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Feb 2025
24m 26s

Your Anxiety Is Not Special (This Is Goo...

Drew Linsalata
About this episode

Send in a question or comment via text.

This week we're looking at why the anxious fear that bothers you most is NOT special - and why that's actually good news for your recovery.

After receiving countless messages asking me to address specific fears (passing out, heart attacks, going insane), I've noticed a pattern: everyone thinks their particular anxiety is unique, more dangerous, or requires special treatment.

Here's the reality: while your fear feels incredibly real and disturbing, all anxiety disorders follow similar patterns. Your anxiety isn't special because:

  • Everyone with anxiety believes their fear is "the worst one"
  • All anxiety disorders use the same mechanisms to keep you stuck
  • The same recovery principles apply regardless of your specific fear

What makes anxiety "irrational" isn't that these fears are impossible - many feared events do happen in real life. It's how the fear is applied: persistently, disproportionately, and in ways that disrupt your daily functioning.

Recognizing that your anxiety isn't special is empowering. It means you can learn from others who've recovered and apply proven principles instead of searching for specialized techniques for your "unique" situation.

You don't have to fully believe this yet - just consider the possibility. That small opening is your first step toward recovery.

For full show notes on this episode:

https://theanxioustruth.com/312

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.

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