#11: Session 10 > Anxiety, Attachment and Mentalizing

🎙️ Episode 11 – Session 10: Anxiety, Attachment and MentalizingWelcome back.In the previous session, we explored how opening up in relationships can feel challenging but also healing.Today, we focus on a powerful emotion that affects us all: anxiety.Because anxiety is not just something to get rid of —it’s something to understand.⸻📌 What this session is about • Understanding anxiety as a basic human emotion that helps protect you from danger. • How anxiety triggers the fight, flight, or freeze response. • The difference between normal anxiety and anxiety that becomes overwhelming or persistent. • How your attachment history influences the way you deal with fear and stress.⸻🔎 Real-life examples • You avoid certain situations because they make you feel anxious. • You feel sudden panic without knowing exactly why. • You experience physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, or tension.⸻📚 Why it mattersAnxiety itself is not dangerous —but avoiding it can make it stronger.When anxiety takes over,your ability to mentalize decreases.This can lead to: • overreacting • withdrawing • or feeling out of controlUnderstanding anxiety helps you respond with awarenessinstead of fear.⸻✨ How MBT works with thisIn MBT, anxiety is explored in connection with relationships.You learn to: • Recognize when anxiety is building • Understand what it might be connected to • Stay curious about your thoughts and feelings • Seek support and reassurance from othersSharing your anxiety helps reduce its intensityand brings you back into connection.⸻💡 Practice from Session 10This week, try to share something about your anxiety with someone you trust. • What are you afraid of? • How does it feel to talk about it? • Does sharing help you feel more supported or understood?Reflect on your experience.⸻🌟 Core messageAnxiety is not your enemy —it is a signal.When you understand it,instead of avoiding it,you create space for calm, connection,and control