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This week on The Anxious Truth, we're talking about what happens when a problem solving mind sees itself as a problem to solve.
Your mind is an incredible problem-solving machine - it's what sets humans apart and has helped us thrive for thousands of years. But when that same problem-solving ability turns inward and starts trying to "fix" your own thoughts, emotions, and internal experiences, things can go very wrong very quickly.
If you're stuck in cycles of overthinking, constantly trying to figure out your anxiety, or exhausting yourself attempting to solve feelings that aren't meant to be solved, this episode is for you. We'll explore how the same mental abilities that help us navigate the world can trap us when they're aimed at our own internal experiences.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction - When problem solving becomes the problem
01:54 How the mind forms relationships and connections between experiences
03:09 When problem solving leads to anxiety, overthinking, and control issues
04:26 What happens when problem solving turns inward on our feelings
06:47 The spectacular failure of trying to solve internal experiences
09:02 Understanding the Cognitive Attentional Syndrome (CAS)
10:42 Experiential avoidance and the cost of feeling better now
12:58 How fear generalizes through mental connections
14:58 Shifting from content focus to process awareness
16:09 Real examples: panic responses vs. healthier approaches to triggers
18:03 Practical principles for recognizing when problem solving goes wrong
19:29 Moving toward values while feeling uncomfortable - psychological flexibility
Key takeaway: Your thoughts and emotions are experiences to have, not problems to solve.
Whether you're dealing with panic disorder, agoraphobia, OCD, health anxiety, or generalized anxiety, learning to recognize when your problem-solving mind is making things worse can be a crucial step in your recovery journey.
This episode explores evidence-based concepts from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Metacognitive Therapy in accessible, practical terms. Remember: recovery isn't about finding quick fixes or magical solutions - it's about learning to relate differently to your internal experiences.
Resources mentioned:
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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.