Recovery from Social Anxiety and Related Conditions

Robert F Mullen, PhD
Director/ReChanneling

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Neuroplasticity and Positive Behavioral Change

The distinction between social anxiety and social anxiety disorder is in severity. We are not all affected by the same symptoms or relentlessness. The characteristics and traits are equivalent. These conditions originate homogeneously, their trajectories differentiated by environment, experience, and the diversity of human thought and behavior. While comorbidities dramatically benefit, the recovery methods identified are for social anxiety and social anxiety disorder, and reference to one includes the other.      

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Proactive and Reactive Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity is a testament to our brains’ limitless potential for growth and adaptation. Every input of information or experience prompts our neural network to reconfigure, leading to a profound shift in our behavior and perspective. 

Our ability to consciously direct our brain to rewire its neural circuitry is a game-changer. The practice of deliberate, repetitive neural input (DRNI) of positive information gives us the power to reshape our thoughts and behaviors, fostering healthy mindsets, skills, and abilities. 

“Dr. Mullen is doing impressive work helping the world. He is the pioneer of proactive neuroplasticity utilizing DRNI – deliberate, repetitive, neural information.” – WeVoice (Madrid, Málaga)   

A Brief History

In the 1960s, the science of neuroplasticity was identified by research into the rejuvenation of brain function after a massive stroke. Before that, researchers believed that neurogenesis, or the creation of new neurons, ceased shortly after birth. It was assumed that our brain’s physical structure was permanent by early childhood. 

Today, we understand that our neural pathways are not fixed but constantly evolving. The human brain possesses the remarkable ability to continually reorganize pathways and form new connections and neurons, facilitating both learning and unlearning processes. 

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“It is one of the best investments I have made in myself, and I will
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Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity, the quality of being easily shaped or molded, is the scientific evidence of our brain’s continuous adaptation and restructuring to information and experience. It is what makes learning and registering new experiences possible. Our brain is a dynamic and malleable neural network, constantly realigning its pathways and rebuilding its circuits in response to registered stimuli.  Scientists refer to this process as structural remodeling of the brain.

All registered information notifies our neural network to realign, generating a correlated change in behavior and perspective. What is significant is our ability to accelerate and consolidate the process by compelling our brain to repattern its neural circuitry. Neural circuitry refers to the interconnected network of neurons in our brain responsible for transmitting and processing information. By repatterning this circuitry, we can effectively change our thoughts and behaviors. 

Three Forms of Human Neuroplasticity

Human neuroplasticity happens in three forms. Reactive neuroplasticity is our brain’s response to stimuli we do not initiate and may or may not register: a car alarm, lightning, or the smell of baked goods. Our neural network automatically restructures itself to what our brain notices, meaning that the stimuli must register, i.e., be detected (noticed) and recorded. Most stimuli do not register. They are nugatory.

Our neural network receives around two million bits of data per second but can process roughly 126 bits. If our brain does not register the information, it does not stimulate or alert the receptor neuron and, therefore, does not forward to participating neurons (pre- and post-synaptic). 

Registered information can be positive, negative, or neutral.

Active neuroplasticity happens through intentional pursuits like social interaction, teaching, yoga, and journaling. We control active neuroplasticity because we consciously choose the activity. A significant component of active neuroplasticity is our altruistic and compassionate social behavior – teaching, volunteering, and contributing.

While the benefits of active neuroplasticity are apparent, proactive neuroplasticity is the most effective method of positive neural restructuring. We, as individuals, have the power to compel our brains to change their negative polarity to positive through the deliberate, repetitive neural input (DRNI) of information. DRNI is a self-controlled process executed by the positive statements that we mentally or orally repeat to expedite learning and unlearning. This process requires the construction of substantial and sound information.

However, we cannot discount the benefits of active neuroplasticity, which fulfills the same function at a different level of intensity. Both proactive and active neuroplasticity confirm our ability to govern our emotional well-being. We accelerate and consolidate learning by enabling our brain to repattern its neural circuitry. 

Hemispheric Synchronization

Proactive and active neuroplasticity, two processes of what Jeffrey Schwartz called, self-directed neuroplasticity, play vital roles in recovery. Our brain’s right hemisphere, responsible for managing emotions, creativity, and intuition, is the domain of active neuroplasticity. Proactive neuroplasticity, on the other hand, focuses on the left hemisphere’s rational, analytical, and quantitative pursuits. Social anxiety’s negative self-appraisal and irrational thoughts and behaviors consume our right hemisphere to the detriment of the left.

Registering Information

Negative information has inundated our neural network since childhood. How can we offset the life-accumulated and continuing abundance of negativity no matter how much we deliberately input positive neural information? The truth is, we can’t, which is why we continue to be triggered by past experiences. However, it’s not information that’s the problem, but rather how we react and respond to it. That is what we learn in recovery, and it’s a crucial part of our journey towards emotional well-being.

Let’s hypothesize that our neural network is a color spectrum. Blue represents toxic and unhealthy negative information formed over the years. Yellow is healthy, productive information. Now imagine your neural network as a tall glass of blue water, representing its current level of negativity. Proactive and active neuroplasticity add yellow water to the glass. Over time, the color of the water changes to green. The more we input positive information, the lighter the shade. Green represents positive progress in reconstructing our neural network.

Despite the constant influx of negative experiences and information, stemming from our negative self-appraisal and life’s ups and downs, the deliberate, repetitive input of positive information can bring about significant neurological benefits. These benefits, which we’ll delve into below, have the power to offset the accumulation of toxic input.

Behaviorist B. F. Skinner claimed that the information was more important than the amount. He was onto something, but only half right. Repeated input leads to repeated firing that strengthens the connections between neurons. Just like muscles, the more repetitions, the more robust the energy of the information.

Our Neural Network

Neurons, the fundamental units of our brain and central nervous system, don’t act by themselves but through circuits that strengthen or weaken their connections based on a combination of chemical and electrical activity.

Registered information alerts a receptor neuron which triggers it to fire. Each firing stimulates a presynaptic or sensory neuron, which then transmits the information via an axon or connecting pathway to a synapse. The signal is picked up by the dendrites of the postsynaptic neurons, which relay the information to the nucleus of the cell body. This continuous exchange of electrical energy impulses engages millions of participating neurons, triggering a cellular chain reaction across multiple interconnected brain areas. 

Proactive neuroplasticity, the deliberate and repetitious input of information, is the most effective way to promote and retain learning and unlearning. It compels neurons to fire repeatedly, causing them to wire together, consolidating the new connections. Mindfulness of the scientific process can inspire and motivate us to engage in deliberate learning practices, knowing that our brains are capable of such profound change.

Synaptic connections consolidate when two or more neurons are activated contiguously. Again, the more repetitions, the more durable the connection. Hebb’s rule of neuroplasticity, a fundamental principle in neuroscience, states that neurons that fire together wire together.  Repeated firing strengthens and solidifies the pathways between neurons. The activity of the axon pathway heightens, causing the synapses to multiply and accelerate the transmission of information.

Repetition is a key factor in learning. We prompt our neural network to restructure by deliberately inputting information. But it’s through repetition that we cause circuits to strengthen and realign. This understanding demonstrates how repetition speeds up the process of learning and unlearning, motivating us to keep practicing and improving. 

Neuroplasticity offers us the potential for growth and change. Each input of registered information, intentional or otherwise, causes a receptor neuron to fire. Each time a neuron fires, it reshapes and strengthens the axon connection and the neural bond. The more repetitions, the more neurons are impacted, creating multiple connections that attract the participation of more neurons.

An increase in learning efficacy arises from the sensory neuron’s repeated and persistent stimulation of the postsynaptic cell. Postsynaptic neurons multiply, amplifying the positive or negative energy of the information. This potential for growth and change is the energy that passes from one atom to another during their chain reaction. 

Benefits of Neuroplasticity

The substantial benefits of deliberate neuroplasticity over an extended period are evident. Multiple firings activate long-term potentiation, increasing the nerve impulses’ strength along the connecting pathways, and generating more energy. Deliberate and repetitive neuroplasticity causes higher levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factors), a protein associated with improved cognitive functioning, mental health, and memory, which plays a crucial role in neuroplasticity. 

We know how challenging it is to change, remove ourselves from hostile environments, and break habits that interfere with our optimum functioning. We are hard-wired to resist anything that jeopardizes our status quo. Our brain’s inertia senses and repels changes, and our basal ganglia resists any modification in behavior patterns. Proactive and active neuroplasticity empowers us to assume accountability for our emotional well-being and quality of life by allowing us to control our information input.

Neural Reciprocity

Neural restructuring doesn’t happen overnight. Recovery-remission is a year or more in treatment utilizing appropriate tools and techniques. Meeting personal goals and objectives takes persistence, perseverance, and patience.  Substance abuse programs, for example,  recommend nurturing a plant or tropical fish during the first year before contemplating an intimate relationship, emphasizing the need for patience and nurturing in the recovery journey.

The successful pursuit of any ambition varies by individual and is subject to multiple factors. However, progress is exponential once we begin the deliberate neural input of positive information. The reciprocating energy from neuroplasticity is not just abundant; it’s a game-changer.

The repeated firing of participating neurons involves millions of neurons that amplify energy on a massive scale. Positive energy is multiplied millions of times and reciprocated in abundance. This is the awe-inspiring power of neuroplasticity, a force that can truly transform the recovery journey. 

The power of neuroplasticity is that a system of positive, repetitive input, such as positive personal affirmations, constructive self-talk, and engaging in positive activities, can offset decades of irrational, self-destructive thoughts and behaviors. It provides the mental and emotional wherewithal to effectively pursue our personal goals and objectives, putting us in control of our recovery journey. 

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Chemical Hormones

Our brain automatically transmits chemical hormones to reward neural input. We receive transmissions of GABA for relaxation, dopamine for pleasure and motivation, endorphins for euphoria, and serotonin for well-being. Acetylcholine supports our positivity, glutamate enhances our memory, and noradrenalin improves concentration.

Every time we input positive information, our brain releases chemical hormones that make us feel viable and productive. These hormones empower us to overcome the negative energy channeled by the things that impede our potential. This is the true value of positive reinforcement.

In addition, positive information decreases the influx of fear—and anxiety-provoking hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine.

Our brain doesn’t think, however. It is an organic reciprocator that provides the means for us to think. It maintains our heartbeat, nervous system, blood flow, etc. And it also tells us when to breathe, stimulates thirst, and controls our weight and digestion. 

Since our brain does not differentiate between productive and toxic information, it transmits the same chemical hormones to adverse and harmful information. Thus, the scientific validation of the power of positive experience and information.

Constructing Our Information

We construct the information we input in our neural network by context, content, and intention. These factors determine the integrity of the information and its correlation to durability and learning efficacy. The most effective information is calculated and specific to our purpose.

For instance, if we’re challenging negative thoughts, the information could be positive personal affirmations or cognitive-behavioral strategies. If we’re focused on a specific challenge, the information could be problem-solving techniques or relevant knowledge. What is our end goal – the personal milestone we want to achieve? 

The process is theoretically simple but challenging due to the commitment and endurance required for the long-term, repetitive process. We don’t advance at Wimbledon without decades of practice with rackets and balls; philharmonics cater to pianists who have spent years at the keyboard. This commitment is not just a requirement, but a necessity that fuels our determination and keeps us focused on our goals.

DRNI is a key concept in proactive neuroplasticity. It refers to a calculated regimen of deliberate, repetitive neural information that is tedious and fails to deliver immediate, tangible results. On the other hand, active neuroplasticity is more emotionally responsive and beneficial in the short run. Both are necessary for hemispheric synchronization.

The ability to balance our emotions, creativity, and intuition with our left hemisphere’s rational, analytical, and quantitative pursuits generates our emotional intelligence, which enables us to regulate our emotions and understand those of others, providing healthier emotional well-being and interpersonal relationships.

The positive impact of neuroplasticity is exponential due to the abundant reciprocation of positive energy and the neurotransmission of hormones that generate motivation, persistence, and perseverance. Deliberate neuroplasticity alleviates symptoms of physiological dysfunction and discomfort and promises to transform our pursuit of goals and objectives. 

Proactive Neuroplasticity YouTube Series

INDIVIDUAL RECOVERY. The symptoms of social anxiety make it challenging for some to participate in a collective workshop. Dr. Mullen works one-on-one with a select group of individuals uneasy in a group setting. ReChanneling offers scholarships to accommodate the costs. What is missed in group activities is provided in our monthly, no-cost Graduate Recovery Group. In this supportive community, graduates interact with others who have completed the program.  Contact ‘rmullenphd@gmail.com’.

Committing to recovery is one of the hardest things you will ever do.
It takes enormous courage and the realization that you are of value,
consequential, and deserving of happiness.