Facing the Fear of Losing Your Mind: Insights from The Anxious Truth
When you surrender, give up the fight and the worst case doesn't happen, then you learn: oh, I don't have to fight this thing, and then everything changes and things start to change for you.
Ever found yourself gripped by the fear that you're losing your mind during a panic attack? You're not alone. In this episode of 'The Anxious Truth', Drew Linsalata tackles one of the most common and terrifying fears among anxiety sufferers: the fear of going insane. Drew explains that this fear, while incredibly distressing, is just another irrational thought that comes with anxiety disorders.
It's no different from the fear of dying, passing out, or any other catastrophic thought that anxiety can magnify. Drew reassures listeners that there's no such thing as a 'sanity control' switch that can break. He emphasizes that anxiety and panic attacks are not signs of severe trauma or underlying mental illness. Instead, they are exaggerated responses to stress and fear. Drew's key message is to let go and surrender to the worst-case scenario in your mind.
By doing so, you learn that these fears are baseless and that you don't have to fight them to stay sane. The episode also touches on depersonalization and derealization, symptoms that can make you feel disconnected from reality but are ultimately harmless. Drew advises focusing away from these intrusive thoughts and continuing to move forward. He draws parallels between these symptoms and more familiar anxiety symptoms like a racing heart or shortness of breath, helping to demystify and normalize them.
This episode is a treasure trove of practical advice for anyone struggling with the fear of losing their mind due to anxiety. Drew's empathetic approach and clear explanations make complex topics accessible and reassuring. Whether you're dealing with panic attacks, agoraphobia, or general anxiety, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps to help you regain control of your life.