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Sometime back I posted a video from Tanner Murtaugh a TMS therapist who spoke directly to this increased anxiety, which is what I had, towards the perceived responsibility of dealing with TMS. I am here to say you can get over this. Part of being in the loop is your choice (yes, it is a choice) to stay stuck where you are. I used the STOP method to get out of this. I start to think I can’t do this, or I don’t understand something and say “stop overthinking” and refocus on something else. My mind would go immediately back to the thought and I’d say “no” and refocus. Finding highly engaging activities: audio books, hobbies, other responsibilities I found challenging eg. Cleaning, cooking etc refocused my mind. Eventually I could laugh at these thoughts and then they went away.
Many others replaced them, it’s a symptom imperative because after all this thought pattern is only another TMS symptom to distract you from doing the TMS work… so I’d use this process again until I could use Claire Weekes floating method for it all. Claire describes all these methods in her books - the StOP method (which is what someone calls it now) is the same as the method she uses for insomnia or morning anxiety. Her books are gold.
I had no idea how much of a stumbling block this mindset was until hearing Tanner discuss it.
Fear is only anxiety, you need to stop pushing away the physical sensations of dread and allow them. When anxiety arises, say hello. Then fear and dread come over you, say hello.. exactly as you do all other symptoms of TMS. It’s only the THOUGHTS about it you tell yourself to stop. The sensations you allow.