The Secret to Managing Anxiety Might Surprise You
If you've ever struggled with anxiety, you know that it can feel like a relentless storm inside your mind—constant worry, overthinking, and a sense of dread that seems to come out of nowhere. While there are many ways to manage and cope with anxiety, trust is one of the most foundational aspects of true healing.
Trust isn’t just about your relationship with others; it’s about your relationship with yourself, your surroundings, and others. When trust is compromised or absent, anxiety thrives. But when we cultivate trust—whether in our own capabilities, in a higher power, or in the support of others—it becomes a powerful tool for calming the anxious mind.
Understanding Anxiety and the Role of Trust
Anxiety is often rooted in fear: fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of losing control. (Learn more about how anxiety and your nervous system interact here). When we don’t trust the world around us or ourselves, these fears can spiral. Trust, however, creates a safety net—a belief that no matter what happens, you will be okay.
For many, anxiety stems from past experiences where trust was broken. Maybe it was a betrayal by a loved one, an unstable environment, or internal struggles that led you to doubt yourself. These experiences can condition you to live in a state of hyper-vigilance, always waiting for the next bad thing to happen.
Here are some common ways a lack of trust can fuel anxiety:
Self-doubt: Constantly questioning your worth or abilities, leading to indecision and second-guessing.
Fear of vulnerability: Avoiding deep relationships because you're afraid of being hurt or let down.
Overcontrol: Trying to manage every tiny detail of life because you don't believe things will work out without your intervention.
Rebuilding Trust: The Key to Calm
Healing from anxiety requires rebuilding trust—both in yourself and in the world around you. It’s about believing that you have the strength and resilience to face whatever comes your way, even if you can’t control every aspect of it. Here are some steps to help you cultivate trust and reduce anxiety:
Acknowledge your fears: Take time to identify what triggers your anxiety. Is it a fear of failure? Fear of the unknown? Learn how you react to stress. Once you understand what you're afraid of, you can begin to work on trusting yourself to handle those situations.
Practice self-compassion: Trust starts from within. When you’re kind to yourself, you build a foundation of inner security. Remind yourself that it's okay to make mistakes, and that your worth isn't tied to perfection.
Surrender control: Anxiety often stems from trying to control outcomes. Practice letting go of the need to control everything and trust that things will unfold as they should and cultivate mindfulness techniques that work well for you. This doesn’t mean being passive, but rather releasing the grip on outcomes that aren’t yours to control.
Create safe relationships: Surround yourself with people who are supportive and trustworthy. These connections act as reminders that you're not alone in your journey.
Trusting the Process: A Healing Journey
Healing from anxiety is not a quick fix, but it is possible. Building trust takes time, especially if past experiences have eroded it. But with patience and intentionality, you can learn to trust yourself and the world around you again.
Remember, trust is about believing that even when things are uncertain, you will be okay. As you take steps toward trusting yourself, God, and others, you’ll find that anxiety begins to lose its grip on your life.
P.S.
If you’re looking for guidance on how to trust again and heal your anxiety, I’d love to walk alongside you in this process. Click this link to schedule a free consult to explore how we can work together. Not ready to commit to weekly, affordable mental health coaching? I get it! Instead, follow along on Instagram where there are daily posts that teach real ways you can manage your anxiety from your own home!
While Avrey is a mental health coach with Sacred Roots, LLC, this post is for informational purposes only and may not be suitable for your specific situation. Always consult with a professional before trying or implementing any information read here.