Anxiety Lies to You! Here’s How to Stop Believing It
Have you ever caught yourself spiraling with anxious thoughts that just seem so convincing? "What if something goes wrong? What if I fail? What if people don’t like me?" Anxiety has a way of distorting reality and convincing us that things are far worse than they actually are. But here’s the truth: Anxiety is a liar.
Let’s break down why anxiety lies and how you can stop believing it—because you deserve to trust yourself, not your fears.
Why Anxiety Lies to You
When anxiety strikes, it’s like your brain gets caught in a web of what-ifs and worst-case scenarios. Your mind starts to believe that everything will go terribly wrong. Here’s why anxiety can feel so powerful:
1. It Magnifies Small Issues
Anxiety tends to blow things out of proportion. A minor mistake or a little uncertainty becomes the worst possible outcome in your mind.
Example: A simple comment from a colleague becomes a sign that they dislike you. Anxiety convinces you that it’s personal, and the feeling of rejection takes over.
2. It Predicts the Future
Anxiety often creates a future that’s filled with doom and gloom. Even though there’s no evidence something bad will happen, anxiety will tell you it’s inevitable.
Example: You worry that something will go wrong in a presentation, even though you’ve prepared well and there’s no indication anything will fail.
3. It Makes You Believe in “Certainty”
Anxiety loves to make you think that if you’re not sure about something, it’s dangerous. It convinces you that uncertainty equals disaster.
Example: The unknown about a new opportunity at work makes you feel terrified, even though it’s just a step into something new and exciting.
How to Stop Believing Anxiety’s Lies
The good news is, you don’t have to listen to anxiety. You can challenge it and reframe those anxious thoughts. Here are some strategies to stop believing the lies anxiety tells:
1. Question the Evidence
When anxiety convinces you of a worst-case scenario, ask yourself: "Is there any real evidence to support this thought?" Challenge the validity of the thought.
Example: “I’m terrible at public speaking”—ask yourself, “Have I spoken in public before? How did it go? Did I prepare well?” You might find there’s no evidence to back up the fear.
2. Focus on What You Can Control
Anxiety often gets loud when we feel helpless. But the truth is, you can only control so much. Focus on what you can control instead of worrying about everything that could happen.
Example: If you’re anxious about a meeting, focus on preparing the best you can. The rest is out of your hands, and that’s okay.
3. Separate Feelings from Facts
Just because you feel something doesn’t mean it’s true. Anxiety loves to confuse feelings with facts. When anxiety tells you “I’m not good enough,” ask yourself, “Is that really true, or is it just how I’m feeling right now?”
Example: “I’m not good enough for this promotion” vs. “I’ve been performing well, and I’ve earned this opportunity.”
4. Reframe “What If” Thoughts
“What if” thoughts are the fuel that anxiety feeds on. Instead of letting them run wild, reframe them into something more grounded.
Example: “What if I fail?” becomes, “What if I succeed?” or “What if I learn something valuable, even if it doesn’t go as planned?”
5. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness can help you stay present and stop anxiety from taking over your thoughts. When you’re aware of your thoughts, you can notice when anxiety is trying to lie to you and make a conscious choice to let it pass.
Example: Instead of getting swept up in worries about the future, practice focusing on what’s happening right now—your breath, the sensation of your feet on the ground, or the task in front of you.
The Bottom Line: You Don’t Have to Believe Anxiety
Anxiety’s lies can feel convincing, but you don’t have to fall for them. By questioning the evidence, focusing on what you can control, and practicing mindfulness, you can take back control and stop letting anxiety dictate your reality.
Next time anxiety tries to convince you that something is wrong, take a step back and ask yourself: “Is this true, or is it just anxiety trying to mess with my mind?”
Remember: You’re in control of your thoughts—anxiety isn’t.
