Podcast EP 102: Fear Of Insanity Or Going Crazy (April 2020)

One of the two most common fears of anxiety and panic sufferers is the fear of going insane. Losing one’s mind. Going crazy. Many worry that they will “lose it”, or “snap” when at the height of panic or extreme anxiety. This is a difficult fear to face, but it remains an irrational fear that never comes true.
For full show notes:
theanxioustruth.com/102
My books, podcast, and social media links:
theanxioustruth.com/links

[@thomasstrickland2439]

I’ve been going through it for about 2 years now. In this timeframe my main fear has been of psychosis. There have been timeframes where my obsessiveness shifted focus toward heart attacks, cancer, etc. The fear of going insane has taken an incredible toll on me and is 100x worse than all of the other obsessions I’ve had so I don’t think every fear is equal. Good advice though and thank you for this video

[@MarcoTeParle]

same man , two years also and yep its definitely way worse than any other fears i had

[@calebbooth5344]

Have you gotten better yet? If so how?

[@mata1640]

Hello, I hope you can understand my story as best as possible since I don't know English and I will translate it, I am Victor, I am 20 years old and I have had anxiety since I was little and where it bothers me the most is in public places such as restaurants, school or at family gatherings, for example. I have never had intrusive thoughts until May 9, 2022, that day my first thought when I woke up was of hurting myself, I was very scared because as I said I have never experienced this in my mind and at first I thought I might have depression , I let the days go by and a few days later this idea crossed my mind: What if I kill my mother? At that moment I had an extreme fear that this was caused by a mental illness such as schizophrenia. That fear led me to compulsively read daily for more or less 4 consecutive months, examples of delusions, what is a hallucination, what thoughts He has a schizophrenic, etc. After doing this, my mind recreated these thoughts/symptoms and my fear of suffering from this pathology increased a lot, I had thoughts that seemed like delusions although I fully know that those thoughts are not true, I am aware of the noises or things I can see. I don't know if this is frequent but the thing is that I've been dealing with this for almost 2 years and I don't see any improvement in what's happening to me, I'm afraid of being delirious/hallucinating and every day I have thoughts that seem like delusions which, even though I don't believe them, I I take them as further proof that they are due to this pathology, I hope you can understand me and if you could give me advice so I can stop having these thoughts.

[@theanonymoushelpline7248]

@@mata1640How are you now?

[@mata1640]

@@theanonymoushelpline7248 I'm wrong, I'm in the loop that I explained in my first message, how are you?

[@andrewdeluca5775]

Another great video! This is such a common thought/fear that has never and will never happen.

[@Imamouseduh451]

Excellent video! Thank you! Makes so much sense! Now to get my OCD brain to follow along 😉

[@pretendcg3305]

I hope you truly understand how much you’ve helped me. I don’t know why but what you said was a puzzle piece that just finally clicked. God bless you

[@TheAnxiousTruth]

Folks like me spend lots of time coming up with different ways to say things because we never know which version of the lesson will strike a chord with someone. So I appreciate this feedback! I'm glad I could be helpful in some way.

[@pretendcg3305]

@@TheAnxiousTruth I appreciate you being genuine, there’s a lot of channels that feed off of the concept and face of anxiety instead of really understanding it. They take anxiety as surface value nervousness. But everything I’ve heard you say is so on point to the point where you’re the go to channel. You’ve given me better advice than any doctor or therapist I’ve ever went to. Thank you and I’m sorry you suffered yourself to truly understand. But you’ve changed that strife into sacrifice, so thank you truly.

[@CheIverson]

Just what i needed to hear Today...Thanks for all you do❤❤❤

[@TheAnxiousTruth]

You're welcome! :-)

[@nathanlowman5401]

This podcast helped me more than words can explain. I really appreciate you taking the time to put such important information out there, for people like me who struggle with this fear. This helped so much. Thank you.

[@TheAnxiousTruth]

You're very welcome! I'm glad it worked for you at some level. :-)

[@leonoremireles4817]

I feel this 247 then i feel lost like idk who i am am scared to go krazy losse mi mind go brain dead

[@sahilsahita2915]

Great video

[@joeconti3599]

I started having panic attacks when I was 19 and yea...I was totally convinced that I was insane or was about to be insane. It's so difficult to understand that it's just fear that is driving the whole thing. I was on medication for around 15 years and the fear of that finally went away. Fast forward to now....I weaned off my meds and they all came back. I'll just have to accept that I'll be on meds for the rest of my life and if it makes me live and love the way I want to.....I really don't care

[@TheAnxiousTruth]

Everyone gets to choose the path they feel is most helpful and supportive for them. If the meds are helping you live the life you want, so not let anyone tell you that you are wrong for choosing that path!

[@wren1019]

woah. when i had my first, sigh, whatever, that was my biggest fear. i realized years later that people who are insane don't know they're insane. however, this blew my mind, 'nothing you have ever done has *kept you* from going insane'. that is making me absolutely happy right now. i'd rather not be afraid of being afraid. being afraid of other things seems okay, but being afraid of being afraid is awful.

[@joeconti3599]

I almost cried when I heard him say that

[@BTIKM]

i can’t get this phrase because english it’s not my language , i understand the translation but i can’t get it sense

[@philmurray2524]

I wish doctors spoke like this. Not one in two decades has explained the fear like this.

[@joeconti3599]

I cried during this pod cast

[@faraoh9261]

thank you man , i actually have ocd and this thoughts comes to my mind after i had cancer and u know cancer and ocd are the perfect match for creating fear and intrusive obssessive thoughts, so ocd helped my mind to keep repeating this thoughts inside my mind and the way my mind convinced me is that i would lose my mind after i had many many many panic attacks ,anxiety attacks and traumatic events and my mind wouldnt bare with all of this plus a nurse told me when i was hospitalized that two people start to act and talk weirder and act anormal so all of these things that i mentioned nurished my anxiety (ocd) so much that whatever i did the thoughts are still there, im convinced and i know that im not crazy at all lol but my mind keep asking the what if questions so its always there , im not panicking anymore because i take medications, it just the constent worrying and fear got me tired. hope u read my comment and i would thank u for the job that u are doing for this community , all love and hope everyone to stay strong

[@TheAnxiousTruth]

I read it, and you are very welcome. I'm happy to try to help in whatever small way I can. It's OK to be tired. This is hard work. Best wishes to you my friend.

[@andrejay1124]

I was riding on a backseat of my friends car and my dp/dr got so bad that I thought I was gonna lose my mind or go into psychosis so I started to bite my lip like that was gonna help somehow. Like you said “nothing that you’ve ever done has kept it from happening because it was never gonna happen in the first place”

[@jose1001ful]

I can relate to this so bad. Have experienced dp/Dr after a panic attack on weed and happening some times after. I was always afraid from that moment, that the weed and all that I went through on that episode, have had some neurological damage to me. So my panic attacks were about that. One of the things I experienced was tunnel vision which made it even more crazier. One things I used to do was to bite my lip, and feel some pain, it was like a reminder of reality.

[@mymind9039]

Isn’t questioning your sanity is the ultimate indicator you’re perfectly sane? Insane people doesn’t notice and question their sanity. They just think it’s “normal”

[@TheAnxiousTruth]

There is truth in that. And it's very helpful information. We just have to make sure we take it, incorporate it, and recognize when we throw it away based on one more "but what if ..." thought. Thanks for the comment. Good one! :-)

[@nataliesinlalaland]

Thank you for this video. After this I’ve officially decided to go and seek out professional help. I’m fairly certain I have OCD, I have a constant, intense fear of going insane and developing schizophrenia. I have compulsions that help the anxiety but it’s only temporary relief. I know this fear is irrational but I can’t get it to go away no matter what. I worry for hours every day and it’s really affecting my entire life. It’s gotten to the point where I’ll hear something and I’ll think “am I the only one who heard that? Was that real?” I’m Always seeking reassurance from people and I’m terrified I’m losing touch with reality. This video really helped though. Thank you.

[@TheAnxiousTruth]

I'm glad you found this helpful. You have a good grip on the situation from a mechanical standpoint, which is a good start. Reaching out for professional help from someone trained in treating these types of disorders is always a good idea.

[@tharamendoza6287]

sounds exactly like OCD. I have OCD and have a fear of developing schizophrenia

[@calebbooth5344]

Have you been doing better?

[@mata1640]

@@tharamendoza6287 Hello, I hope you can understand my story as best as possible since I don't know English and I will translate it, I am Victor, I am 20 years old and I have had anxiety since I was little and where it bothers me the most is in public places such as restaurants, school or at family gatherings, for example. I have never had intrusive thoughts until May 9, 2022, that day my first thought when I woke up was of hurting myself, I was very scared because as I said I have never experienced this in my mind and at first I thought I might have depression , I let the days go by and a few days later this idea crossed my mind: What if I kill my mother? At that moment I had an extreme fear that this was caused by a mental illness such as schizophrenia. That fear led me to compulsively read daily for more or less 4 consecutive months, examples of delusions, what is a hallucination, what thoughts He has a schizophrenic, etc. After doing this, my mind recreated these thoughts/symptoms and my fear of suffering from this pathology increased a lot, I had thoughts that seemed like delusions although I fully know that those thoughts are not true, I am aware of the noises or things I can see. I don't know if this is frequent but the thing is that I've been dealing with this for almost 2 years and I don't see any improvement in what's happening to me, I'm afraid of being delirious/hallucinating and every day I have thoughts that seem like delusions which, even though I don't believe them, I I take them as further proof that they are due to this pathology, I hope you can understand me and if you could give me advice so I can stop having these thoughts.

[@RollingDude.]

Hey ​@@tharamendoza6287have you been doing better?

[@phyllisboyle1162]

I have this fear!! More of losing control and crashing on purpose. I won’t drive anymore

[@TheAnxiousTruth]

The theory here is that running and obeying that thought is just reinforcing the fear. Everyone has the right to make choices, but if you WANT to drive but won't because of how "feels", consider that.

[@zaharao5587]

Thank you for your videos from Spain!!!

[@ChemicalQuail]

You def helped

[@user-hv9ts7qp6v]

I'm not alone.

[@TheAnxiousTruth]

Not at all. I wish this community wasn't as large as it is because it means that people are struggling, but you are certainly not alone in any of this. xx

[@jimmyrichards1531]

I hate commenting like this, but it’s been 2 months since I’ve left my house and the past 2 weeks especially have been hell. I’m having numerous panic attacks a day, and feel like I am constantly on the verge of one when I’m not. I get bouts of dread and impending doom, can’t sleep at night and when I do I wake up soaked in sweat and panicking. I am so beyond afraid of going insane, I have obsessive reoccurring thoughts that cause me to feel this way on top of the rest of it. I know that these thoughts are totally irrational, I know that they aren’t going to come true. But the anxiety, panic, dp/dr, etc convince me otherwise. I am a miserable wreck. How do I let go? I’ve read your book, I’ve tried the fear ladder, exposures etc but I just can’t stop feeding the fear, I think that I don’t care for a moment and then I’m right back to feeding it and being terrified. Anything would be incredibly helpful right now Drew. Thank you

[@TheAnxiousTruth]

I hate that this is often the answer, but there is courage involved here. Its the part that trips up so many people. Doing a thing we are terrified to do isn’t the entire story, but it is part of the story so choosing retreat speaks directly to this issue.

[@phyllisboyle1162]

I know that feeling. Look up EFT. That has helped me so much. Good luck. This sucks!!

[@phyllisboyle1162]

Also. Meditation they out the day to calm your nervous system down

[@joerusso949]

Drew, are you ok with taking a Benzo when the intense anxiety gets overwhelming?

[@nmash6835]

Benzos are dangerous

[@arielyaskow7697]

I have a diagnosis of PTS, GAD and panic disorder. I have made alot of progress in my recovery, and fear of going insane is very real for me. With my diagnosis though, does this not apply to me? Cause you say people who have had trauma experiences are different... are we really?

[@TheAnxiousTruth]

You're not different. Your fear of going crazy is not any more real or dangerous than someone without trauma. Your SITUATION is different because you may have other issues to work through that can sometimes be obstacles in the recovery process. If your fear response is something that resulted in punishment or other negative consequences in your past, then it can be more difficult for you to allow that response and learn to move through it. That's just one example of how traumatic experiences can sometimes inform "protective" actions that can be more difficult to dismantle.

[@arielyaskow7697]

@@TheAnxiousTruth thank you so much for explaining that to me. I have been in therapy since August working on these issues and I've had great relief. Went from hourly panic attacks to once a day to once every few months. I am experiencing a bad day today with this exact same fear and panic attacks, but your channel is so helpful alongside the therapy. Thank you so much for doing this

[@kickpublishing]

Seriously those diagnosis labels are a trap and a prison. You have fear of fear - we call it anxiety. Keep the problem simple and the solution is simple.

[@arielyaskow7697]

I don't look at them as a trap at all. To each their own. Im happy there is a name for it.

[@nmash6835]

I keep on zoning out and feeling disconnected i fear im going to lose my mind

[@TheAnxiousTruth]

This is one of the most commonly reported "disasters" among people that struggle with chronic anxiety and anxiety disorders. You're not alone in that fear.

[@Danielle1988.]

Does anyone have fears of going crazy due to memory issues? Mine is all day not just during a panic attack :(

[@TheAnxiousTruth]

Being afraid of going crazy and focused on that thought regardless of panic is very common. Lots of folks walk around on guard against this all the time. The triggers can vary. Memory, emotions, conflict, etc. It's not just panic or high anxiety that can create this fear. You're totally not alone. The rules are the same though. Your job is to learn to hear that fear, but not engage with it.

[@Danielle1988.]

Thanks very much🙏 I suffer with GAD, my memory hasn't been the best lately and my brain has convinced me that I'm going mad. Trying to accept it and say no thanks, but it's hard when your anxious mind is racing all day.

[@infinitysims7395]

What if you don’t have panic attacks but you have high anxiety of just going crazy? Does it still apply the same?

[@TheAnxiousTruth]

Same rules apply. Thinking you will go crazy does not equal going crazy under any circumstances.

[@loveandpeace2772]

@@TheAnxiousTruth Hi . Was wondering if you can help me . I had Anxiety ocd for 15 years at lest this is what I was diagnosed with 15 years ago. I was on antidepressants for 10 years on and off . When I felt better I got off meds , when I was bad again I took the meds. So finally 6 years ago I got off meds because I got pregnant with my son , so I was ok thru my pregnancy and than when my son was 10 month everything came back with full force and I been struggling with out medication for 6 years. It’s been the worst Ever. It’s a nightmare 😢 then like 2 years ago I got severe panic attack I didn’t know what it was but i thought I was going crazy , I had the feeling of detachment and not feeling real like I am loosing control of my mind and body So I was googling I didn’t know what it was, I thought I was going insane I was scared I was developing szesophrenia or phycosis. But found out it was DPDR . I been trying everything ,accepting it ,ignoring it but it’s getting worst and worst . There is moments I feel so bad like I am about to go insane about to loose my mind . I don’t know what this is anymore. I am still super scared that I am developing severe mental illness and I’ll get locked up in mental institution , or szesophrenia I am super scared of it . But like I am literally on edge everyday some days are unbearable severe panic sooo scared like getting paranoid that I’ll hear voices or see thing or act weird and hurt people and so on . Do you know what am I experiencing? I don’t think this is anxiety or OCD . I juts don’t know how to get out of this and feel normal again . I feel not normal . I am scared what is happening to me . Please help or recommend something. I get like stock in my head and have this crazy feeling of detachments in my head and my head feels extremely heavy and feel like losing control and it’s 100 times worst during my hormones change . 🥺🥺 Did I get brain damage from so many years of fear and all these symptoms I have . Or is this szesophrenia or phycosis already. Is it possible to get brain damage from so many years of suffering??

[@aravinthselvaraj7340]

How are you now? Are you ok?

[@theanonymoushelpline7248]

@@loveandpeace2772You cannot get brain damage from anxiety it’s really anxiety. How are u now?

[@mata1640]

​@@theanonymoushelpline7248 Hello, I hope you can understand my story as best as possible since I don't know English and I will translate it, I am Victor, I am 20 years old and I have had anxiety since I was little and where it bothers me the most is in public places such as restaurants, school or at family gatherings, for example. I have never had intrusive thoughts until May 9, 2022, that day my first thought when I woke up was of hurting myself, I was very scared because as I said I have never experienced this in my mind and at first I thought I might have depression , I let the days go by and a few days later this idea crossed my mind: What if I kill my mother? At that moment I had an extreme fear that this was caused by a mental illness such as schizophrenia. That fear led me to compulsively read daily for more or less 4 consecutive months, examples of delusions, what is a hallucination, what thoughts He has a schizophrenic, etc. After doing this, my mind recreated these thoughts/symptoms and my fear of suffering from this pathology increased a lot, I had thoughts that seemed like delusions although I fully know that those thoughts are not true, I am aware of the noises or things I can see. I don't know if this is frequent but the thing is that I've been dealing with this for almost 2 years and I don't see any improvement in what's happening to me, I'm afraid of being delirious/hallucinating and every day I have thoughts that seem like delusions which, even though I don't believe them, I I take them as further proof that they are due to this pathology, I hope you can understand me and if you could give me advice so I can stop having these thoughts.

[@loveandpeace2772]

I have extreme fear of going in sane loosing my sanity because of all the feelings I have and symptoms. How do people go insane ?? Don’t they feel something is happening to them ? Doesn’t it take time go loose your mind . I feel really bad head pressure , blurry vision , feel scared feel like I will loose control , so how do I know I am not going insane it’s only anxiety . All these symptoms get worst with panic , but when I don’t have panic I still feel that way. Anyone can explain it to me please . Thank you

[@TheAnxiousTruth]

"How do I know its only anxiety?" The truth is, you never know with absolute certainty. Forget wanting to know the mechanics of going insane. You don't need to know that. Instead, look at the need to find total certainty when none can ever truly exist. You fear insanity. Others ask the same questions repeatedly about other fears. Episode 160 of my podcast speaks to this issue and might be helpful for you.

[@User-qz9bo]

Do you steal feel this way

[@isaiaharagon3616]

Ive been feeling this for over a month with insane levels of mental /psychological pain. Anyone else? I doubt it.

[@TheAnxiousTruth]

I'm so sorry that you're having to deal with this. None of it is ever easy. Just be careful about reinforcing the narrative that you are "worse" than everyone else. Almost every member of this community has been 100% sure that they were worse than everyone else at some point, so know that you're not alone in that thought and that it pretty much always gets proven wrong over time.

[@maridorisrivera8140]

I am going through this right now, I also have a fear of talking because I fear I will sound insane make no sense when I talk, because I feel like I can't think before I talk have you ever heard of this?

[@theanonymoushelpline7248]

@@maridorisrivera8140happened to me too

[@j.m1928]

High stress and trauma can cause psychosis…if someone is in a continual state of fight, flight or freeze and has this fear…and it turns into toxic stress, then the fear could become reality. This fear is more legit with anxiety then with the fear of death.

[@TheAnxiousTruth]

Who told you this? There is no path from anxiety to a psychotic break. The fear of psychosis cannot produce psychosis. And notice how your fear instantly decided that it needed to make itself heard and defend itself after being challenged?