705: Overcoming the Fear of Anxiety: Tips for Tackling Fear Head-On
In this week’s episode of Anxiety Slayer, we’re responding to a listener’s question about a common struggle many people face—managing the fear that comes with anxiety and, more specifically, the fear of anxiety, or having an anxiety attack.
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Points discussed in this episode:
Question from our Facebook Group:
“How do I release the fear of fear? I feel like even though I’ve conquered days, weeks and even months. In the back of my mind, I’m anxious and restless of my anxiety coming back. It’s as if I love to hate it and that makes it linger longer. When I release and trust, my life gets easier. Sometimes though, I get stuck in the panic of the panic coming back. Idk of that made ANY sense. I hope it did sending you all love and light! This podcast truly gave me the hope and support I had been searching for. Thank you.”
HOW ANXIETY SYMPTOMS CAN CAUSE FEAR OF THE FEAR
Some anxiety sufferers become dizzy and feel like they might faint, some have trouble catching their breath, or fear they might choke, and some fear they might lose control.
Anxiety causes such chaos in the body that your mind develops a strong reaction to an event and will do all it can to protect you from it happening again. Unfortunately, the way the mind often does this is by creating hypervigilance - Fear of Fear
Understanding the Fear of Anxiety:
Breaking down the cycle of fear and anxiety.
How the fear of fear itself can lead to anticipatory anxiety.
Don’t put pressure on yourself and feel like you failed, or anxiety is back forever if you have an anxiety episode
Why It’s Important to Address the Fear:
How unmanaged fear can worsen anxiety symptoms.
The impact of fear on your daily life, relationships, and mental health.
Why avoidance doesn’t help.
Practical Strategies to Manage Fear:
Break the fear equation: Look for what’s different / new / good
Mindfulness Techniques: Staying present to reduce the fear of future anxiety.
Breathing Exercises: Simple practices to calm the nervous system.
Positive Self-Talk: Replacing negative thoughts with empowering affirmations.
EFT Tapping: Get our SOS Tapping session at our Patreon
Resources and Building a Support System:
The importance of sharing your experiences with trusted friends or a therapist.
How support groups can provide comfort and understanding.
Knowing when to seek professional help.
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