POV: Your Anxious Part

Understanding your anxiety

Hey. It’s me—your anxious part.

I know, I talk a lot. I overthink. I jump to the worst-case scenario like it’s an Olympic sport. I ask questions like, “What if they’re upset?” or “Did I say the wrong thing?” or “Are we safe?” on a loop, sometimes at 2 AM. I get it, I can be exhausting.

But I’m not here to make things harder for you. I’m here because I care.

At some point in your life, things felt too much. Maybe people weren’t dependable. Maybe it wasn’t safe to relax or be yourself. Maybe you had to stay on high alert, watching out for danger or judgment.

That’s when I stepped in. I decided that the best way to keep you okay was to stay prepared, to watch everything, and to make sure you wouldn’t be caught off guard again.

That’s why I check your texts ten times before you send them. That’s why I replay old conversations and keep imagining what might go wrong. It’s because I care. I’m trying to help you feel safe.

Sometimes, I overreact, like a fire alarm going off when you just burnt toast. But that’s because I don’t want you to get hurt again. I’d rather be too careful than too late.

I don’t want to run your life. I just want you to feel safe. And honestly, I get really loud when I feel like you’re not listening.

What helps me calm down?
When you notice me. When you say, “I see you. I get why you’re scared. I’m here.” That’s when I can finally take a breath.

I’m just one part of you, not all of you. And when you can be present and gentle with me, when you take the lead with calm and kindness, I can rest. I can trust you’ve got it.

So next time I start spinning stories about all the “what ifs,” take a breath. Ask me what I’m really worried about. Try to understand me, not silence me. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.

Thanks for listening.

With care,
Your anxious part