You’ve done the work.
You’ve been to therapy, journaled through your spirals, practiced breathwork, read all the right books.
But then — out of nowhere — anxiety hits.
Your heart pounds. Your mind races.
And suddenly… everything you know vanishes.
The tools you’ve practiced?
Nowhere to be found.
Your brain? Static. Blank. Gone.
We’ve been there too — and we’ve started calling it something that makes sense to us:
Anxiety Amnesia.
What is “Anxiety Amnesia”?
“Anxiety Amnesia” isn’t a clinical diagnosis, but it describes a very real and very frustrating mental block.
It’s that moment when anxiety floods your system — and all the strategies you know usually help feel completely out of reach.
It doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong.
It doesn’t mean you’re failing at healing.
It means your brain is overwhelmed — and it’s working exactly as it was wired to.
The science behind it
When anxiety spikes, your body launches into fight-or-flight mode — a survival response designed to protect you from danger.
During this process, your brain shifts activity away from your prefrontal cortex (the part responsible for logic, decision-making, and memory) and into your amygdala (your fear center).
So even though you know what to do — reframe, ground, breathe — your brain can’t easily access that knowledge in the moment.
It’s not your fault. It’s biology.
Why we need tangible, visual tools
That’s exactly why we created Presently:
We wanted something visible, wearable, and grounding to interrupt the spiral — especially in those moments when our minds go quiet.
Our bracelets are engraved with therapy-backed phrases like:
They’re not just affirmations — they’re reminders your brain can see and your body can hold onto when everything else goes foggy.
Because sometimes, the right reminder at the right time changes everything.
You're not alone in this
If you’ve experienced Anxiety Amnesia, know this:
So have we.
So have countless therapists, clients, and mental health professionals we’ve spoken to.
It’s more common than people realize — and naming it can be the first step to feeling less alone.
So the next time you go blank mid-spiral, try this:
Pause. Breathe. Look down at your wrist.
And let that reminder guide you back.
💬 Have you experienced Anxiety Amnesia?
Tell us in the comments — your story might help someone else feel less alone.
🛒 Explore our reminders designed to meet your anxious brain exactly where it is.
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