Anxiety Slayer™ with Shann and Ananga · Shann Vander Leek & Ananga Sivyer

Overcoming the Fear of Anxiety: Tips for Tackling Fear Head-On

·29 min·2 clips

Shann reveals how a simple moment like getting up too quickly can spiral into anxiety if your mind decides you're not okay.

This episode of Anxiety Slayer addresses a listener's question about fearing the return of anxiety itself, known as "the fear of the fear." Hosts Shann and Ananga, experienced guides in anxiety management, explore practical strategies to break this cycle. They focus on helping listeners manage anticipatory anxiety and the dread of potential panic attacks. The hosts describe common physical symptoms like dizziness, breathlessness, and a racing heart that can trigger fear. They explain how the mind engages in anxious hypervigilance, zooming in on unwelcome bodily sensations or thoughts. A key strategy involves stepping back from the mind's "worst-case scenario" dialogue to assess practical needs like hydration, rest, or nutrition. Shann shares a personal story of going to Lake Michigan to calm a "jangly" feeling, illustrating the power of changing environment. They introduce the concept of an "anxiety equation," where changing one factor, like reducing stress or adding self-care, can alter the outcome. Ananga provides a detailed example of someone who felt anxious returning to a shopping mall where they once felt unwell, highlighting how the mind creates subconscious associations. The practice of "truth of the moment" is recommended to counter "what if" thoughts by anchoring in present activities. Breathing exercises are emphasized for directly calming the nervous system and slowing racing thoughts. The hosts advocate for compassionate positive self-talk, speaking to oneself as a "caring loving adult" rather than with criticism. They suggest practical tools like keeping written affirmations, creating an "anxiety slayer care kit," and using EFT tapping, noting they offer a free course and guided sessions. Building a support system and informing loved ones of how they can help during rough spells is also advised. The episode concludes by normalizing fear as a natural response while asserting it doesn't have to control one's life. The tone is educational, supportive, and conversational, blending personal anecdotes with structured advice. The style is gentle and encouraging, focusing on empowerment and practical, actionable steps. Listeners struggling with anticipatory anxiety or who feel trapped by the fear of their own symptoms would find this episode highly relevant. Those seeking concrete, non-clinical strategies for self-management would appreciate the hosts' toolkit approach. Individuals looking for a deeply analytical or clinical perspective on anxiety disorders might find the content too anecdotal or simplistic.

As heard by us

A calm reset for the fear that anxiety itself can bring.

Anxiety gets most acute when fear of anxiety starts calling the shots, and this conversation stays with that loop. It gives a listener practical calm: credit the times things are steady, notice how stress, late nights, illness, or other shifts can tip the balance, and answer…

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Why you'd press play

When fear of anxiety starts running the day.

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