EP 0101 - The Selfish Nature of Anxiety and Fear

Send in a question or comment via text. For full show notes on this episode, go to https://theanxiousgroup.com/101 Anxiety disorders are selfish disorders. Anxiety and fear are self-centered and will push their way to the front of the line at all times. When struggling with an anxiety disorder, the selfish nature of the disorder often makes you look selfish and self-centered. The disorder is selfish. You are not. Anxiety and fear drive self-centered behaviors in three ways: Disruption Based on Avoidance Anxiety causes you to spend your time scanning for threats. Every situation is evaluated based on how it may make you feel. Decisions are made based on the drive to avoid the feelings and thoughts that you hate and fear. When your anxiety drives you to cancel engagements, avoid places and situations, and flee from discomfort, the change in your lifestyle impacts the people around you .... Becoming The Center of The Universe Anxiety and fear will drive you focus on yourself continuously. In any given situation, anxiety will demand the lion’s share of your attention. While those around you are focused on solving a problem, resolving a conflict, or enjoying a social gathering, you likely found yourself occupied primarily with how you are feeling. While the world asks, “What shall we do now?”, you will ask, “How will this impact ME?!” .... Feeding The Beast On Down Low When anxiety and fear have the door slammed on them, then get creative. You may have been told by friends and family – or even your therapist – that talking about how you feel and seeking constant soothing and reassurance is no longer going to be tolerated. Your anxiety disorder does not like that news. Often it will compel you to find “sneaky” ways of making itself seen and heard .... What Can I Do About This? First, work on being aware of when anxiety is driving self-centered behavior. Then, get to work. You can't really fix the self-centered stuff without working on full recovery anyway, so this could be the spark you need to start moving forward! When you're doing the work that needs to be done to solve the bigger problem, change the narrative with your friends and family ... Join The Discussion Group ——————————————– https://facebook.com/groups/TAGForum My Links (social media, podcasts, etc.) ——————————————– https://theanxioustruth.com/links Intro/Outro Music: "Afterglow" by Ben Drake (With Permission) https://f Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. Other ways to support my work like buying a book or signing up for a low cost workshop can be found on my website . None of this is never required, but always appreciated! Interested in doing therapy with me? For more information on working with me directly to overcome your anxiety, follow this link . Disclaimer : The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.