Anxiety is a bad idea

Instead of constantly confirming our anxiety by seeking diagnoses and medications, what if we flipped the script? What if we started by convincing ourselves that anxiety is just a feeling, not a life sentence?

Here’s the thing: technically, we don’t have anxiety. We experience it. Our bodies release chemicals that make us feel jittery, worried, or on edge. But those in-between moments, when we’re not feeling those physical symptoms? Those exist only in our minds, as thoughts.

The problem is, that we tend to believe those anxious thoughts because the physical sensations are so uncomfortable. We wonder, “Why do I feel awful if I’m not sick?” It doesn’t make sense, so we jump to the conclusion that something must be wrong with us.

This belief that anxiety equals illness starts with that first big scare. Maybe you had a panic attack, and it freaked you out. Now your mind is laser-focused on avoiding those symptoms ever again. This often leads us to doctors, therapists, and a whole lot of googling, all in an attempt to prevent future anxiety.

The irony is, that all this focus on anxiety will actually make it worse. The more we think about it, the more convinced we become that we’re sick. It’s a vicious cycle of negative thinking fueled by the fear of more anxiety.

So, here’s the key: holding onto the idea of anxiety being an illness is a bad idea. We need to shift our focus. Without those constant thoughts about anxiety and illness, we wouldn’t be dwelling on it. Remember, before that first scare, you weren’t constantly worried – you just lived your life.

Anxiety only becomes a “disorder” when we keep thinking about it and labeling ourselves as sick. That’s why accepting that anxiety is just a feeling, not a diagnosis, is crucial.

Here’s the takeaway: You’re not sick. It might feel that way, but those adrenaline surges are just sensations. This is why having a daily reminder, like a poster that says “Anxiety deceives me,” can be so powerful. Over time, it can help rewrite your beliefs about anxiety and illness, paving the way to feeling calmer and more in control.