Naming your Anxiety

[Brashton2802]

Has anyone heard of doing this. I am reading a book and they suggested giving your anxiety a name that you can call it. I went with Scott. It has actually helped me visualize some stuff. It is easier to fight against it when it has a name. "Scott won't get me today, I am going to work through it and kick his a$$" Stuff like that. Just wondering if anyone else has tried this.

[LazyXrayEyes2255]

It helps as you can see your old self and the new you and the difference self talk or conscious thoughts makes and you can track your progress

Real game changer

[AxtonW55]

I went with Annie..the anxiety 🙂

[Brashton2802 in reply to AxtonW55]

Mine is Scott or Scottie. Thanks for sharing.

[punkster]

I'm going to try that. Interesting idea.

[Brashton2802 in reply to punkster]

Yesterday when I was trying to expand my comfort zone in my area I found myself screaming at "Scott to shut his mouth" it was soooo helpful. It got rid of that burst of energy you get when anxiety hits and it made me a little angry and gave me the motivation to get through the drive. Also, how hilarious would it be to pull along side someone and see them screaming at their imaginary foe. I hope it helps you.

[Alpakka123]

Never heard of this coping mechanism. I'm glad it works for you. I'll have to give it a go, so thanks for the tip!

[jjpeabody]

Brashton2802, thanks for your post. I asked AI about how it helps in order to get a quick summary of the logic behind it. I liked the response and I'm definitely going to try it and add it to my tool box along with all the other good posts here. Thank you.

[marsbarr]

Lol I have called it so many names before you mentioned this. Thanks; great to know I'm not nuts lol

[designguy]

I didn't name it but I started laughing at it and daring it to increase and make me more anxious, I was basically calling it's bluff and putting my rational self in charge.

[LoveforAll41]

Hehe, I have got to think of a name. Mine will likely either be a child or very elderly though, I am going to be nice and thank anxiety for bringing something to my attention and try to validate it some before I get on with whatever I was going to do. I went the angry route through my 20s and I am still struggling so I am going with kindness for this decade 😜

[Brashton2802 in reply to LoveforAll41]

This is a fabulous response. Thanks for making me see it that way as well

[BoardGamer]

I have never heard of this, I will have to try it! Something similar that I do (I actually saw this from a joke online, but it helps me), is imagining the overly self-critical voice in my head as the two grumpy old Muppets from the Muppet Show (Statler and Waldorf). I grew up loving the Muppets, so that might have something to do with it. I know it sounds silly, but imagining that awful voice in my head as two grumpy comedians helps me realize just how ridiculous many of the criticisms are.