#204 – Stuck in the Spiral of Anxiety: Here’s What You Need to Break Free
November 13, 2024
Today, we’re going to talk about one of the most frustrating pain points in recovery. Which is that feeling of just being stuck in the spiral of anxiety. Like you’re spinning your wheels, you’re trying so hard, you’re exerting so much effort, you’re doing all the things, but you’re not actually getting anywhere.
If you have been feeling stuck in the spiral of anxiety, intrusive thoughts and panic, this post is for you! I am going to walk you through why you keep getting stuck in the spiral of anxiety and how to break out of it!
Here’s what we will be discussing:
- How to move beyond reassurance and avoidance
- How you’re holding yourself back by consuming and not taking action
I’m Jenna Overbaugh, a licensed therapist who’s been working with people who have OCD/anxiety since 2008. I am all about helping you get your life back so OCD and fear no longer keep you feeling so small. Follow along for tons of resources, guidance, and encouragement to do ALL THE HARD THINGS!
Website: www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com (free newsletter + resources)
Instagram: jenna.overbaugh
Disclaimer: Please note that the information/resources offered on this podcast is not, nor is it intended to be, therapy or a replacement for therapy. It does not constitute a client/therapist relationship.
Today’s episode is for those of you who have been putting in the work to manage OCD and anxiety—maybe you’ve tried therapy, read all the books, and listened to every podcast out there, but still feel like something’s missing. Let me assure you: this isn’t happening because you’re not trying hard enough or because you’re beyond help. You’re not resistant to change, and it’s not that you’re “too sick” to make progress.
If this resonates with you, today we’re diving into what might be the missing piece in your OCD and anxiety journey. And exploring small but impactful adjustments that could bring you the progress you’ve been hoping for. By the end, you’ll know if you’re the perfect fit for the next step in your recovery journey, along with some exciting news about a Black Friday deal you won’t want to miss!
What we are going to dive into today:
Learned helplessness is in OCD and anxiety recovery
Why you need a roadmap for OCD and anxiety recovery
You can find the full shownotes here: https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/missing-piece-in-your-ocd-and-anxiety-recovery
💪 Ready to conquer OCD/anxiety? Explore The OCD and Anxiety Recovery Blueprint – with or without a therapist: https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/blueprint
⚡ Sign up for my FREE Masterclass, Break Free Power Hour, on Taking Control of Anxiety and Intrusive Thoughts: https://www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com/power
👏 Unlock your free 40-minute video on “5 Must-Know Strategies for Handling Anxiety and Intrusive Thoughts”: https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/strategies
🧠 Start your transformation today with the Mental Compulsion Mini Course referenced in this episode: https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/mental-compulsions
DISCLAIMER: Please keep in mind that Jenna is not your therapist. She does not provide you with individualized recommendations or advice. The information provided is intended as educational information only. Jenna cannot tell you what you should do, what you shouldn’t do, or give recommendations based on your unique situations or circumstances. Nothing on this page or Site should be construed as therapeutic recommendation or personalized advice. If you are in need of such services, please consult with a physician or other medical provider right away to determine the best course of action for you. We are not responsible for your use of this page, this website, or the contents within. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU READ OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEBSITE AND CONTENT. For more information, please read the Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimer. Your continued use of this platform, this page, and the contents within constitutes as your agreement with this agreement.
© 2024 Jenna Overbaugh, LLC, All Rights Reserved
jennaoverbaughlpc.com/terms
jennaoverbaughlpc.com/privacy
jennaoverbaughlpc.com/disclaimer
Breaking the Cycle: Moving Beyond Reassurance and Avoidance
Managing OCD and the spiral of anxiety is hard work, but if you’re stuck in a loop of avoidance, reassurance-seeking, or old habits, it’s time to take a new approach. What truly helps break free from this “hamster wheel” isn’t more reassurance, another podcast episode, or another course—it’s having an actionable plan. You need practical tools and strategies that go beyond momentary relief, helping you face anxiety, sit with discomfort, and move through tough moments with intention. Taking action with the right support is what makes lasting change possible.
The Cycle of Learning Without Action
It’s easy to get caught up in consuming more podcasts, courses, and resources, but if you’re not putting what you learn into practice, you’ll stay stuck on the hamster wheel. Take a moment to consider if you might be using learning as an avoidance strategy.
Be honest with yourself—are you just gathering information to delay doing the hard work? Remember, nothing changes unless something changes. True progress happens when you push beyond comfort, resist compulsions, and reduce avoidance behaviors. Learning is valuable, but action is what will truly set you free.
Join the Break Free Power Hour
If you’re ready to break free from the OCD and spiral of anxiety cycle once and for all, join me for the Break Free Power Hour on November 21st! This live, free 60-minute event is packed with practical, transformative strategies that go beyond surface-level relief. We’ll dive into real, actionable tools to help you face intrusive thoughts, resist compulsions, and tolerate uncertainty without needing to “fix” your discomfort.
Whether you’re just starting out or deep in your journey, this event will meet you right where you are. Plus, attendees get early access to my Black Friday specials and exclusive bonuses! Don’t miss this opportunity to take back control—reserve your spot now!
Final Thoughts: Overcoming The Spiral of Anxiety
That’s it for today! But before you go, I want to leave you with a reminder. You are so much stronger than you know, and you have the power to overcome any obstacle that comes your way, especially the spiral of anxiety! After all, you’ve made it this far!
One last thing, head over to my website to kickstart your journey to freedom with the OCD and Anxiety Recovery Blueprint. It is the ultimate roadmap to reclaiming your life and stepping into your power once and for all.
Keep doing all the hard things. Bye for now.
⚡ Sign up for my FREE Masterclass, Break Free Power Hour, on Taking Control of Anxiety and Intrusive Thoughts: https://www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com/power
👏 Unlock your free 40-minute video on “5 Must-Know Strategies for Handling Anxiety and Intrusive Thoughts”: https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/strategies
🧠 Start your transformation today with the Mental Compulsion Mini Course referenced in this episode: https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/mental-compulsions
💪 Ready to conquer OCD/anxiety? Explore The OCD and Anxiety Recovery Blueprint – with or without a therapist: https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/blueprint
DISCLAIMER: Please keep in mind that Jenna is not your therapist. She does not provide you with individualized recommendations or advice. The information provided is intended as educational information only. Jenna cannot tell you what you should do, what you shouldn’t do, or give recommendations based on your unique situations or circumstances. Nothing on this page or Site should be construed as therapeutic recommendation or personalized advice. If you are in need of such services, please consult with a physician or other medical provider right away to determine the best course of action for you. We are not responsible for your use of this page, this website, or the contents within. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU READ OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEBSITE AND CONTENT. For more information, please read the Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimer. Your continued use of this platform, this page, and the contents within constitutes as your agreement with this agreement.
© 2024 Jenna Overbaugh, LLC, All Rights Reserved
jennaoverbaughlpc.com/terms
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