ARP 252 Anxiety and Iceberg Thoughts

Jul 8, 2021

An iceberg belief is a self-limited thought. And one of the strange things about it is that some of those self-limiting thoughts can come from your family, broadcast and social media or your culture.

Anxiety and anxiety symptoms can amp up or bring to the surface some of those embedded thoughts.

 

Those thoughts can pop up as you watch a video. A car racing down the street. A song that brings up a memory. Or it is 1:57pm and you got a way to go before the end of the day.

 

You are whipping on yourself that working, doing, being isn't enough. You feel mediocre or less than you think you should be. Sometimes a bunch of commercials try to reinforce that statement. 

 

"Just buy Cranko and you will feel or live better." 

 

The iceberg belief can add fuel to your anxiety about a situation. That may or may not be true. 

 

In this episode, a definition of a self-limiting thought, some examples and a few resources to ponder.

 

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

In the News:

 

Washington Post article about how men ignore their mental health issues.

 

U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Brochures and Fact Sheets page on mental health conditions. You can download a pdf or even have a copy of the brochure mailed to you.

 

There is also a NIMH brochure about Men and Depression, it explains what depression is, causes and treatment options. 

 

Resources Mentioned: 

The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are – Brené Brown. You can find the book or audiobook at almost any book vendor. On her website there is a page with a Brave and Brokenhearted manifesto. 

Mark Manson's page on What are limiting beliefs?

 

Meg James from Australia has a worksheet on Limiting Belief that you can work though.

 

On the InsightTimer website there is a course from Meg on Simple Tools for Self-Acceptance. The first section is free and gives you an idea of what to expect. 

 

Pickthebrain.com worksheet on self-limiting thoughts.

Disclaimer: 

Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. 

Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.

This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.