“Hey…hey…, I need your attention to be focused on me! Stop thinking about things in the present moment and give ME your full attention. I am frantically trying to send you a clear message: YOU’RE NOT SAFE! I hate having to do this, but I will hold your mind hostage. I will flood your mind with every catastrophe that you can imagine. We can’t be caught off guard! It’s imperative that a vast amount of your energy is spent focusing on every possible tragedy that could occur.
You may not have time for me during the day, but I will wait for you tonight when the house is quiet, and you’re not distracted. Then, I’ll REALLY have your attention. My job is to save your life. You may have the cognitive capacity to know you’re not in danger, but I will override logic. I don’t speak the language of logic. I speak the language of safety.
You’re trying to ignore me. Do you feel your heart racing? Do you feel your stomach churning? That’s me (your anxious mind), trying a different tactic to relay the same message, “you’re not safe!” You may not understand why I’m gripping your chest so hard, but I need you to feel the tension in your body. The cortisol being released through your veins will help you stay hypervigilant. This way, you remain on alert. I know you want to relax, but staying ready to fight, flee, or freeze is of greater importance. Once the threat comes, you’ll be ready for that shot of adrenaline which will help us to safety.
I’m going to require 100% reassurance that what we fear won’t happen. Then, I’ll calm down. I propose we simply avoid what we fear. Then, you’ll be safe. We can survive the danger if you’ll listen to me, and not expose yourself. I may not have access to the future, but you need to believe me anyway. Remember the last time I set off the alarm bells? You didn’t face your fear, and I kept us safe. I’ve learned to be persistent, and you’ll avoid the catastrophe that awaits us in the realm I don’t have acess to-reality.”
(the anxious brain loop)
“Hey…hey…, I need your attention to be focused on me! Stop thinking about things in the present moment and give ME your full attention. I am frantically trying to send you a clear message: YOU’RE NOT SAFE…!”
-Jenn
Friend, you can’t “think” your way out of excessive anxiety. Reasoning with an anxious mind is a waste of time. Have you noticed how unhelpful it is when someone says, “don’t be anxious?” Allow me to make one statement, “if you deal with constant anxiety, you’re not broken!” In fact, your brain is doing EXACTLY what it is designed to do. You just need the right tools!
Hi, I’m Jenn Hutcherson. I work with women who struggle with anxiety, low self-esteem, mild depression, and emotional eating. I received my ACC certification in 2021 from Symbiosis Coaching Institute accredited through The International Coaching Federation. I am certified as a Mental and Emotional Resilience Coach through Mental Resilience Academy, and I’m currently working toward a 2nd Master of Science degree in Counseling at OSU-Tulsa. I attended Oklahoma Wesleyan University and received a Master of Science degree in Strategic Leadership. My certifications allow me to work with clients who are looking for their path towards self-discovery, mental and emotional health, and those who want to establish resiliency in their life and relationships.
If I can walk with you, it would be my honor. You can call for a free consultation: 918.214.8109 or send an email to schedule a time for us to talk. My email is: ahutchbetterlife@aol.com