Dr Kirren - Psychologist

Do you relate to this? ✨This fear is more common than you might think. And, there's lots of reasons for it. Sometimes it’s about struggling to tolerate uncertainty, and that can make your brain treat the unknown like it’s dangerous. Not knowing how something might affect you can feel unsafe — even if it isn’t. ✨You might also worry about losing control. Taking medication you’ve never tried before can feel like handing over control to something unknown or unpredictable. That can naturally trigger anxiety — especially if feeling in control is what helps you feel safe. ✨And if you’ve ever had a bad reaction before, your brain might hold onto that — flashing it at you like a warning light every time something similar comes up: ‘What if that happens again?’ ✨Getting past this fear usually means getting better at dealing with uncertainty, changing how you focus on bodily sensations, changing your relationship with your anxious thoughts, gently reducing avoidance, and processing any difficult experiences that have shaped this fear. I go into all of these steps in more detail in my book 📚 Ten Times Calmer. Information for general educational purposes in relation to anxiety. Always see your own doctor for advice specific to your situation. #anxietyhelp #anxietytips #anxietysymptoms #anxietyrelief #anxietycheck #anxiety

7️⃣ TIPS👇

1️⃣ Your mind might automatically jump to thoughts like, ‘What if I start panicking? What if my heart races? What if I get too hot? What if I have a panic attack?’ These thoughts can trigger a stress response in your body, making your fears feel real. That’s normal—your mind is just doing its job. Instead of running with these thoughts, try to accept that this is your body reacting like it should.
 2️⃣Don’t focus on things that might make you feel worse, like the crowd around you. Instead, find a spot on the floor, wall, or window to focus on — or close your eyes and imagine a vast, open space like a beach or a meadow. Visualize as many details as you can, engaging all your senses. What can you hear, see, smell, taste, and touch in this safe place? 3️⃣ Bring something with a strong taste to activate your senses — something minty, sour, citrusy, or even spicy, like a chilli slice. It gives your body something else to focus on, it grounds you, which can interrupt the panic response and help calm your nervous system. 4️⃣ If the heat makes you anxious, avoid wearing too many layers. Wear light clothing, and take your coat off before getting on the train. 
5️⃣Use distraction techniques. For example, put on your headphones and listen to an audiobook or podcast, play calming music, or meditation sounds. 6️⃣ Use a breathing techniques like counting your breath as you inhale for five counts, hold for five counts, and exhale for seven counts through your mouth, pursing your lips as if you’re holding a straw. Keep doing this for as long as you need. 7️⃣ And lastly, remember, there’s always a way out. No situation is permanent, it will eventually end, and you’ll find your way through. Nobody has ever been trapped on a train forever. Remember, you can get off every time it stops.
 If you want more tips you’ll find them in my book 📚 Ten Times Calmer! Information for general educational purposes in relation to anxiety. Always see your own doctor for advice specific to your situation. #anxietyhelp #anxietytips #anxietyrelief #anxietycheck #anxiety #panicattackhelp #agoraphobia #claustrophobia

What have you been avoiding? Avoidance feels like control — but it’s actually the opposite. When you avoid something because of anxiety, you’re letting fear control your actions. You’re not choosing freely — you’re reacting to discomfort. And the more you avoid, the more power and control anxiety has over your life. 
 For tons more advice on overcoming anxiety problems, see my book 📚 Ten Times Calmer. Information for general educational purposes only. Always see your own doctor for advice specific to your situation. #anxietyhelp #anxietytips #anxietyrelief #anxietycheck #anxiety #panicattackhelp #healthanxiety

Do you live by these rules?
 If you want to learn more effective techniques for managing anxiety, check out my book 📚 Ten Times Calmer. #anxietyrelief #anxietyhelp #anxietytips