What if anxiety isn’t a flaw — but a misunderstood response to the way your mind imagines the future? In this episode, Dr. Andrew Blackwood breaks down what anxiety actually is, why your body reacts to thoughts as if they’re real, and how specific thought patterns quietly fuel overthinking, spirals, and self-doubt. We explore why anxiety can sometimes protect you — and when it starts to hijack your life. Dr. Blackwood introduces the ATI process (Awareness, Tolerance, Intention) and unpacks the most common anxiety-producing thought patterns. You’ll learn practical exit strategies for each pattern alongside how to calm your nervous system before changing your thoughts. Whether you struggle with overthinking, self-criticism, or feeling stuck in your own head, this episode offers a clear framework to understand why you feel anxious — and how to respo ...