Selective Attention
Anxiety vs Suffering
Thought-Action Fusion
Imperfect Friend
Automatic Thoughts
The Anxiety Cycle
Process Over Outcome
Productive vs Unproductive Worry
Mental Reps
Perfectionism to Self-Compassion
“Just Think Positive”
Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast
Externalize Anxiety
Perfecting Anxiety
Thought Defusion
Acceptance vs White Knuckling it
Shifting to the Present and the External
Keeping Anxiety on its Leash
Intrusive Thoughts
Safety Behaviors
Rumination is Active
Reassurance Seeking
Challenging Thoughts Too Much
Out of Control
Catastrophizing
Insight and Anxiety
Anxiety is Normal
Short-Term Comfort
Anxiety Loves to Stay Vague
No Fear
The Child Brain, The Parent Brain, & The Grandparent Brain
Challenging Thoughts Too Much
When automatic worry thoughts appear, it can be helpful to challenge them. Most of the time the thoughts are distorting reality, working off flawed assumptions the brain is making, and overestimating threats. Bringing some logic into the equation can be helpful.
However, when our goal is to become 100% certain about a worry thought (e.g., “I need to know for certain whether the odd look that person gave me is sign they are judging me”) we get stuck in a never ending argument with the worry thoughts. The worry thoughts often respond, “Yea, but…” to our logical challenges.
When it becomes never ending and circular, it’s a sign we’re pursuing the impossible: 100% Certainty. This pursuit is hard to give up because if we achieve it we’ll be free of worry thoughts and uncomfortable body sensations. It’s just not possible to achieve though.
If you find challenging your worry thoughts is helpful and brings some resolution to the doubt, then keep doing what works. If you find that it’s circular, it’s usually best to acknowledge that you’re seeking 100% certainty, acknowledge that it can never be achieved, and instead focus on building up a tolerance for uncertainty.
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Weekly thoughts on anxiety + Event updates
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Understanding & Calming Panic Attacks
Overcoming Worry & Rumination
Helping Kiddos Stand Up to Anxiety
Challenging Thoughts Too Much
When automatic worry thoughts appear, it can be helpful to challenge them. Most of the time the thoughts are distorting reality, working off flawed assumptions the brain is making, and overestimating threats. Bringing some logic into the equation can be helpful.
However, when our goal is to become 100% certain about a worry thought (e.g., “I need to know for certain whether the odd look that person gave me is sign they are judging me”) we get stuck in a never ending argument with the worry thoughts. The worry thoughts often respond, “Yea, but…” to our logical challenges.
When it becomes never ending and circular, it’s a sign we’re pursuing the impossible: 100% Certainty. This pursuit is hard to give up because if we achieve it we’ll be free of worry thoughts and uncomfortable body sensations. It’s just not possible to achieve though.
If you find challenging your worry thoughts is helpful and brings some resolution to the doubt, then keep doing what works. If you find that it’s circular, it’s usually best to acknowledge that you’re seeking 100% certainty, acknowledge that it can never be achieved, and instead focus on building up a tolerance for uncertainty.
Subscribe
Weekly thoughts on anxiety + Event updates
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact