You've Been Using Anxiety to Function

This is a short podcast episode part of the series Rewire the Worry that crosses both my podcast and YouTube channel. If you missed the first in the series Wired to Worry, catch it here.

You've probably been told your anxiety is the problem. That if you could just calm it down, manage it better, think more positively — everything would fall into place.

But what if your anxiety isn't something that happened to you? What if it's something you've been using?

For women with ADHD, the nervous system learns early. It finds what works — what creates enough activation to get things done, stay focused, avoid the criticism, keep all the plates spinning. And for a lot of us, anxiety became that thing. Not because something is wrong with us. Because our brains are wired differently, and anxiety was often the most reliable fuel we could find.

The problem is, a nervous system running on chronic stress doesn't stay quiet forever. And the cost — to your body, your relationships, your joy — has a way of showing up whether you're ready to look at it or not.

In this episode we're going one layer deeper than the anxiety-ADHD connection you've probably already heard about. We're looking at the pattern underneath. The one that's been running so long it just feels like you.

Some of what surfaces in this episode might surprise you. Some of it might sting a little. And some of it might be the most seen you've felt in a long time.

The question worth sitting with before you press play — what would actually happen if the motor stopped?

In this episode:

• Why anxiety is a brilliant short-term solution for the ADHD brain
• The ways it shows up that don't look like anxiety at all
• What chronic nervous system activation quietly costs you
• Why seeing the pattern clearly is the first step to changing it

—CHAPTERS—

00:00 Anxiety As The Motor

01:15 Going Deeper With ADHD

01:44 How The Motor Shows Up

03:50 Masking And Over-functioning

04:57 Why Anxiety Works Short Term

05:26 The Toll On Body And Joy

07:10 Missing Life In The Hustle

08:04 Invitation To Rewire Worry

08:43 Reflect Without Shame

09:13 Closing And Next Episode

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Youtube: @Jenbarnes

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DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal health or medical advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice or psychotherapy.

If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency please contact emergency services in your area. If you are in the USA, dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis line or 911 for a medical emergency.