LibraryScenariosWhen witnessing anxiety makes physical symptoms worse
Scenario

When witnessing anxiety makes physical symptoms worse

When I try to witness my anxiety instead of fixing it the sensations get so intense I think I am having a heart attack.

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More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

The nervous system interprets non-reactive observation as abandonment, escalating distress signals.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Buddhist psychology in depth — Abhidharma?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.