When Your Brain Thinks Everything is Life or Death 🚨 (But It's Really Just Wednesday)

If you’ve ever panicked over sending the wrong emoji, replayed a conversation 47 times in your head, or convinced yourself that a single awkward moment means you're doomed forever… welcome to the club.

For those healing from trauma, anxiety, or depression, this overreaction isn’t just quirky, it’s how the nervous system has been wired for survival. Your body isn’t being “dramatic.” It’s just really committed to keeping you alive.

The problem? It treats:

A difficult conversation like a tiger attack

A missed text like abandonment

A decision about lunch like it determines the fate of the universe

Your nervous system means well, but it’s like an overprotective granny who still thinks you're five and can’t cross the street alone.

So how do you lighten up when everything feels heavy?

1. Pause and Name It. “Ah, my survival brain is doing that thing again.” Just recognizing it takes the edge off.

2. Shift the Question. Instead of “What’s the worst that could happen?” try “What’s the best that could happen?” (Seriously, when was the last time you asked that one?)

3. Breathe Like You Just Won an Argument. Slow, deep, smug exhale. This tells your body, "We’re safe."

4. Remind Yourself: You’re Not in the Hunger Games. You’re a human having a moment. And moments pass.

You’ve survived every overwhelming thought you’ve ever had. You’ll survive this one, too.

Now go make yourself

a cup of tea. Nothing is on fire.

Danny

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