Recovery from Social Anxiety and Related Conditions
Robert F. Mullen, PhD
Director/ReChanneling
For each new subscriber, ReChanneling donates $25 for workshop scholarships.
The primary distinction between social anxiety and social anxiety disorder lies in the severity of symptoms. Not everyone is affected in the same way, as the intensity and persistence of symptoms vary widely from person to person. Although the characteristics and traits of these conditions may appear similar across individuals, each person’s experience is shaped by a unique combination of environment, life experiences, and the diversity of human thought and behavior.
Additionally, it is important to recognize that comorbidities—other mental health conditions that occur alongside social anxiety—are highly prevalent. This underscores the complexity of these anxiety disorders. As such, effective recovery strategies must address not only social anxiety but also its related conditions. Throughout this book, when recovery methods are discussed for social anxiety, social phobia, and social anxiety disorder, they are intended to apply to all three.
___________________________
Reconstructing Our Neural Network
Neural information that impacts us is registered stimuli, i.e., neurally detected (noticed) and recorded. Registered information can be positive, negative, or neutral.
External stimuli we don’t notice or react to do not register and elicit a neural response. Our conscious thought formation processes only about 10 bits of data per second of the two billion bits surrounding our sensory systems,
While all human neural networks are inundated with adverse information due to life’s vicissitudes, the causes and effects of our disorder produce an overabundance of negative information. Those include childhood disturbance, negative core and intermediate beliefs, disorder onset, cognitive bias, negativity bias, and adverse self-appraisal.
Offsetting Negative Information
One of the primary objectives in recovery is to produce positive neurological stimulation to offset the negative polarity of our neural network. Neural stimuli include sensory stimuli, such as sights, sounds, and tactile impressions; mental information in memory, experience, and ideas; and emotional experiences incited by images, words, and music.
Neuroplasticity
Plasticity is the quality of being shaped or molded. In physiology, plasticity is the adaptability of an organism to changes in its environment or differences between its various habitats. Human neuroplasticity is the continual reorganization of our brain’s synaptic connections in response to stimuli or information.
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)
Three Forms of Human Neuroplasticity
Human neuroplasticity occurs in three forms. Reactive neuroplasticity is our brain’s natural response to registered information, which we have limited to no control over. This is stimuli we absorb but do not initiate: a car alarm, lightning, or the smell of baked goods. Our neural network automatically restructures itself in response to what happens around us.
Active neuroplasticity occurs through pursuits like creating, yoga, and journaling. We control active neuroplasticity by choosing the activity. A significant component of active neuroplasticity is our altruistic and compassionate social behavior, e.g., teaching, compassion, and random acts of kindness.
What is significant is that we can dramatically accelerate and consolidate the intake of positive information by consciously compelling our brains to repattern their neural circuitry through proactive neuroplasticity. The deliberate, repetitive neural input (DRNI) of positive information accelerates and consolidates neural restructuring.
Proactive neuroplasticity empowers us to transform our thoughts and behaviors, proactively creating healthy new mindsets, skills, and abilities. We compel the positive restructuring of our neural network by inputting succinct, self-affirming, and self-motivating thoughts and statements.
The deliberate, repetitive neural input (DRNI) of information accelerates and consolidates the process. Through proactive neuroplasticity, we compel change rather than react or respond to it.
The obvious question is: How can a regimen of deliberate neural input – no matter how often repeated – offset the abundance of negative information accumulated over decades?
To understand how affirmative statements or positive activities can counteract years of negative neural activity, imagine a large pitcher half-filled with dark blue water, representing the accumulated neural negativity of social anxiety.
Bright yellow water symbolizes our positive neural input.
When we add yellow to blue, the resultant green water represents the evolving state of our emotional well-being. Each addition of yellow water lightens the green, illustrating how our deliberate positive input dissipates negativity over time.
While our state will never be purely yellow (as blue will always remain a permanent part of our past), consistent positive input ensures the green will continue to lighten.
We strive for progress rather than unattainable perfection.
Information Must Register
Remember, our brain only registers information it notices; most stimuli remain undetected. If information does not register, receptor neurons are not activated, and information is not processed. Since our conscious thought formation processes only about 10 bits of data per second of the two billion bits surrounding our sensory systems, it is crucial to craft and input information that supports our objectives.
The most potent information input is deliberate and repetitive.
Space is Limited
For Information
It is one of the best investments I have made in myself, and I will
continue to improve and benefit from it for the rest of my life. – Nick P.
Deliberate Neural Input
A deliberate act is intentional. Proactive, in the context of neuroplasticity, means that we consciously and intentionally cause something to happen. We initiate and control the process. Proactive neuroplasticity is the deliberate act of reconstructing our neural network through rapid, concentrated neurological stimulation. It’s about taking control and making the change rather than simply reacting.
The purpose is to offset harmful, toxic neural input with healthy, positive information.
Repetitive Neural Input
Repetition is a primary principle of learning—an intricate process that involves the formation and strengthening of neural connections in our brains. It’s not just common practice but a scientifically proven method to enhance memory consolidation and retention. While many factors contribute to effective learning, repetition is a key factor.
It’s not just common practice but a scientifically proven method to enhance memory consolidation and retention. When we encounter new information, our brain initially forms weak connections between the neurons that process that information.
Repetition strengthens these connections, leading to faster, more efficient communication between neurons. With proactive neuroplasticity, the key is to repeat self-affirming and self-motivating thoughts and statements, such as positive personal affirmations.
Repetition plays a crucial role in triggering long-term potentiation (LTP), a process that leads to the persistent strengthening of synapses based on recent activity patterns. When we repeat something, our brain interprets it as significant, thereby accelerating and consolidating the neural connections associated with that information.
Repetition plays a crucial role in transferring the learned information from short-term to long-term memory. Short-term memory has limited capacity and duration, so new knowledge can quickly dissipate without repetition. Through repetitive, durable learning, we store information more effectively in our long-term memory banks, boosting confidence in our learning strategies.
Hebbian Learning
Hebbian Learning, a key principle in understanding the impact of repetition on learning, states that the repeated, persistent stimulation of a presynaptic neural cell increases the efficiency of the postsynaptic cells that generate a neural chain reaction. This principle is instrumental in describing how proactive neuroplasticity accelerates and consolidates learning.
Repetition and duration build up myelin, a group of organic compounds that sheath the nerve fibers (axons) to protect them and increase the rate at which electrical impulses pass along the axon. As we repeatedly perform actions, myelin builds up around the network, strengthening our neural connections. This process gives us a sense of achievement as the brain processes cell signals faster and more efficiently, leading to better performance.
Hemispheric Synchronization
Hemispheric synchronization is the collaboration of our brain’s left and right hemispheres to achieve optimal coherence, i.e., a rational-analytical brain. Our brain’s right hemisphere manages our emotions, creativity, intuition, and imagination, domains of active neuroplasticity. Proactive neuroplasticity governs our left hemisphere’s rational, analytical, and quantitative pursuits.
While the benefits of active neuroplasticity are apparent, the deliberate, repetitive neural input of proactive neuroplasticity is a controlled process. It devises the positive statements we commit to memory and mentally or orally repeat to expedite learning and unlearning, giving us a sense of control over our cognitive processes.
Our Neural Network
Our human neural network is a biological system consisting of interconnected brain neurons—specialized cells that process and transmit information through electrical and chemical signals.
Our brain’s metabolism refers to the intricate chemical and electrical processes that influence and reshape our neural circuitry. Positive neurological stimulation shifts the polarity of our neural network from a toxic state to a healthier one.
Neurons are the core components of our brain and central nervous system. They convey information through electrical activity. Registered information activates receptor neurons, which, in turn, activate presynaptic neurons. This process relays information to postsynaptic neurons, triggering a chain reaction involving billions of interconnected neurons.
Neural Benefits of Neuroplasticity
In addition to long-term potentiation, repetition and duration process higher levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factors) – proteins associated with improved cognitive functioning, mental health, and memory.
According to previous research, each human brain contains around 86 billion neurons, which relay electrical signals. However, new data suggests that the real count far exceeds earlier estimates.
The neural chain reaction generated by repetition reciprocates the energy of the information in abundance. Millions of neurons amplify the electrical activity on a massive scale.
When the activity of the axon pathways heightens, the neurotransmission of roughly 50 chemical hormones accelerates, including GABA for relaxation, dopamine for pleasure and motivation, endorphins to boost our self-esteem, and serotonin for a sense of well-being. Acetylcholine supports neuroplasticity, glutamate enhances our memory, and noradrenaline improves concentration.
Conversely, this also happens with negative information because our brains do not differentiate between positive and negative input. Therefore, the value of positive reinforcement cannot be overstated. It empowers us to take control of our neural network and steer it towards productive outcomes.
Criteria for DRNI
DRNI applies to proactive neuroplasticity, which is deliberate, repetitive neural input. Active neuroplasticity, e.g., pursuits like creating, martial arts, and puzzle assembly, are not deliberately repetitive. These conscious activities promote neural restructuring at an incalculable rate, different from proactive neuroplasticity
The most effective sources of proactive neuroplasticity are positive personal affirmations and rational coping mechanisms to counter our automatic negative thoughts (ANTs).
We begin by identifying the goal of our information. What is our intention and motivation? Are we focused on a specific challenge? Are we reinforcing character strengths and attributes? What is our end goal – the personal milestone we want to achieve? Firm, specific goals enable the process. We deliberately construct our information, e.g., the self-empowering statement(s) that support our goal. We make it
The intent and content of our information determine its positive or negative energy, i.e., the size, amount, or degree of that which passes from one neural atom to another. Therefore, our objective is to provide copious, conscious, positive information.
The most productive information is rational, reasonable, possible, positive, unconditional, goal-focused, succinct, and in the present or future tense.
Rational: Our objective is to subvert the irrationality of our negative self-beliefs. This is a left-brain, analytical activity that engages our intellect and helps us overcome negative thought patterns.
Reasonable: By setting realistic goals, we exercise sound judgment and sensibility. For instance, expecting to publish a novel is unreasonable if we’re illiterate.
Possible: Setting achievable goals is crucial. It keeps us grounded in reality and ensures that our efforts are not in vain. For instance, ‘I will win a Grammy for singing‘ is not a viable option for the tone-deaf. It’s important to set goals that are within our reach.
Positive: Optimistic. Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial for achieving our primary objective. Anything else is counterproductive and can hinder our progress.
Unconditional: Placing limitations on our commitment by using words like maybe, might, and perhaps is our unconscious avoidance of accountability. Saying I might do something essentially means we may or may not do something depending upon our mood or disposition. How comfortable are we when someone says, I might consider paying you for your work?
Goal-Focused. Staying goal-focused is key. Our path will be unfocused and meandering if we do not know our destination. Having a clear goal helps us stay on track and progress.
First-Person, Present or Future Tense: The past is immutable, and the future is indeterminate. “I am confident.” “I will be supportive.”
Succinct: Brief, clearly expressed, and easily memorized.
The importance of productive neural input is indisputable. It expedites and integrates our three complementary goals. Deliberately replacing our negative thoughts and beliefs with healthy, productive ones changes the energy polarity of our neural network.
Proactive Neuroplasticity YouTube Series
WHY IS YOUR SUPPORT SO NECESSARY?
ReChanneling develops and conducts programs to alleviate the symptoms of social anxiety and help individuals tap into their innate potential for extraordinary living. Our unique approach focuses on understanding personality through empathy and collaboration, integrating neuroscience and psychology. This includes proactive neuroplasticity, cognitive-behavioral modification, positive psychology, and techniques designed to reclaim and rebuild self-esteem. Every contribution, regardless of its size, supports individuals who strive to make a positive change in their own lives and the lives of others. All donations go towards scholarships for groups and workshops.
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 who are uneasy in group settings. ReChanneling offers scholarships to accommodate the costs. What is absent in group activities is provided in our monthly 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.