Self Compassion in Anxiety Recovery (Episode 145)

Self Compassion in Anxiety Recovery (Episode 145)

From Disordered: Anxiety Help by Josh Fletcher and Drew Linsalata

February 20, 2026 · 40 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the importance of self-compassion in the context of anxiety recovery and how it can aid in the desensitization process.

Questions about this episode? Want to interact with Drew, Josh, and other members of the Disordered audience? Check out the Disordered Community Space! ⁠https://disordered.fm/community⁠ ------- This week we're discussing the relationship between anxiety and self-compassion. Self-compassion is often dismissed as a way to avoid difficult tasks or "whine" about struggles, but it is actually a functional part of the desensitization process. Drew shares how he originally viewed self-compassion as a weakness that would lead to more avoidance, only to realize that berating himself was not actually an effective motivator. Josh explains how a lack of self-compassion can lead to "re-sensitization" when you turn recovery into a performance you have to perfect. What We Discuss: The "No Self-Compassion" Mistake: Why driving yourself with brute force and criticism often backfires Accepting The Current Version of You: The importance of acknowledging that you are currently afraid or avoidant without berating or rejecting yourself for it. Self-Compassion vs. Coddling: Distinguishing between being kind to yourself while doing hard things and using "kindness&quot…

People in this episode

Hosts: Drew, Josh

Topics covered

  • self-compassion
  • anxiety recovery
  • mental health
  • desensitization
  • performance in recovery
  • validation of experience

Keywords

  • anxiety
  • self-compassion
  • mental health
  • recovery
  • desensitization
  • avoidance
  • validation

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