Dr. David Hanscom has over 1.6 million views on his Psychology Today blog, “Anxiety: Another Name for Pain.”
Follow Dr. David Hanscom on Psychology Today.
- Anxiety Basics – It’s Not Primarily a Psychological Issue
Provides foundational insight that anxiety is more physiological than psychological. - What Does “Anxiety” Actually Mean?
Defines anxiety in simple terms to build understanding. - Anxiety Is a Symptom – It is not a psychological diagnosis
Explains that anxiety is a response rather than a standalone disorder. - Our Need to Feel Safe
Focuses on how anxiety is tied to a fundamental need for safety. - Anxiety–Prison Guard, or Bodyguard? – Anxiety both protects and traps you
Describes the protective role of anxiety but also its limiting effects. - Social Anxiety—Because Vulnerability Doesn’t Feel Safe
Explores social anxiety as a response to vulnerability in social settings. - Depression Is Anxiety – Anxiety is the driver and not subject to conscious control
Highlights how anxiety underpins depression, giving depth to its impact. - Anxiety, Anger, and Adrenaline – Anger is turbocharged anxiety
Links anxiety to other emotions like anger, showing the interconnectedness of emotional responses. - Mental Health Is More Critical Than Physical Health
Argues the significance of mental health, with a focus on the pervasive role of anxiety. - The DSM Classification System: More Harmful Than Helpful?
Critiques conventional approaches to classifying anxiety as a psychological disorder. - Is It Time to Remove Anxiety from the DSM?
Continues the conversation on rethinking the diagnosis of anxiety. - Solving the Unsolvable: Anxiety
Presents ways to address and manage anxiety, solidifying the learning process.
- Essence of Illness
Begins with an overview of illness, helping establish a foundational understanding of chronic conditions. - Your Body’s Motto: Danger Until Proven Otherwise
Explores the body's baseline response to perceived threats, laying the groundwork for understanding chronic stress. - How Chronic Stress Affects Physiology and Well-Being
Introduces the physiological impact of chronic stress on overall health and wellness. - Solve Mental Pain to Resolve Physical Pain
Highlights the link between mental and physical pain, showing how one affects the other. - The Gift of Acute Pain
Explains the purpose of acute pain, helping distinguish it from chronic pain and understand its evolutionary role. - Chronic Pain and My Bad Golf Game
Provides a relatable example to illustrate how chronic pain can influence daily activities and quality of life. - A Descent into the Abyss of Chronic Pain
Offers a deeper dive into the experience of chronic pain and its profound effects on life.
- Awareness as a Tool: The “Circle of Life”
Introduces awareness as a fundamental tool in personal growth, setting the stage for deeper exploration. - Flip Your Consciousness: 4 Types of Awareness
Explores different types of awareness, broadening understanding and setting up a framework for self-reflection. - Deepening Your Awareness of Unawareness
Encourages recognizing areas where awareness is lacking, essential for meaningful self-development. - Aware of Being Unaware?
Continues exploring the concept of unawareness, prompting reflection on hidden aspects of self. - Connecting to Life with Your Senses: Environmental Awareness
Focuses on connecting to the present moment and environment through sensory awareness. - You Have to Feel to Heal: Emotional Awareness
Introduces emotional awareness, underscoring its importance in the healing process. - How Ingrained Patterns Affect Your Life Lens
Examines how deeply rooted patterns shape perceptions and reactions, encouraging introspection. - Your Relationship to Food Mirrors How You Handle Life
Applies awareness to specific areas, such as eating habits, linking it to broader life patterns. - Who Do You Choose to Be Today–With or Without Your Pain
Prompts self-reflection on identity and choices, especially in the face of challenges or pain. - Mindfulness Should Not Be Taught in School? Really?
Challenges assumptions about mindfulness, promoting a balanced approach to its practice. - Connect with the Life You Want
Encourages aligning awareness with intentional action to shape a desired life path. - “The Bottom”–Sometimes It's OK to Be Depressed
Concludes with acceptance, addressing the importance of acknowledging difficult emotions as part of the journey. - Wake Up, People! Get Your Thinking Brain Going!
Our lower brains are taking the human species down.
- Why Won't People Let Go of Their Anger?
Discusses reasons for holding onto anger and its impact on mental health. - 'Anger Academy'—Processing Anger Is a Complex Skill
Introduces practical skills for managing and processing anger constructively. - Becoming Aware of Being Unaware
Begins with the concept of awareness, essential for recognizing reactive patterns. - From Reactive to Creative: “C” First
Introduces a shift from reactive responses to creative, intentional actions. - You Can't Relax if You're Angry
Examines the connection between stress, anger, and relaxation, emphasizing emotional awareness. - “Stupid Stress” – Taking on the World’s Suffering
Highlights how carrying stress beyond personal issues impacts well-being. - Mortal Combat: A Look at How Feuding Neighbors Are Hurting Each Other
Provides a real-world example of unchecked anger and its consequences. - Our Envy of Others Devours Us Most of All
Explores the destructive impact of envy on emotional well-being. - From 'Would Like' to 'Should': The Unenforceable Rules
Addresses perfectionism and self-imposed expectations, which often fuel stress and resentment. - Perfectionism—the Ultimate Victim Role
Examines how perfectionism can lead to self-victimization and hinder healing. - Letting Go of Victim Mentality to Heal
Encourages letting go of a victim mindset, a crucial step for moving forward emotionally. - Forgiveness Is Not What You Think
Reframes forgiveness as a complex and empowering process, not just forgetting or excusing. - Forgiveness Is a Learned Skill
Presents forgiveness as a skill that requires learning and practice. - Ways to Forgive– It is a Learned Skill Set
Provides specific techniques for developing forgiveness as a skill. - Beyond Forgiveness–Compassion for Those Who Hurt You
Encourages cultivating compassion for others as a transformative step beyond forgiveness. - Out of Pain (and Wheelchair) With Forgiveness – with Fred Luskin
A real-life example illustrating the power of forgiveness in physical and emotional healing. - Mangione Tragedy: Pain, Isolation, and the Survival Response
Being trapped by pain causes the brain to go offline.
- Beyond Survival-Mode Reactivity
Anytime we are anxious or angry, our thinking brain is compromised.
- Your Home: Oak Tree or Military Barrack
Provides a metaphor for the ideal home environment, encouraging flexibility and support over rigidity. - Make Your Home a “Safe House”
Explores creating a safe and supportive home environment to foster emotional well-being. - Listen to Your Family Without Advice or Criticism
Encourages empathetic listening as a way to reduce family tension and misunderstandings. - Never Walk in the Front Door Angry
Highlights the importance of managing one’s emotions before engaging with family. - Lower Anxiety with a “Family Business” Business Plan
Offers a practical approach to reducing family anxiety by organizing and managing responsibilities collaboratively. - Holiday Land Mines with Your Family – You will be exposed to your most
powerful triggers
Introduces the idea of family gatherings as potential emotional triggers. - ‘Tis the Season to Be Triggered at Family Gatherings
Expands on the impact of holiday gatherings and the unique challenges they present. - The Physiological Benefits of Bullying
Provides a foundational understanding of bullying, examining its impact on both physical and mental well-being. - Bullying Is Assault and Should Be Treated as Such
Emphasizes the seriousness of bullying within families, setting a baseline for respectful interactions. - Honoring Loss by Living
What would you want for your family if you were gone?
- Anxiety Is the Correct Name for Pain
Starts with the concept that pain often stems from or is closely linked to anxiety, setting a foundational understanding of the pain-anxiety connection. - Pain: The Gift Nobody Wants
Explores pain as an essential, though unpleasant, part of human experience, highlighting its role in protecting and guiding us. - Fierce Pain—Explained
Dives deeper into the nature of intense pain, both physiological and psychological, providing a detailed understanding. - The Abyss: Honor Your Suffering
Encourages readers to acknowledge and respect their suffering as part of the healing journey. - Darkness: The Abyss of Chronic Pain
Examines the prolonged experience of chronic pain and its impact on mental health and life quality. - Dashed Hopes–“The Pit of Despair”
Addresses the sense of despair that often accompanies chronic pain, especially when relief seems out of reach. - Why Isn't Anyone Doing Something? Polyvagal Theory–Frozen
Introduces Polyvagal Theory as a possible explanation for the body’s “frozen” response to chronic pain and suffering.
- The Curse of Consciousness: Trapped By Your Thoughts
Explores how heightened self-awareness can sometimes feel like a burden, leading to overthinking.
- “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”: Firing Up Repetitive Unpleasant Thoughts
Explores how ignoring stress can reinforce negative thought patterns.
- AI and the Cumulative Effects of 'Trauma'
Examines how repetitive thoughts and traumatic memories build over time, similar to AI learning.
- Stop Looking for Your Authentic Self
Promotes the idea of embracing self-acceptance over a continuous search for an “authentic” self.
- “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”: Firing Up Repetitive Unpleasant Thoughts
Examines how suppressing emotions, even with positive intentions, can reinforce negative thought loops.
- We Have No Protection From Mental Pain
Addresses the inevitability of mental pain and emphasizes resilience over avoidance.
- Fear Can't Be Controlled with Behavioral Suppression
Reinforces that fear cannot be managed by suppression alone, calling for a holistic approach.
- The Myth of Self-Esteem
Challenges traditional ideas of self-esteem, encouraging a healthier approach to self-perception.
- The Dark Side of Self-Esteem
Explores the downsides of chasing self-esteem, such as dependence on external validation.
- Judgment and Storytelling: The Deadly Nature of Self-Esteem
Discusses the role of judgment in shaping one’s self-esteem, emphasizing its potential for harm.
- It Is Impossible Not to Be Judgmental
Acknowledges that judgment is natural, prompting reflection on how to manage it constructively.
- Connecting to Feelings: The Inverse of Pursuing Self-Esteem
Encourages connecting with true emotions rather than seeking self-worth through external achievements.
- Solving Repetitive Unpleasant Thoughts—OCD Is Just the Extreme
Explores how repetitive thoughts can escalate, using OCD as an example of extreme cycles.
- Popcorn Machines and Healing Repetitive Unpleasant Thoughts
Introduces the concept of repetitive thought cycles, providing an approachable metaphor to understand their nature.
- Accept the Gift of Consciousness—Choice
Introduces the empowering role of conscious choice in breaking free from unhelpful thought patterns.
- The Golden State Warriors and the 'Ironic Effect'
Concludes with a relatable example of the “ironic effect,” showing how mental focus can sometimes backfire.
- How Unwanted Thoughts Drive the Experience of Pain
A key to escaping pain is learning how to mute the body's response to threat.
- Quit Fighting Darkness; It Vanishes in Light
Why do we keep doing battle with our unconscious brain?
- For Pain Relief: Schadenfreude or Altruism, Your Choice
It's futile to focus on eliminating pain; relief comes from focusing outward.
- Connect to Your Dark Side to Heal
It's futile to focus on eliminating pain; relief comes from focusing outward.
- Stop Fighting Unwanted Thoughts
Healing happens when you get out of the way of your nervous system.
-
Stress Physiology Drives Rumination
You must calm you body to heal your mind. - Thoughts Are Like Viruses
Resisting intrusive thoughts can make them more powerful.
- Work Is Medicine, But We Keep Prescribing the Wrong Dose
Being unable to work can destroy your nervous system. - Humans Are Not Data Points—Why Modern Medicine Is Hurting Us
Begins with a critique of modern medicine’s tendency to overlook the individual in favor of standardized treatments. - The Most Destructive Diagnosis in Medicine
Explores the potential harm of certain medical diagnoses, highlighting the need for careful diagnostic practices. - “Medically Unexplained Symptoms”? Always a Wrong Diagnosis
Discusses the issue of ambiguous diagnoses, stressing the importance of comprehensive patient care. - Chronic Pain and Social Despair–Doctors need to Listen
Emphasizes the relationship between chronic pain, social issues, and the need for empathetic care from physicians. - Tulsa Shooting – “The Pit of Despair”
Uses a real-life event to highlight the despair that can accompany chronic pain and the consequences of neglecting mental health in healthcare. - Dashed Hopes for Patients in Pain–“The Pit of Despair”
Examines the impact of unmet expectations and ineffective treatments on patients’ mental health. - Suicide: An Unnecessary Way to Escape from Pain
Addresses the severe emotional impact of chronic pain and the importance of providing supportive solutions. - This COVID-19 Pandemic is Solvable–Now
Shifts focus to the pandemic, outlining solutions and emphasizing practical, immediate actions. - Expressive Writing May Help Fight the Coronavirus
Introduces expressive writing as a therapeutic tool, showing how mental health practices can support immunity. - Thrive and Survive COVID-19
Provides guidance on building resilience during the pandemic through health and lifestyle adjustments. - Plan A–Lowering Inflammation Lengthens Life
Discusses strategies to reduce inflammation, promoting health beyond pandemic-specific measures. - Using a Polyvagal Approach, the COVID Pandemic is Solvable
Presents the Polyvagal Theory as a framework for understanding stress and resilience during the pandemic. - Solve the Pandemic Now—Create the “Herd”
Concludes with a community-focused approach to combating the pandemic, underscoring the power of collective effort. - The Risks of Ill-Advised Spine Surgery
Details the potential dangers of spine surgery, cautioning against unnecessary or high-risk procedures. - Spine Surgery: Proceed at Your Own Risk
Continues the discussion on spine surgery risks, reinforcing the importance of considering non-surgical options. - John Sarno, M.D., An American Hero: Marking a Shift in How We Treat Chronic Pain
Presents Dr. Sarno’s alternative approach to chronic pain, challenging traditional medical perspectives.
- Why Music Has the Power to Heal
The right music induces a physiologic state of safety—a requirement for healing. - Want to Be Smarter and Live Longer?
We undertake heroic efforts to improve our quality of life and live longer. One simpler approach is to play racquet sports. They are accessible, and the effects are profound. - Dynamic Healing—The New Paradigm Medicine Needs
Introduces a shift in how we approach healing, setting the stage for a holistic perspective on health. - The “C”quence of Healing Chronic Illness
Presents a framework for addressing chronic illness, building a foundation for the journey ahead. - Downhill Skiing Is Dangerous—So Is Life
Introduces the concept of calculated risk, encouraging acceptance of life’s challenges in the pursuit of wellness. - Hope: Escaping from The Abyss of Chronic Pain
Explores the importance of hope in overcoming chronic pain, creating motivation for the healing process. - There Is an Answer to the Mental Health Crisis
Highlights solutions within reach for mental health, emphasizing hope and potential progress. - Reprogram Your Brain Around Pain–Mental or Physical
Introduces neuroplasticity as a tool for managing pain, both mental and physical. - Creating Your Reality Without Pain–Neuroplasticity
Expands on neuroplasticity, encouraging a proactive approach to shaping a pain-free reality. - Tune Your Nervous System and Lower Anxiety
Explores practical techniques to manage anxiety, supporting the mind’s ability to heal. - From Reactive to Creative–Transforming Anxiety
Encourages a shift from reaction to creation, fostering resilience and creative problem-solving. - Be All That You Can Be—or Just Be
Encourages self-acceptance, reducing pressure to perform and aligning with one’s authentic self. - Feel the Life You Want
Promotes connecting with desires and envisioning a fulfilling life, grounding goals in personal values. - Leaving Pain Behind
Focuses on moving past pain and embracing new possibilities, both mentally and physically. - The Art of Living Your Life Well–Commitment and Practice
Emphasizes the role of consistency and commitment in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. - Your Life’s Roadmap: Just Begin Anywhere
Encourages action without waiting for perfect conditions, focusing on the journey rather than the destination. - Play—the Path to Healing
Highlights the therapeutic value of play, encouraging relaxation and spontaneity as part of healing. - “Play 20”: Create Your Life at Any Age
Reinforces playfulness as a lifelong tool for wellness, supporting both mental and physical health. - Becoming a Genius at Living Life–and Healing
Inspires a mindset shift toward mastery in life skills, tying joy to resilience and healing. - Be an Expert at Life and Heal
Encourages viewing life as an opportunity to learn and grow, fostering a positive outlook on self-care. - Healing Pain and Major League Baseball
Uses a relatable example to show how healing practices apply to daily activities and performance.
- A Simple Starting Point for Healing: Active Meditation
Begins with an accessible healing practice that promotes relaxation and mindfulness. - Tune Your Nervous System and Lower Anxiety – You have the controls
Explores techniques to regulate the nervous system, empowering individuals to manage anxiety actively. - Expressive Writing May Help Fight the Coronavirus
Introduces expressive writing as a method to release pent-up emotions, supporting mental and physical health. - How to Heal From Chronic Stress
Provides practical steps to manage and reduce chronic stress, essential for long-term healing. - Five Important Steps to Heal from Chronic Pain
Outlines key steps specifically targeting chronic pain, establishing a clear healing path. - Embracing Anxiety: 'The Ring of Fire'
*Encourages facing anxiety directly as part of the healing journey.