Tolerating Discomfort: The Missing Piece in Facing Anxiety Without Running From It

Beyond the "Quick Fix" for Anxiety, Panic, and OCD

We’ve all been there—heart racing, chest tight, mind spiraling. Anxiety feels like something we need to escape immediately. And for many of us, especially those in recovery or dealing with co-occurring mental health challenges, discomfort isn’t just unpleasant—it feels threatening.

So what do we do?

We scroll. We distract. We reach for substances, food, or constant reassurance. And sure, it works—for a minute. But over time, those habits teach our brain the wrong lesson:

“I can’t handle this. I need to make it go away.”

But what if that’s not true?

What if the real key to managing anxiety isn’t about finding the perfect coping skill...But instead learning how to stay grounded—even when the discomfort doesn’t leave right away?

The Real Game-Changer: Tolerating Discomfort

The latest Taking the Escalator worksheet tackles one of the most underused but powerful recovery skills: tolerating discomfort. It's not a “quick fix,” and it’s definitely not flashy. But it’s real. And it works.

Here’s what you’ll explore:

• Why anxiety gets worse when we try to eliminate it too quickly

• The difference between using a skill vs. needing it to work instantly

• How avoiding situations, relying on substances, or seeking reassurance can backfire

• Practical, relatable examples—like turning to alcohol at night, avoiding social events, or falling into health-anxiety spirals

• A powerful shift in mindset: “This is uncomfortable, but I can handle it.”

🎥 Exclusive Video Content for Members

This worksheet includes exclusive video access to a clinical conversation between two experienced mental health professionals. The video breaks down:

• What actually works for managing anxiety, panic, and OCD

• Why the attitude behind your coping skills matters more than the skill itself

• How to build confidence by riding out anxiety instead of reacting to it

• The emotional story of how one clinician overcame his own anxiety disorder—by learning to stop running from it

  
  

The video is only available to Taking the Escalator members, and it adds powerful depth to the worksheet experience. Whether you’re a clinician looking to run an engaging group, or someone doing the work on your own recovery journey, this resource offers something real and relatable.

More Than a Worksheet—It’s a Mindset Shift

You’ll also get:

• Group discussion questions

• Real-life vignettes to spark conversation

• A healthy/unhealthy mindset comparison chart

• Tips for dealing with health anxiety, substance cravings, and compulsive reassurance-seeking

• A closing reflection to help you walk away with a personal action plan

Join now to unlock the full Tolerating Discomfort experience—and more.

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