Episode 34: Existential Anxiety

Wondering about why we’re here, how planet Earth exists and how much of a miracle life is are normal thoughts for us to have from time to time. However, if you have existential anxiety, these thoughts can trigger an anxious response; sweaty palms, shallow breathing, tunnel vision, tinnitus, and other anxious behaviours. For people with conventional anxiety, leaning into hard feelings is easier. When you’re in the midst of an anxiety disorder, you have to have a different approach. Being confident in the ability to mindfully detach from anxiety isn’t always available for people with GAD (generalised anxiety disorder). You have to be confident ruminating on those thoughts and know it won’t lead to a panic attack. For some, the answer may be dismissing these intrusive thoughts with, “This is not the time to think about this. This is not the time to go down that hole.” Picking the time and place to have existential conversations can help to dive into heavy topics as an anxious person. Welcoming those thoughts in versus feeling them as intrusive thoughts are very different experiences. We hope this episode helps you understand existential anxiety more! Reach out to us at [email protected] Check out Josh's new book Untangle Your Anxiety. Follow us on instagram @thepanicpod

Om Podcasten

Joshua is the author of best-selling books on anxiety, a previous sufferer and a qualified psychotherapist. Co-hosted by Canadian singer, producer, and amateur linguist Ella Jean, The Panic Pod is a discussion-based podcast offering bite-sized practical advice on managing anxiety. It is also an opportunity to illuminate what medical and academic spheres know about anxiety to discuss it in a way that you can take to the pub. Joshua is a fully qualified Psychotherapist and runs a private counselling practice based in Manchester called The Panic Room. Contact me: [email protected]