In the next two episodes, we are going to talk about reactions to your anxiety that seem

like a good idea, but actually aren't.

When we feel threatened, it's natural for us to want to protect ourselves.

When we feel worried about something, it makes sense that you would try to prevent the

feared outcome from happening.

These reactions are called safety behaviors, and while they may be well-intentioned,

the outcome is not in our favor.

Welcome back to Savvy Psychologist.

I'm your host, Dr. Monica Johnson.

Every week on this show, I'll help you face life's challenges with evidence-based approaches,

a sympathetic ear, and zero judgment.

We've talked about worry in the past, and safety behaviors are deliberate actions we

engage in and response to worries.

The function of a safety behavior is to allow us to feel better in the present moment,

and to eliminate the chances of us experiencing the feared outcome.

For instance, let's say you're invited to a party, and you're worried that you won't

know many of the people that attend.

One safety behavior that a person could engage in is avoidance.

You could simply decide not to go to the party.

This reaction is likely to lead to a sigh of relief in the present moment, right?

You don't have to worry about what you're going to wear, what you're going to say, what

to do if your breath is funky or you have gas.

...