"Temping Fate" In Anxiety Recovery? (Episode 140)

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Have you ever felt anxious about admitting you're doing better? Like saying "I'm okay" out loud might somehow jinx your progress or tempt fate?
In this episode, Drew and Josh explore that uncomfortable feeling when someone asks "How are you doing?" and you're caught between wanting to acknowledge improvement and being afraid that talking about it will make everything fall apart again.
What we discuss:
• Why the question "How are you?" can feel triggering when you're recovering from an anxiety disorder
• The superstition around "tempting fate" and what's really happening beneath it
• How different contexts change what we mean by "doing okay" (spoiler: anxiety can be present while you're still doing okay)
• The authenticity trap - feeling like you're lying either way
• Why "I'm doing okay at the moment" might be the most honest answer you can give
• How this fear shows up in OCD, health anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia
• The difference between attention-driven fear and superstitious fear
• Why letting go of control can feel like tempting fate (and why that's exactly the practice)
Featured segments:
• Community "Did It Anyway" stories highlighting real progress without promising outcomes
• Discussion of how exposures work when they feel risky or reckless
• Practical suggestions for navigating social questions about your wellbeing
This episode may be helpful for anyone struggling with the fear of acknowledging improvement, or who finds themselves avoiding conversations about their anxiety recovery.

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Struggling with worry and rumination that you feel you can't stop or control? Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Worry and Rumination Explained (learn.theanxioustruth.com/worry-and-rumination…)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a two hour pre-recorded workshop produced by Josh and Drew.
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Disclaimer: Disordered is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to Disordered does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the hosts or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.