What if.

Anxiety is a “what if” machine in the brain. It creates possible scenarios that something dangerous could or will go wrong. Some experience anxiety as physical symptoms, like increased heart rate, sweaty palms, and possibly panic attacks. Others see their anxiety pop up as intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and rumination.

In other words, unmanaged anxiety holds us back.

The truth is that anxiety is a normal reaction under the right circumstances. Our ancestors experienced healthy fear as they rummaged the wild for food and resources. Anxiety keeps us alive when there is imminent danger. Anxiety and OCD disorders happen when that survival part of the brain is misfiring, pumping us full of fight or flight with all the possibilities of danger or harm.

Over time, the work of trying to be in control of all possible danger wears us down. It takes a toll on our quality of life and keeps us from honoring our wants and needs (i.e., attending an event for fear of germs). We feel the push and pull of wanting to participate in life while controlling our safety at all times.