Drew Linsalata
Drew Linsalata
When Your Mind Becomes Its Own Worst Enemy | EP 321
When Your Mind Becomes Its Own Worst Enemy | EP 321
When Your Mind Becomes Its Own Worst Enemy | EP 321
Wednesday 16th July 2025
Explore how your mind's problem-solving abilities can turn inward, creating anxiety. Learn strategies to shift focus and embrace change.
22 minutes
Informative
Supportive
Educational
Honest
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
Drew Linsalata
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Sobriety Toolkit
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Get the buttons here!When Your Mind Turns Against You: Navigating Anxiety
Episode Overview
- Your mind's problem-solving ability can turn inward, causing anxiety.
- Cognitive Attentional Syndrome traps your attention on internal experiences.
- Experiential avoidance leads to restricted living and impacts relationships.
- Shift focus from content to process to manage anxiety effectively.
- Cultivate patience and kindness towards yourself during anxious moments.
"It's super cool until it's not."
Ever wondered what happens when your mind decides to become its own worst enemy? Episode 321 of The Anxious Truth explores this fascinating yet daunting concept. Host Drew Linsalata, a seasoned therapist and former anxiety sufferer, dives into the perplexing situation where our problem-solving minds start treating themselves as problems to fix. You might recognise this if you've ever felt trapped in a cycle of overthinking or obsessing over things you can't control.
Drew breaks down how our minds are brilliant at forming connections and solving problems, but this ability can backfire when turned inward. Instead of solving external issues, we might find ourselves frantically trying to 'fix' our own thoughts and emotions, leading to exhaustion and frustration. He explains the concept of Cognitive Attentional Syndrome (CAS), where our attention is hijacked by the very thoughts and feelings we're trying to escape.
The episode also touches on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and the idea of experiential avoidance. Drew highlights how trying to avoid uncomfortable thoughts and feelings can lead to a restricted life, impacting relationships and career. It's a tough cycle, but understanding the process is the first step towards change. Drew encourages listeners to shift their focus from content to process, recognising that some things can't be solved.
Instead, he suggests cultivating kindness and patience towards oneself, and making values-driven decisions even when fear is present. If you've ever found yourself spiralling into a pit of anxiety, this episode offers valuable insights into how you can start shifting your perspective. It's not about fixing every thought or emotion; it's about learning to live alongside them. So, why not give it a listen and see if it resonates with your experience?