, even though nothing was said? Or maybe a friend’s constant complaining leaves you feeling low? Negative emotions whether from people, social media, or the environment, can be contagious. But the good news is, you don’t have to absorb them.

In a world where emotional energy is constantly exchanged, learning to protect your inner peace is a valuable skill. Here’s how you can navigate negativity without letting it consume you.

1. Recognize What’s Yours and What’s Not

Not every emotion you feel is yours. Sometimes, you’re just picking up on others’ stress, anger, or sadness. The next time you sense negativity, pause and ask yourself:

• “Was I feeling this way before?”

• “Is this emotion truly mine, or am I absorbing someone else’s energy?”

If it’s not yours, visualize it passing through you instead of settling within.

2. Set Emotional Boundaries

You wouldn’t let someone walk into your home and dump their garbage inside, so why let them do that with negativity? Protect your mental space by-

•Limiting time with people who constantly complain or criticize.

• Saying “I understand” instead of engaging deeply in their negativity.

• Learning to say no without guilt.

3. Choose Your Responses Wisely

Negativity thrives on reaction. If someone is venting, gossiping, or being pessimistic, you have three choices:

  1. Engage – which drains you.
  2. Ignore – which might escalate things.
  3. Detach and redirect – which protects your peace.

A simple, calm response like “That sounds tough, but I hope things work out” can acknowledge the other person without fueling negativity.

4. Practice Mindful Detachment

You can be compassionate without absorbing others’ struggles. Imagine a protective bubble around you that filters out negativity but allows positive connections. Techniques like:

These small shifts keep you from getting emotionally entangled.

5. Surround Yourself with Positivity

Just like negativity spreads, so does positivity. Balance out negative exposure by:

The more you feed your mind with positivity, the less room negativity has to settle in.

Also read about – https://thevibrantaura.in/index.php/2023/09/06/social-media-and-mental-health/ 

Rebuilding Self-Esteem

A Client’s Journey of Growth and Confidence.

Improving self-esteem takes time, but with the right support, it’s possible. Professional guidance can help you recognize your strengths, set achievable goals, and challenge self-doubt. Surrounding yourself with positivity and engaging in fulfilling activities further reinforces confidence, leading to lasting self-worth.

Here’s a real-life journey of building self-esteem (with the client’s name changed).

My client, Anisa, had always struggled with low self-esteem, but she decided it was time for a change. With my guidance, she began focusing on her strengths and setting small, achievable goals—like finishing a book each month—and celebrated every win. Surrounding herself with supportive friends and practicing positive self-talk gradually lifted her confidence. She also reconnected with activities she loved, like painting and trekking, which made her feel more like herself again. Over time, these small but meaningful steps helped Anisa build a stronger, more confident sense of self.

Low self-esteem may impede your ability to pursue opportunities and take risks. When you question your abilities, you are less likely to step out of your comfort zone and reach your full potential. This lack of confidence can result in missed opportunities as the fear of failure or judgement prevents you from taking on new challenges. Over time, low self-esteem can affect your mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Also read about, 5 Ways To Enhance Communication Skills-

https://http://thevibrantaura.in/index.php/2024/03/26/5-ways-to-enhance-communication-skills/

Be your Biggest Supporter

Repeat this- 

I will, Talk gently to myself.

I will, Appreciate being me.

I will, Address my Higher and Younger Self

from time-to-time.

Do connect with Vibrant Aura by Sejal.

Also read about- https://http://thevibrantaura.in/index.php/2024/02/26/check-in-on-those-around-you/ 

5 Simple Ways to Break the Negative Thought Loop

Negative thought loops can be overwhelming, but with a few simple techniques, you can break free and regain control over your mind.

1. Grounding Technique

Sensory engagement is employed here in order to ensure the individual is restored to the present moment.

Example: Use of the 5-4-3-2-1 method alongside the breath visualization exercise. 

2. Challenge the Thought 

Take a moment to assess whether the emotion in question is valid or takes an irrational form. 

Example: Diminish the negative connotation of the phrase “I always fail” to, “I’ve succeeded before, and I can try again.” 

3. Engage in an Activity 

Engaging in an activity can refresh your mind, reduce stress, and boost your mood. Pick something you enjoy and get started!

Example: If you’re stuck overthinking a mistake, try going for a walk, painting, or cooking. This shift in focus can calm your mind and provide mental clarity.

4. Use Affirmations or Positive Self-Talk 

Start complimenting yourself more and reminding yourself of your strengths.

Example: If you think, “I’m certain I don’t measure up,” counter it with- “I try my best all the time, and it is evident that I am doing everything I can.” Or, “In due course, this will fade, and I will definitely come out on the other side better than I am now.”

5. Talk It Out

Share your thoughts with someone you trust, or talk aloud to yourself.

Example: If you’re replaying a work mistake in your mind, call a friend or record a voice note saying, “Here’s what happened. Do you think it’s as bad as I feel?” Talking helps externalize the loop and gain perspective.

Change takes time, but each step forward is progress. Try these strategies and remember, peace of mind is within reach.

Also read about, Stop feeling guilty for..

https://http://thevibrantaura.in/index.php/2024/05/13/stop-feeling-guilty-for/