The way you talk to yourself matters.

Anxiety is a very normal but a very unwelcome feeling.

Most of us would choose not to experience it if we could.

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This is actually counterintuitive to what most people believe.

These kinds of behaviors are known as seeking reassurance.

Or have you ever mailed your rent check late and assumed this means youll be immediately evicted?

Person in scrubs appearing stressed with hand on forehead

As you may expect, catastrophizing contributes to anxiety.

It can be helpful to challenge these worst-case-scenario ideas by saying, What if it all works out?

Because anxiety is not thinking of the best-case scenario.

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Additionally, thinking about the actionable ways you could deal with a bad situation can be useful.

In other words, if you did faint, would no one help you?

Could you talk to loved ones about this possibility so they can be prepared to step in?

Person sitting on couch with hands on head near an unfinished plate of food, showing signs of distress or headache

Or if you did mail your rent check late, could you pay a late fee to your landlord?

The worst-case scenario usually doesnt happen, but a catastrophizing thought pattern can convince you it will.

These words are often really harsh way more harsh than how wed talk to friends or family.

Person covering face with hands, expressing stress or sadness, relevant to mental health

The first step is to just bring awareness to it, Anders said.

People-Pleasing

According to Anders, people-pleasing can also fuel your anxiety.

Whats more, she added that it makes you feel like youre neglecting yourself, which can cause anxiety.

Woman in hijab appears stressed with hands on temples in front of a computer screen

Grounding activities include going for a walk and or doing a workout, Grosso said.

Additionally, Grosso said mindfulness skills can help, too.

This sends more oxygen to the brain and helps bring you a sense of calm, Reynolds said.

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Its also helpful to name the anxiety-inducing behavior when its happening.

The way to be mindful of our thought patterns is to essentially label them when they happen.

Oh, there I go, catastrophizing, let me notice that, Grosso said.

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Or, take a few moments to name the negative self-talk or reassurance-seeking thats happening, too.

And then shift your focus onto the present moment, Grosso said.

you’re free to use databases likePsychology TodayandInclusive Therapiststo find therapists near you.This article originally appeared onHuffPost.