Anxiety
What is anxiety trying to do for you (even it if it feels bad)?
Protect you, warn you, prepare you, keep you safe
What is intrusive or OCD-type thought?
Unwanted, repetitive, upsetting thought
What is a tic?
Sudden movement or sound that happens without choosing it
What is catastrophizing?
Expecting the worst-case scenario
What is one calming skills for your body?
Breathing, grounding, movement, sensory tools, relax your jaw or sing (tics)
What are some body signs that anxiety is showing up?
stomach pain, fast heart, sweating, shaky, tight chest
Does having a thought mean it is true?
No, thoughts are not facts
Usually no, and trying too hard can make them worse
What is reassurance-seeking?
Repeatedly asking for certainty or comfort
What is "letting a thought be there"?
Noticing without reacting or fixing it
What are common "what if" thoughts anxiety tells people?
"What if something bad happens?"
"What if I mess up?"
What are compulsions (in OCD terms)?
Things you feel you "have to do" to feel better (checking, repeating, reassurance)
What do people sometimes feel right before a tic happens?
Urge, pressure, tension, "build-up feeling"
Why does reassurance sometimes make OCD/anxiety worse?
It teaches the brain to doubt more
What is a "brave action" in anxiety treatment?
Doing something even while anxious
What is something anxiety makes you want to avoid, even if it's safe?
School, social situations, interests, trying new things
Why do compulsions feel helpful at first but become a problem later?
Short-term relief, long-term stronger anxiety cycle
What can change tics (get better or worse)?
Stress, excitement, fatigue, attention, anxiety
What is the difference between helpful checking and OCD checking?
Helpful= once for safety
OCD= repeated, driven by fear
What is a response to OCD thoughts that doesn't make them stronger?
"Maybe, maybe not"
"I can handle uncertainty"
What helps you face anxiety without letting it make decisions for you?
small steps, support, breathing, coping statements (positive self talk)
What is one way to respond to a sticky thought without "feeding it"?
Noticing it, labeling it, letting it be there without action
What helps tics more: forcing them to stop or reducing stress overall?
Reducing stress, acceptance, not over-focusing
What is uncertainty tolerance?
Being able to feel "I don't know for sure" and still be okay
What does recovery look like with anxiety/OCD/tics?
Not zero symptoms but less control over your life