What If the Door Doesn’t Open? When Breathing Isn’t Enough
Video masterclass
The Scattered Mind of an Athlete Cannot Find Peace
The scattered mind of an athlete cannot find peace. Why injury anxiety happens, a breathing drill to calm it, then the exposure ladder to return to sport. Watch the full session below — then open the video page for notes, timestamps, and related guides.
The question worth asking
Near the end of The scattered mind of an athlete, Steve asks the obvious one: how do you get the exposure when the anxiety is too much, and you have to work on your breathing first? What if the door doesn’t open?
It’s a fair question, and the answer isn’t “try harder”.
What it usually means
If the door doesn’t open, it could simply mean you’re not dealing with mild anxiety — you might be dealing with something more severe. That isn’t a personal failure. It’s a signal that the tool doesn’t match the size of the problem.
In that case, get a medical professional’s opinion and review. See your local doctor, have a chat, and find out what you’re actually managing.
What physio can and can’t do
Graded exposure, movement confidence and the breathing drill are within our lane. They work well for the fear that grows around a specific movement, sport or environment after an injury.
Diagnosed anxiety disorders, depression, and trauma responses need appropriate mental health care. The two work together — mindset work alongside rehab, not instead of clinical treatment.
Keep moving in the meantime
- Drop a rung. If the current step spikes you, the step was too big — see the exposure ladder.
- Stay on the rungs that cost nothing: watching, and mental rehearsal.
- Keep the loading going where it doesn’t trigger the alarm, so capacity isn’t lost while the anxiety is being addressed.
Seek help sooner if
Low mood, anxiety, sleep collapse or hopelessness last more than a couple of weeks, or you have thoughts of self-harm. Contact a GP, a psychologist, or emergency services. If you’re in Australia, Lifeline is 13 11 14.
Related reading
Why anxiety happens after injury · Stress, anxiety and depression on a long claim · The full framework
Book a physio assessment at Evolve Physio & Mastery — Cabramatta & South West Sydney.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if breathing doesn’t bring my anxiety down?
It may mean you’re not dealing with mild anxiety. In that case it’s always good to get a medical professional’s opinion and review — see your local doctor and have a chat, because it could be something more severe.
Can I still do exposure work if my anxiety is severe?
Often yes, but it should be coordinated. Physio mindset and graded exposure work complements mental health care — it doesn’t replace it.
When should I seek help urgently?
If low mood, anxiety, sleep collapse or hopelessness persist for more than a couple of weeks, or you have thoughts of self-harm, contact a GP, psychologist, or emergency services.
Where is this in the video?
It’s the question Steve asks near the end, from about 21:52 to 22:26 (https://youtu.be/Wn2tbSOQTmQ).
