Did you know that neuroscientists worldwide agree that the real boss in our brain isn’t our conscious mind? It’s the subconscious, which controls about 90% of our brain’s activities. And while this “boss” communicates with us, it doesn’t always do so in ways we immediately understand.
The subconscious speaks through intuition—your gut feeling. You’ve probably experienced this before: while your conscious mind debates endlessly over a decision, weighing pros and cons, there’s already that instinctive sense of “don’t do it” or “yes, go for it.” This gut feeling comes from your subconscious, which has already processed all the available data, comparing it to every experience and memory you’ve ever had.
And here’s the amazing part: this happens within milliseconds. It’s a task so vast that your conscious mind couldn’t possibly handle it. But for your subconscious, it’s effortless. It then shares its conclusion with you—through that gut feeling.
Your subconscious even picks up on details you might never consciously notice, like someone’s body language, tone of voice, or even their scent. Fascinatingly, studies show that our brains can subconsciously detect whether a person would be a biologically compatible partner, simply by their scent! That’s why some people “smell right” to us, and others don’t.
Trust Your Gut—It’s Looking Out for You
The smartest decision you can make is to trust your gut. Ignoring it often leads to regret. How many times have you thought, “I should have trusted my instincts”?
Your subconscious acts like a supercomputer, constantly analyzing your life and offering guidance. And it does this for one reason only: to protect you. But when you consistently ignore your gut feelings—choosing to stay in situations that don’t serve you—your subconscious starts sending stronger signals. These signals might begin as subtle discomfort but can escalate into physical symptoms.
At their most intense, these signals can manifest as a panic attack. But here’s the good news: panic attacks aren’t a sign that something is irreparably wrong with you. Instead, they’re your mind’s way of getting your attention—loud and clear.
Your Mind, Like a Loving Parent
Let’s use an example to explain how your subconscious mind works. Imagine a mother watching her four-year-old son playing with a soccer ball in the park. The child, with his limited life experience and narrow focus, represents your conscious mind. The mother, on the other hand, has decades of experience, a much better perspective due to her physical vantage point, and the ability to think ahead. In this example, the mother represents your subconscious mind.
Now picture the little boy, completely absorbed in kicking his ball. He’s so focused on the game that he doesn’t notice he’s moving closer and closer to a busy street. The mother sees the danger immediately. She calls out to him, “Stop! Stay where you are!” She repeats herself, louder this time, “Stop right now!” If the boy still doesn’t hear or respond, the mother will spring into action. She’ll rush over, perhaps yelling one last time, and might even grab him and pull him away from the road in the nick of time.
Now imagine how the little boy might feel. He doesn’t understand the danger he was in—his focus was entirely on the ball. To him, the mother’s loud shouting or sudden, forceful action might seem over the top. He might feel scared, confused, or even upset by her reaction.
But from the mother’s perspective, her actions were absolutely necessary. She acted out of love and concern, doing everything in her power to protect her child from harm. She had the bigger picture, the life experience, and the ability to see the threat that the child couldn’t.
This is exactly how your subconscious mind operates. When it notices you heading toward danger—whether it’s an unhealthy relationship, a toxic job, or some other harmful situation—it starts by gently warning you through a gut feeling. If you don’t listen, it raises its voice, sending stronger signals like physical discomfort or feelings of unease. And if those warnings are ignored, your subconscious might resort to an extreme measure, like a panic attack, to jolt you into action and steer you to safety.
Just like the mother in this example, your subconscious isn’t trying to harm you—it’s trying to protect you. Panic attacks, while distressing, are your mind’s way of shouting, “Stop! Something needs to change!” They’re not a sign of weakness or failure. They’re a sign that your mind and body are doing their best to keep you safe, even when the conscious part of you doesn’t yet understand the danger.
The Real Causes of Anxiety Disorders
Many people find it hard to believe that anxiety or panic disorders often stem from consistently ignoring their gut feelings. Maybe it’s staying in a relationship that feels wrong, enduring a job that drains you, or pretending everything is fine when it isn’t. Over time, these choices can lead to anxiety disorders.
Unfortunately, traditional approaches to anxiety frequently focus on coping mechanisms—teaching you how to live with your anxiety or prescribing medication that numbs your emotions. While these methods can help in the short term, they rarely address the root cause. It’s no wonder some people struggle with anxiety for years, even decades.
At the Institute for Modern Psychotherapy in Berlin, we’ve seen a completely different story unfold. Time and again, anxiety disorders disappear almost overnight when people find the courage to make changes aligned with their inner truth—whether that’s ending a toxic relationship, finding a more fulfilling job, or moving to a healthier environment.
Your Path to a Calmer, Happier Life
In our online program, HOW TO CALM ANXIETY, our expert guide, Esther, will walk you step by step through the same process that has helped, so many people break free from anxiety and reclaim their lives. What makes Esther’s guidance so powerful is that she has been in your shoes. She herself once suffered from severe anxiety and debilitating panic attacks. Using the very methods we teach, Esther found her way to freedom from fear and has since dedicated her life to helping others do the same.
Even if it feels impossible right now, know this: you’re closer to an anxiety-free life than you think. This journey isn’t about managing your fears; it’s about understanding them and listening to the loving guidance your subconscious has been offering all along.
Take the first step today—you’re just a few clicks away from a calmer, brighter future.
Troy A.
Tampa, Florida