Podcasts about anxious truth

Send in a question or comment via text.Navigating driving anxiety with exposure therapy—but not how you might think. In this episode, Drew Linsalata (therapist, author, and former anxiety sufferer) challenges common misconceptions about addressing driving anxiety. Learn why the feeling is the exposure, not the driving itself, and discover how interoceptive and imaginal exposures can help without ever starting your car. Drew explains why pulling over or listening to music isn't avoidance if you're still experiencing anxiety, clarifies what true avoidance looks like, and emphasizes that recovery is about learning from each experience, not just driving farther. Whether you experience anxiety holding your keys, sitting in your driveway, or on the highway, this episode offers a practical, acceptance-based approach to driving anxiety that breaks down exactly what exposure therapy means in this context. You'll learn why small steps count, what constitutes real progress, and how to shift your focus from controlling anxiety to building a different relationship with uncomfortable feelings while driving. Based on empirically supported approaches to treating anxiety and anxiety disorders, this episode provides realistic strategies for living alongside anxiety rather than attempting to eliminate it.For full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/315Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. Other ways to support my work like buying a book or signing up for a low cost workshop can be found on my website. None of this is never required, but always appreciated! Interested in doing therapy with me? For more information on working with me directly to overcome your anxiety, follow this link.Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Send in a question or comment via text.When struggling with chronic anxiety or anxiety disorders, our instinct is often to search for ways to control, manage, or eliminate our symptoms. But what if that approach is actually keeping us stuck?This week we're looking at the fundamental difference between acceptance-based strategies and control/management-based approaches to anxiety recovery. Drawing from both research evidence and real-world experiences of anxiety sufferers, we'll explain why acceptance consistently produces better long-term outcomes than trying to control our internal experiences.You'll learn:The critical distinction between externally-generated stress and internally-generated anxietyWhy popular "anxiety hacks" and nervous system regulation techniques often backfire for disordered anxietyWhat acceptance actually means (and what it doesn't)The paradox of how accepting anxiety can ultimately lead to feeling less anxiousWhy it's difficult to combine acceptance and control strategiesWhether you're tired of collecting coping techniques that only provide temporary relief or you're curious about a different approach to anxiety recovery, this episode offers practical insights into a more sustainable path forward—one that doesn't depend on trying to manually control your thoughts, feelings, or bodily sensations.Remember: there are no wrong experiences in anxiety recovery, only wins or learning opportunities. Whatever small step you take today toward facing rather than retreating from your fears counts.For full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/314Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. Other ways to support my work like buying a book or signing up for a low cost workshop can be found on my website. None of this is never required, but always appreciated! Interested in doing therapy with me? For more information on working with me directly to overcome your anxiety, follow this link.Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Send in a question or comment via text.In this no-frills episode of The Anxious Truth, I'm tackling common questions about anxiety sent in by you, the listeners. No fancy production today - just real talk about real anxiety concerns.We're diving into: 00:00 - Introduction 00:58 - Emetophobia (fear of vomiting) - what it is and how it's typically addressed 06:12 - Nocturnal panic attacks - why they're jarring and how to handle them 11:24 - Is focusing on breathing a distraction or helpful technique? 14:45 - The meta-problem of ruminating about rumination 18:20 - External sources of anxiety in our tumultuous world22:06 - The fear of becoming suicidal against your will - a surprisingly common anxiety concern27:40 - Why focusing on specific anxious thoughts misses the bigger pictureAs someone who lived through panic disorder, agoraphobia, OCD, and depression, I'm sharing both professional and personal perspectives on these challenging issues. Remember - recovery isn't about eliminating specific fears but changing your relationship with your internal experiences altogether.There are no magic solutions or quick fixes here, just practical guidance for the long-term journey of anxiety recovery. All sensations, thoughts, and emotions are permissible - even when they're uncomfortable.For full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/313Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. Other ways to support my work like buying a book or signing up for a low cost workshop can be found on my website. None of this is never required, but always appreciated! Interested in doing therapy with me? For more information on working with me directly to overcome your anxiety, follow this link.Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Send in a question or comment via text.This week we're looking at why the anxious fear that bothers you most is NOT special - and why that's actually good news for your recovery.After receiving countless messages asking me to address specific fears (passing out, heart attacks, going insane), I've noticed a pattern: everyone thinks their particular anxiety is unique, more dangerous, or requires special treatment.Here's the reality: while your fear feels incredibly real and disturbing, all anxiety disorders follow similar patterns. Your anxiety isn't special because:Everyone with anxiety believes their fear is "the worst one"All anxiety disorders use the same mechanisms to keep you stuckThe same recovery principles apply regardless of your specific fearWhat makes anxiety "irrational" isn't that these fears are impossible - many feared events do happen in real life. It's how the fear is applied: persistently, disproportionately, and in ways that disrupt your daily functioning.Recognizing that your anxiety isn't special is empowering. It means you can learn from others who've recovered and apply proven principles instead of searching for specialized techniques for your "unique" situation.You don't have to fully believe this yet - just consider the possibility. That small opening is your first step toward recovery.For full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/312Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. Other ways to support my work like buying a book or signing up for a low cost workshop can be found on my website. None of this is never required, but always appreciated! Interested in doing therapy with me? For more information on working with me directly to overcome your anxiety, follow this link.Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Send in a question or comment via text.When anxiety hits, how do you know what to do? This week on The Anxious Truth we're exploring how your personal values can guide your choices in anxious moments. Tune in to learn practical ways to identify and connect with your values. This can inform more productive responses when anxiety gets triggered.For full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/311Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. Other ways to support my work like buying a book or signing up for a low cost workshop can be found on my website. None of this is never required, but always appreciated! Interested in doing therapy with me? For more information on working with me directly to overcome your anxiety, follow this link.Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Today, my guest is Drago Romero. Drago lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and last year he experienced a life-changing concussion. His journey has been filled with physical and emotional challenges, but through it all, he has remained determined to heal and grow. In this episode, Drago shares his experience navigating post-concussion syndrome—the struggles, the setbacks, and the triumphs. He hopes to bring awareness to the lingering symptoms that many concussion sufferers endure and to offer encouragement to those who may feel lost in their recovery. His ultimate goal is to become an advocate for those facing similar experiences, letting them know that even in the darkest times, there is hope and healing ahead. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Other things that helped Drago's recovery:  Info on CognitiveFX blog: https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog The Anxious Truth podcast Dry Saunas Exercise Supplements: Magnesium L-theanine Fish oils Ashwagandha Connect with Drago: Follow Drago on Instagram: @drago_256 If you would like to sign up for a free concussion coaching consultation with me to learn how you can understand and manage your symptoms, speed up your recovery, and get your life back following a concussion, go to my website: www.theconcussioncoach.com, or click on this link: https://theconcussioncoach.com/contact

Send in a question or comment via text.How to Accept Anxiety: Opening Up to New OptionsIn this episode, we explore the second component of the ACT Triflex framework for anxiety acceptance: opening up to new possibilities. Learn why considering options when triggered—even without knowing what to do next—is a crucial step in recovery.Key Points:Understanding the ACT Triflex framework for anxiety acceptanceWhy mindfulness is essential for breaking automatic responsesHow psychological flexibility develops through small moments of choiceThe paradox of opening up to new optionsWhy confusion can actually be a sign of progressDownload A Free Guided Mindful Acceptance Exercisehttps://learn.theanxioustruth.com/practical-mindfulness-in-anxiety-recoveryFull Show Notes On This Episodehttps://theanxioustruth.com/310Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. Other ways to support my work like buying a book or signing up for a low cost workshop can be found on my website. None of this is never required, but always appreciated! Interested in doing therapy with me? For more information on working with me directly to overcome your anxiety, follow this link.Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Send in a question or comment via text.HOW DO I ACCEPT ANXIETY?!?!?!?!Let's start a three-part series on accepting anxiety using the ACT Tri-flex framework. As both a therapist and former anxiety sufferer, I'm going to break down the crucial first practical step of getting present and what it really means in a practical way.KEY POINTS:Why there are no "steps" to accepting anxietyThe difference between "doing mode" and "being mode"What mindfulness actually means in anxiety recoveryHow to develop nonjudgmental awarenessWhy automatic reactions aren't truly automaticQUOTES FROM THE EPISODE: "Accepting anxiety is about dropping out of doing and into being." "We are essentially judging, evaluating, and resisting machines all day long." "There is no difference between automatically reaching for an ice pack when anxious and automatically liking or disliking the weather."RESOURCES MENTIONED:ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)Dr. Russ Harris's ACT Tri-flexThe Happiness Trap by Russ HarrisDrew's interview with Dr. Steven Hayes on The Disordered PodcastDrew's interview with Dr. Russ Harris on The Disordered PodcastUPCOMING COURSE: Join Drew's 6-week Practical Mindfulness Skills group starting soon. Limited to 10 participants. Learn more at learn.theanxioustruth.comFor full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/309Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. Other ways to support my work like buying a book or signing up for a low cost workshop can be found on my website. None of this is never required, but always appreciated! Interested in doing therapy with me? For more information on working with me directly to overcome your anxiety, follow this link.Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Send in a question or comment via text.In this episode of The Anxious Truth, we tackle a question that comes up constantly in anxiety recovery: Should you take time off from work or school because of anxiety? We explore why this seemingly simple question has a complex answer, and why what feels intuitively right might not always serve your recovery.Key Topics Covered:Why the urge to take time off is completely normalThe paradox of anxiety recoveryUnderstanding avoidance vs. strategic restHow to make decisions that serve your recoveryPractical alternatives to taking time offUsing time off effectively if you choose to take itFor full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/308Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. Other ways to support my work like buying a book or signing up for a low cost workshop can be found on my website. None of this is never required, but always appreciated! Interested in doing therapy with me? For more information on working with me directly to overcome your anxiety, follow this link.Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Send in a question or comment via text.Are you tired of trying countless techniques to "rewire" your anxious brain, only to find yourself still stuck in the same patterns? In this eye-opening episode, we're diving deep into the science of neuroplasticity and anxiety recovery to reveal why popular brain rewiring methods might actually be reinforcing your anxiety.You'll learn why your brain doesn't have a delete button (and why that's actually good news), what real recovery looks like, and how to build new neural pathways that give you options when anxiety shows up. Whether you're dealing with panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, or chronic anxiety, this episode provides a fresh perspective on recovery that goes beyond simple coping techniques.This isn't about learning to stay calm - it's about discovering how to live fully even when anxiety is present. If you're ready for a different approach to anxiety recovery, one that's based on neuroscience rather than quick fixes, this episode is for you.For full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/307Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. Other ways to support my work like buying a book or signing up for a low cost workshop can be found on my website. None of this is never required, but always appreciated! Interested in doing therapy with me? For more information on working with me directly to overcome your anxiety, follow this link.Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Send in a question or comment via text.Want to know more about Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and how it might be applied in your situation? Join us this week for insights from the world-renowned therapist Dr. Debbie Joffe-Ellis as she guides us through the origins, core concepts, and application of REBT.  Discover how this pioneering cognitive behavioral approach can help you reshape your perceptions and beliefs, offering a path to recovery from anxiety disorders like panic disorder, agoraphobia, OCD, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). With Dr. Debbie's expert guidance, we explore how understanding that our beliefs—not circumstances—drive our emotions can lead to profound personal change.By challenging rigid language and embracing mindful word choices, you can create a more flexible mindset. Alongside parallels to philosophical wisdom from Stoicism and Taoism, we humorously address the challenges of relapse and persistence, offering practical strategies for maintaining progress.Taking control of your emotional well-being starts with self-compassion and acceptance. We're looking crucial role of managing secondary emotions and practicing unconditional self-acceptance, while acknowledging the role that medication may play for some individuals. Dr. Debbie inspires us to be kinder to ourselves, akin to the compassion we extend to others. For more on REBT and Dr. Debbie Joffe-Ellis:https://debbiejoffeellis.com/For full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/306Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. Other ways to support my work like buying a book or signing up for a low cost workshop can be found on my website. None of this is never required, but always appreciated! Interested in doing therapy with me? For more information on working with me directly to overcome your anxiety, follow this link.Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Send in a question or comment via text.Unlock the secret to mastering your mental well-being by embracing the art of doing nothing. Join us as we explore this transformative concept with the insightful Joanna Hardis, an OCD and anxiety specialist from Cleveland. We delve into concepts  rooted in Taoism and Buddhism that challenge the relentless drive for constant activity in Western cultures. Learn how surrendering to anxiety and panic attacks, without the urge to fix or solve, can lead to a more harmonious relationship with your mental health.Joanna and I shatter the misconceptions surrounding "doing nothing".  Instead of avoidance or inactivity, this practice encourages stepping back to achieve clarity and presence, especially crucial for those grappling with anxiety disorders. Through personal anecdotes, we unravel how societal pressures and our own mental doing modes—like incessant planning and judging—can cloud our mental space. Discover how being present and accepting the moment can significantly boost your mental well-being.Our conversation takes a deep dive into mindfulness, spotlighting everyday practices such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and attention training. We examine the challenges of integrating mindfulness into daily life, emphasizing the need for patience and openness. By becoming more aware of mundane activities, we illustrate how mindfulness can be a powerful tool in stress reduction and overall well-being. Whether it's learning to navigate unfavorable circumstances or making mindful choices amidst societal pressures, this episode is a heartfelt guide on how to embrace stillness in a bustling world.For more on Joanna Hardis:https://joannahardis.comFor full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/305Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. Other ways to support my work like buying a book or signing up for a low cost workshop can be found on my website. None of this is never required, but always appreciated! Interested in doing therapy with me? For more information on working with me directly to overcome your anxiety, follow this link.Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Send in a question or comment via text.Why is learning to trust your body again so difficult in the face of chronic or disordered anxiety? What if chronic anxiety could make you feel as disconnected from your body as a chronic illness might?  Discover the surprising parallels between the two as we unravel the complex relationship anxiety sufferers have with their physical selves. This week on The Anxious Truth we're talking about how anxious people learn to fear their bodies, and lose trust in their bodies. This can have a huge negative impact on life in general and if we're not careful, we can wind up feeling powerles, hopeless, and generally depressed.We're going to talk about how this happens, and a few pathways to re-building trust in your body through action. We'll talk about exposure therapy, interoceptive exposures, purposeful exercise, and even gentle movement in the form of yoga, or Tai-Chi. We don't have to climb mountains to rebuild trust in our bodies. Any experience that shows us that we're not fragile or easily breakable can help get that job done.For full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/304Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. Other ways to support my work like buying a book or signing up for a low cost workshop can be found on my website. None of this is never required, but always appreciated! Interested in doing therapy with me? For more information on working with me directly to overcome your anxiety, follow this link.Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Send in a question or comment via text.Resisting the reality of anxiety - the fact that it does exist in your life even when you are trying really hard to escape it or make it stop - means clinging to "feel good" expectations that are rarely met. This mismatch between expectations, demands, and reality can make overcoming chronic or disordered anxiety even harder than it already is.Let's take a look at how expectations and demands can get in the way of learning valuable acceptance and capability lessons that form the core of anxiety disorder recovery. We'll drag some neuroscience and cognitive science into the discussion, relying on predictive processing models of experience to conceptualize why hanging on so tightly and fighting against anxiety that exists without a corresponding real world threat can keep us stuck.For full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/303Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. Other ways to support my work like buying a book or signing up for a low cost workshop can be found on my website. None of this is never required, but always appreciated! Interested in doing therapy with me? For more information on working with me directly to overcome your anxiety, follow this link.Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Send in a question or comment via text.Journaling can be a useful tool in anxiety recovery, but how do you ensure it works for you and not against you? This episode challenges traditional journaling methods, especially when grappling with chronic or disordered anxiety, by offering a fresh perspective on how to modify these practices to align with your recovery goals. Beware of falling into the trap of rumination and learn how to use journaling as a constructive tool that supports your healing journey.The discussion centers on four foundational elements that can elevate your journaling practice: event description, response detailing, outcome assessment, and pattern identification. Maintaining objectivity is key, as subjective interpretations can lead to catastrophic thinking. By recognizing and recording trigger-response patterns, you create a structured framework that helps challenge anxious thoughts and highlights progress. This episode offers a roadmap for adapting journaling techniques to effectively address  anxiety and track your recovery progress over time.As recovery progresses, so does the way you journal. Traditional journaling might regain its appeal as you become less reactive to emotions. This episode highlights the evolution of journaling styles to suit different stages of recovery, addressing potential criticisms and clarifying the unique needs of those dealing with chronic anxiety. Find a journaling approach that resonates with your current stage, and embrace the changes that come with recovery. For full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/302Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. This is never required, but always appreciated!Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Send in a question or comment via text.Can you transform your relationship with anxiety by letting go and dropping your resistance? Well, the most effective acceptance-based treatments for chronic and disordered anxiety are based on this exact principle. The concepts are simple and the theory is sound, yet most anxious people struggle with fully letting to and engaging in mindful acceptance of anxiety, fear, panic, uncertainty, and other difficult internal experiences. Of course they struggle!  Choosing to fully allow these scary feelings is a big ask. It's not easy. It requires a leap of faith in the underlying principles and a healthy dose of courage to allow anxiety and fear to "do their worst" without trying to save oneself or be rescued. But difficult as this might be, its a worthwhile ability to cultivate as it forms the foundation of effective and lasting anxiety recovery while also becoming a valuable life skill that lasts forever.This week we're doing a guided mindful acceptance exercise designed to help you sit with anxiety instead of battling it, a practice that teaches you to observe your feelings without trying to control or diminish them. This approach isn't suitable for those overwhelmed by traumatic memories or flashbacks (without professional help), but it provides valuable lessons for anyone looking to understand and ultimately overcome lifestyle restrictions imposed by chronic or disordered anxiety.This is about 15 minutes of theory, rationale, and basic instruction followed by 10-15 minutes of guided/coached mindful acceptance. There's more speaking, instruction and coaching here than you might find when doing guided mindfulness exercises, but this particular exercise is designed to provide a sound introduction to the practice as a way to get started or work through initial resistance.For full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/301Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. This is never required, but always appreciated!Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Send in a question or comment via text.Can skipping a daily calming ritual or delaying bedtime slightly really aid in anxiety recovery? Discover how these seemingly insignificant acts can accumulate into substantial progress on your journey to overcoming anxiety. This week on The Anxious Truth, we're breaking down the concept of micro exposures—those small, yet powerful steps designed to help you face and manage your anxiety. By starting with these tiny, manageable experiments, you'll gradually learn to experience anxiety without resistance, laying the groundwork for long-term mental health and stress management.For full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/300Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. This is never required, but always appreciated!Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Send in a question or comment via text.Are you struggling to identify whether your behaviors are forms of avoidance in your anxiety recovery journey? This episode of The Anxious Truth addresses the often murky and uncertain nature of avoidance habits, emphasizing that nobody navigates these waters flawlessly. We'll share insights on how distinguishing between necessary avoidance for safety and avoidance driven by anxiety can help you better understand your reactions and improve your recovery process.This episode looks at key avoidance concepts based on:IntentMotivationEmotionFeelings of UrgencyWe'll also break down the difference between macro and micro avoidance patterns and uncover how even subtle avoidance habits can silently hinder your progress. Through manageable exposure work and by learning from your experiences, this episode offers practical advice for building tolerance and resilience. For full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/299Relevant podcast episodes:The Anxious Truth Episode 266https://theanxioustruth.com/266The Anxious Truth Episode 284https://theanxioustruth.com/284The Anxious Truth Episode 287https://theanxioustruth.com/287Disordered Episode 59https://disordered.fm/59Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. This is never required, but always appreciated!Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Send in a question or comment via text.Is it possible to conquer an anxiety disorder without doing exposure? Well ... there are plenty of non-exposure concepts and techniques that can really help. No doubt about that. But in the end, thinking and feeling is rarely if ever all we need to change beliefs in a way that really makes a difference.  Behavior and experience are almost always a part of this puzzle in some way, which means that like it or not, there's gonna be some exposure involved in recovery in some way.Let's look at the the intricacies of exposure beyond its traditional role. We'll discover how modern techniques have revolutionized outcomes, providing more durable relief from anxiety symptoms. We'll also address the elephants in the room: the high dropout rates and accusations of trauma, and how proper preparation can transform these potential pitfalls into powerful therapeutic tools.We'll also be debunking some persistent myths that cloud the effectiveness of exposure. We need to understand the difference between discomfort and trauma, and why it's vital to make this distinction. We examine why some therapists shy away from these methods and how social media trends influence therapy choices. Plus, we emphasize the crucial role of maintaining realistic expectations throughout the journey. By the end of this episode, you'll gain invaluable perspectives that could reshape your approach to overcoming anxiety, underscoring why exposure of some kind and at some level remains an essential pillar in effective treatment. For full show notes on this episode (including research references):https://theanxioustruth.com/298Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. This is never required, but always appreciated!Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Send in a question or comment via text.The Internet is packed with anxiety and mental health advice, but not all of it is useful or helpful.  Some of it can be harmful. This week I'm joined by Emma McAdam, the therapist behind the Therapy in a Nutshell YouTube channel, to dissect the often misleading and sometimes dangerous information circulating online about conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. Emma shares her professional expertise as a practicing therapist, helping us distinguish between credible advice and harmful myths. ---For Full Show Notes On This Episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/297---We tackle the critical issue of consuming mental health content passively without taking actionable steps to improve well-being. Emma and I discuss proactive strategies like exposure therapy and lifestyle adjustments that can make a real difference. We also examine the pitfalls of "therapy speak" and the overuse of psychological labels such as narcissism in everyday conflicts. With social media often promoting extreme solutions to relationship problems, we advocate for a more balanced and thoughtful approach.Finally, we delve into the ethical considerations therapists must navigate when guiding clients through difficult relationships. Through Emma's insights, we underscore the importance of allowing clients to come to their own conclusions while being mindful of the manipulative nature of social media platforms. We stress the necessity for personalized and context-specific mental health guidance that social media simply cannot provide. Tune in to arm yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your mental health and avoid the pitfalls of online advice.Find Emma and her Therapy In A Nutshell channel athttps://therapyinanutshell.comSupport The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. This is never required, but always appreciated!Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Send in a question or comment via text.Healing from chronic or disordered anxiety. How do we do it?  Do we do it at all?  This week on The Anxious Truth we're talking about  healing from anxiety because this is a topic so many people want to hear more about!For full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/296If you are going to scroll through any of mental health social media today, you WILL see content that includes the word “heal”.  Is that bad?  Well, not necessarily.  I'm not here today to be the anxiety word police, but given that our use of language and ability to think symbolically is one of the things that gets us into anxiety trouble to begin with, its is worth looking at the words and terms we use from time to time.Disclaimer. If you love the word heal because it strikes a chord or feels like it really applies in your situation, then I am here to support you on that. Keep using it. Heal all day long.  Heal like nobody's business. Go for it. Everyone gets to use whatever language they want to use, and we all get to respect those choices. But that being said, if you have been working like a dog to heal from anxiety and can't seem to get anywhere with any kind of consistency, then maybe we need to take a look at that healing target. The words we use create the rules we feel we must follow. Our words create our internal algorithms and those algorithms do influence how we see ourselves, and the world, and they do influence how we behave. Since behavior change is really the tip of the spear when overcoming an anxiety disorder, we should probably look at this.We all want to heal when injured or wounded.  That's not even a question. But when we are working on overcoming chronic or disordered anxiety, is healing what we're trying to do?  There are three primary issues with the word heal that I want to throw out there today for you to chew on.  Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. This is never required, but always appreciated!Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Send in a question or comment via text.What if you could transform your relationship with anxiety simply by changing your approach? This week on the Anxious Truth, we tackle the misunderstood phrase "sitting with anxiety" and reveal how it doesn't mean you have to be physically still. We'll break down the true essence of this concept, emphasizing the importance of allowing yourself to experience anxiety without trying to escape or fix it. Whether you're at work, running errands, or simply relaxing, the key is to let anxiety be present without interference, tailoring your approach to fit your unique circumstances.Discover how embracing anxiety in the midst of your daily routine can actually empower you. We'll share insights on how to navigate anxiety during meetings, phone calls, or even in bustling environments like a busy mall. By engaging with your life and tasks at hand, even when anxious, you'll learn to manage these feelings without them dictating your actions. Tune in for a discussion that shifts the focus from achieving calm to accepting the experience of anxiety, ultimately leading to a reduction in fear over time. This episode promises to reshape your understanding and management of anxiety in a way you might have never considered before.For full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/295For more anxiety and recovery resources:https://theanxioustruth.comSupport The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. This is never required, but always appreciated!Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Send in a question or comment via text.HELP! My panic attacks come totally out of the blue! I don't know how to handle that!For an anxious person struggling with the process of anxiety disorder recovery, it can sometimes seem like panic attacks strike completely randomly and "out of the blue", where no clear source of anxiety can be identified as triggering the attack.  This can be frustrating, especially if you've been working overtime to manage your anxiety and prevent panic from happening.But there is no such thing as an "out of the blue" panic attack.  In the context of disordered forms of anxiety, it is the resistance to panic and the urgent attempts to manage and prevent it that become the precipitating factors leading to future panic attacks. Trying hard to guarantee that you won't panic any more? Paradoxically, this is going to have the opposite effect, almost guaranteeing that you will likely experience more panic down the road.When one is anxious about being anxious, or afraid of being afraid, the trigger for the most recent "out of the blue" panic attack can be found in all the panic attacks that came previously.  The hidden trigger is in the checking, scanning, evaluating, and guarding against panic that allows a single sensation, thought, or feeling to trigger a rapid sequence of events that creates what appears to be a random, unexplainable instant panic attack.It's actually good news that there are no true "random" panic attacks. We can use that information to make adjustments and change direction toward where we want be in recovery and in life.For full show notes on this episode and other anxiety/recovery resources:https://theanxioustruth.com/294Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. This is never required, but always appreciated!Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

You can send in a question or comment via text. Try it! Thinking and feeling are important to humans. Thinking and feeling about thinking and feeling is important to anxious humans!In the world of recovery from disordered or chronic anxiety, what we thinking and feeling about thinking and feeling - our metacognitive beliefs - play an important role in the process but are often overlooked.This week on The Anxious Truth I'm pretty exhausted so we're going to take a look at that to highlight some important recovery lessons.  Why is being so exhausted, drained, and emotional not leading to anxiety and panic? Because my recovery experience taught me a new way to think and feel ... about how I think and feel.Let's take a closer look at what we think and feel about what we think and feeling. Metacognitive beliefs can sometimes be the glue that keeps us stuck to our symptoms, thoughts, and big emotions.  Recognizing when strong beliefs about thoughts and feelings are leading us astray can be an important first step  in challenging those beliefs and using the principles of acceptance, tolerance, surrender, and exposure in the recovery process.For full show notes on this episode including a full transcript:https://theanxioustruth.com/293Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. This is never required, but always appreciated!Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

You can send in a question or comment via text. Try it! You're in the middle of a huge wave of intense anxiety and fear, or maybe you're experiencing a full blown panic attack.  Someone with all the best intentions and trying to be helpful instructs you to identify five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.This is the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise. If you've followed along with me for any length of time you know that I don't speak too kindly about grounding exercises. But today we're going to revisit 5-4-3-2-1 and grounding exercises in general.  What if there is a  way to use them to our benefit rather than having them blow up in our faces?  For full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/292Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Among people that struggle with chronic or disordered forms of anxiety, there are a wide range of individual primary fears or concerns. When you ask a large enough number of our friends what they are afraid of, you're going to get a pretty wide range of answers primarily because everyone experiences fear, worry, concern, and anxiety in a slightly different way. But hidden within this apparently wide range of specific and individual fears are some common thread and themes.This week on The Anxious Truth we're exploring four common themes found when a few hundred anxious people expressed the fears and worry they're struggling with right now.Fear of Immediate Physical/Medical ThreatFear of Immediate Psychological/Mental ThreatFear of Being Overwhelmed or Unable to Adequately CopeObsessive Fixation on Specific Feared OutcomesFor full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/291For more anxiety and recovery resources:https://theanxioustruth.comDisclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Oliver is joined by author, host, and Anxiety Specialist Drew Linsalata for a deep dive into the awful effects of anxiety. From panic attacks, to antidepressants, to withdrawal symptoms, Drew talks about the lowest lows of anxiety disorder.But REMAIN CALM, because this episode offers ways to tame your tension, manage your emotions, and push back on panic!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People struggling with chronic or disordered states of anxiety often find themselves in a situation where they are hyper aware and therefore overwhelmed by sensory input. Non-anxious humans are so oblivious to what we sense that we sometimes pay to have people tell us to notice what our eyes, ears, noses, and skin are sending and perceiving. But for anxious people dealing with chronic or disordered forms of anxiety, this is not a problem at all. We have the opposite issue. We are constantly paying very close attention to sensory input. We are hyper aware.Why are we hyper aware?  Because we MUST evaluate ourselves constantly to stay ahead of our triggers. Anxious people are continually checking themselves for physical sensations that don't seem right, thoughts that might be going south, or emotions that they won't be able to handle.  If you're here today listening or watching, I would wager a large sum that a good portion of your time is spend checking on yourself, then evaluating the results of that internal scan to to see if you're OK, or you have to start taking evasive action to stay safe … from yourself.Episode 290 of The Anxious Truth provides a reframe on sensory overload and overwhelm that ties the experience directly to an overactive, overprotective threat detection and response system. This reframe and explanation could be helpful in informing new action that helps us learn the experiential lessons we need to learn in recovery.For full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/290For more anxiety and recovery resources:https://theanxioustruth.comDisclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Sometimes the toughest opponent we have in anxiety recovery is the belief we can't outrun. This episode challenges you to question the certainties that have defined your battle with anxiety. Is the intensity of our emotions a reliable compass? Is our self-knowledge as accurate as we believe? We'll explore the potential for a fleeting moment of power even amidst the storm of fear, and how reassessing our core beliefs can unlock new possibilities. The thought that what was once unthinkable can become thinkable, what felt impossible can indeed become possible. Reflect on the resilience hidden in your stories and perceptions as we navigate through the complexities of anxiety together.For full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/289Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

DO I HAVE TO STOP BEING AFRAID TO TRULY ACCEPT ANXIETY (AND TO GET BETTER)?Good question.  But this is a backwards interpretation of acceptance so let's clarify.Acceptance is not finding a way to turn off your fearAcceptance is not figuring out some method for hating your anxiety lessAcceptance is not about creating a new state of being or feeling from an emotional or mental standpointAcceptance is an ACTION, not a feeling. Acceptance is a precursor to less fear, acceptance is not the result of less fear.   This is critical because it keeps quite a number of people stuck, so let's talk about it on episode 288 of The Anxious Truth.For full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/288Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Anxiety Triggers: When The List Is GrowingMany members of our community will find that over time their list of anxiety triggers or panic attack triggers is growing. More and more things become triggers, which starts to get frustrating and disheartening.  Let's talk about why that happens, and what it means in the recovery process.Important Timestamps:02:17 - Everything becomes an anxiety trigger when you're in an anxious state08:08 - If you feel like everything is a possible anxiety trigger, remember this13:15 - Learning to face fear requires courage and it requires repetitionFull show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/287Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Let's do an old fashioned anxiety questions and answers session, shall we?  Today we're answering questions from our friends on Facebook.02:24 How do I face a scary exposure?05:58 Is it normal to still have symptoms or scary thoughts in recovery?08:48 What do I do when I'm not anxious and have no symptoms or thoughts to deal with?10:40 Which comes first, scary sensations or scary thoughts?12:37 How can I be sure if it's just anxiety or my intuition?15:01 The selfish nature of anxiety and anxiety disordersFor full show notes on this episode or to access more anxiety recovery resources:https://theanxioustruth.com/286Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Having panic attacks does not always mean you have panic disorder. This week on The Anxious Truth we're digging into what differentiates panic attacks - even recurring panic attacks - from panic disorder.In a nutshell, the primary differentiator here is fear/avoidance.  When you begin to fear panic attacks because you interpret them as dangerous or too overwhelming, then you begin to modify and restrict your lifestyle to prevent or avoid them, you are panic disorder territory. Compare this to the very large number of people that will have panic attacks now and then without ever treating them this way. They have panic attacks, which they experience as individual events that they do not link together, and go about their lives mostly unconcerned or worried about a next panic attack.This week we're also talking about why being anxious all the time is quite common in panic disorder and how panic disorder relates to other closely related conditions all categorized as "anxiety disorders" from a diagnostic point of view.For full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/285For more content and resources:https://theanxioustruth.comDisclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

The guys go back to the basics on this important and special episode. Ian starts things off by sharing that he has General Anxiety Disorder and his recent experiences in therapy after he was diagnosed (1:50). This leads to Brandon having a moment where he speaks on how his therapist has had an impact on him and his experiences doing therapy as a teenager (9:55). Later, the guys have an in depth discussion on how family dynamics and how upbringing plays a role in talking about mental health (13:41) and the stigma behind people not addressing it (19:13). Stay connected with us on Instagram @nolossessilentwins Artwork by @plstip_

Struggling with constant anxiety, recurring panic attacks, or a full blown anxiety disorder? Avoiding anxiety and panic triggers might seem like the safest path, but let's look at why this understandable and common response can be more foe than friend. In this episode we'll look at some of the mechanics of panic attacks and panic disorder, shedding light on why evading anxiety can inadvertently feed the beast, intensifying and fueling the cycle of fear. Prudent prudent avoidance in the face of true danger is a helpful survival tool, but avoidance can become problematic when we use it to sidestep anxiety and fear themselves, rather than actual danger.So if avoidance is more harmful than helpful, what next?  Unfortunately, what's next is the dismantling of avoidance and a turn TOWARD what you fear most. This may sound ridiculous or unthinkable to you right now, which is perfectly OK. Everyone comes to grips with this approach - or doesn't - in their own way and in their own time. If you're not feeling this idea today, it doesn't mean you're doing something wrong, broken, worse than everyone else, or beyond hope. Take whatever time is needed to think about this and consider the concept. Everyone has to do that part - the mental wrestling with an unpleasant idea.As we move toward an acceptance based recovery, embracing discomfort becomes an unexpected and paradoxical compass.  This approach may appear daunting, yet it paves the way to teaching our brains that the alarm bells of anxiety and fear are false signals. that don't actually need to be interpreted and treated as disasters or emergencies.   There is quite a bit to digest when we decide to move away from avoidance and toward facing fear. It can't all be explained in one video or one podcast episode. There are lots of principles to follow and concepts to understand.If the idea of eliminating avoidance to recover is making sense to you know and you want to know HOW this works, first accept that you're going to have to take some time to listen, learn, contemplate, and get a better understanding of the principles and mechanics of acceptance based recovery. Take advantage of all the free podcast episodes, videos, and social media content I've created that all discuss these ideas. Check out the workshops I've created to help explain these principles. Consider consulting my recovery guidebook, also called "The Anxious Truth".  You won't solve this problem or change your relationship with anxiety overnight, but you can start to turn in the direction of recovery by reading, learning, listening and starting to consider this different approach.  Links from this episode:Episode 152 - Agoraphobia ExplainedMy Panic Attacks Explained WorkshopMy Agoraphobia Explained WorkshopMy Panic and Agoraphobia Recovery GuidebookDisclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

LIVING WITH ANXIETY ...I HAVE TO RECOVER SO I CAN LIVE MY LIFE AGAIN!But really, do you?  Or is it better to do your best to re-engage in life so that you can recover? This week we're examining the concept of life AS recovery rather than life as something you get to do only after you've reached some magic state of "recovered".  Yes, at times recovery from an anxiety disorder involves manufactured exposures and doing things that don't look all that much like a regular life, but recovery can be so much more.  We can also intermix life - as best we can - into the recovery process in such a way that we use life activities and experiences to help us practice handling anxiety, fear, uncertainty, and discomfort. Moving through an anxious moment while doing something that feels like life is generally more valuable and will likely lead to a deeper and more durable recovery, so consider living (to the best of your ability today) to recover, even when you're convinced that you're not ready for life.  For full show notes on this episode visithttps://theanxioustruth.com/283To find my books, workshops, social media links, and all the other anxiety and recovery resources I produce, visit my website at theanxioustruth.com.Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

HOW TO CALM DOWN FROM A PANIC ATTACK? This is one of the million dollar question in our community, so let's take a look at how to calm down from a panic attack. I know you likely want tips and tricks for how to stop a panic attack and calm down, but could the act of embracing, rather than fighting off a panic attack, be the hidden doorway to "calm"?  Let's look at true acceptance, and unpack the idea that true calmness emerges not from a frantic search for escape but through allowing and riding out the panic storm.This isn't about finding a quick fix. It's about redefining your relationship with anxiety and recognizing the strength in vulnerability. Remember, every moment of openness to the experience is a step toward lasting improvement and recovery.Episode Links:My Recovery Guidebookhttps://theanxioustruth.com/recoveryguidePanic Attacks Explained:https://learn.theanxioustruth.com/panic-attacks-explainedAgoraphobia Explained: https://learn.theanxioustruth.com/agoraphobia-explainedMy website:https://theanxioustruth.comFull show notes for this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/282 Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Welcome to the Life Free of Anxiety podcast, guided by hosts named Erica Roth and Dr. Charles Barr, who is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety. The conversation revolves around the first panic attack experience of most people suffering from anxiety and discusses the renowned Television host, Carson Daly's public admittance of his struggle with anxiety. Daly recounts about his panic attack in an extensive length during a 'TRL' recording. The hosts correlate Daly's experiences with typical signs of panic attacks such as unexpected adrenaline rush and emphasize that panic attacks can affect everyone, regardless of their social status or profession. The episode concludes with information about their upcoming 16-week coaching group, starting on January 7th, 2024, which aims to support people dealing with anxiety.00:00 Introduction and Background01:37 Understanding Anxiety and Panic Attacks06:10 Carson Daly's Experience with Anxiety10:29 The Role of Cognitive Therapy in Managing Anxiety27:42 Conclusion and Invitation to the Support Coaching Group Want to overcome anxiety by the end of April? Then sign up for CHAANGE in 16! Backed by our 100% money back GET BETTER GUARANTEE!(limited spots available!)Head to lifefreeofanxiety.com/getbetter and see if spots are still available! We can't wait to meet you!Don't forget to check out CHAANGE in 16, our 16 week at-home anxiety reversal program backed by our 100% money back Get Better Guarantee! (limited spots available, signups end soon!)Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 3 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you found us? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy! Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

WHAT DOES A PANIC ATTACK FEEL LIKE?Let's unpack the harrowing reality of a panic attack, peeling back the layers to expose the heart-thumping, breath-stealing beast it can be. My journey as a therapist in training, fused with raw personal encounters, brings a unique perspective to the forefront. We dissect those suffocating episodes, where your own body feels like an unwieldy adversary, and thoughts of impending doom loom over you like a dark cloud. In this episode we can work together to comprehend the true gravity of those moments and the relentless quest for an escape hatch.Links from this episode:The Anxious Truth, my panic/agoraphobia recovery guideMy Panic Attacks Explained WorkshopMy Agoraphobia Explained WorkshopEpisode 239 of The Anxious Truth - Anxiety SymptomsEpisode 168 of The Anxious Truth - The Panic Attack HangoverEpisode 152 of The Anxious Truth - AgoraphobiaDisordered - "Does Anyone Else? (The Symptoms of Anxiety)"My WebsiteMy Workshops and CoursesFollow me on InstagramMy YouTube ChannelFollow me on TikTokFor full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/281Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Ever wondered how to recognize a panic attack? Want to understand the physical and mental symptoms that hint towards an oncoming episode? Not sure if what you're experiencing are panic attacks or something else? This episode of The Anxious Truth is for you. Tune in as we delve into panic and panic attacks, demystifying the sensations, the thoughts, the fear,  and the need to escape that often accompany these episodes.This is the first in my "Foundations of Panic" series so come back in the next 4-5 episodes for a deep dive into the mechanics of panic and panic attacks, how to best approach them, why they happen, why they're not dangerous, and what turns panic attacks into chronic conditions like panic disorder or agoraphobia.Find the symptoms video I mentioned in this episode:https://youtu.be/a5xQ2Q5rZp0?si=R1bS1SNshXFPloqLMy Panic Attacks Explained Workshop:https://theanxioustruth.com/panicMy Books on Anxiety and Recovery:https://theanxioustruth.com/booksFor full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/280Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

This week we're taking a look at social anxiety, which is the anxiety disorder that belongs in that classification, but also kinda doesn't because it can often be more complex than related forms of chronic and disordered anxiety. Social anxiety is often misunderstood as "extreme shyness" or "fear of being judged", but there can be much more to it so join us as we explore some of the more common broad-brush themes associated with social anxiety. We can't crack the code of everyone's social anxiety in a podcast episode, but if you struggle in situations where you have to be around others or interact with others, this episode can be helpful in explaining what may be happening "under the hood" of your anxious response. This episode also references two episodes of Drew's podcast, "The Anxious Truth". You can find them here: Episode 153 - Examining Your Inner Critic Episode 159 - Examining Social Anxiety w/Sadie Hall ---- If you love Disordered and think you might benefit from spending 30 full days in an everyday intensive small group recovery support group led by Josh and Drew, check out Disordered Boost at https://disordered.fm/boost ----- Want to ask us questions, share your wins, or get more information about Josh, Drew, and the Disordered podcast? Visit us on the web at ⁠⁠https://disordered.fm⁠⁠ Disclaimer: Disordered is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to Disordered does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the hosts of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

No new podcast episode this week, but we will be back next week with a new episode on September 27, 2023. Going forward, new episodes of The Anxious Truth will be produced every other week. I'm making this change based on time constraints and the fact that we are producing episodes of "Disordered" every week, and that's a really good podcast! Listen to Disordered here: https://disordered.fm On the weeks with no new episode of The Anxious Truth, you can catch my "Recovery Monday" livestreams on YouTube (either live or via replay any time): https://youtube.com/@TheAnxiousTruth See you next week, and thank you for all your support!

This week Alison is joined by Drew Linsalata, host of The Anxious Truth Podcast, to talk all things driving anxiety! Drew is not only a 'soon-to-be' counselor himself, but also someone who used to avoid driving for weeks at a time and is now fully recovered. How did he do this? Listen to find out! Driving anxiety conversation begins: 20:00 min mark Follow Drew on IG: @the.anxious.truth Listen to The Anxious Truth on Apple Podcasts! Betterhelp: CLICK HERE to get 10% off your first month Order your copy of The Anxiety Healers Guide HERE Follow The Chicks on IG: @theanxietychicks @theanxietyhealer @health_anxiety Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To find out more about the LifeSkills for Kids program, head to lifefreeofanxiety.com/kids!In this  episode, Erica, a former anxiety sufferer, and Dr. Charles Barr, Director of the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program, discuss the important topic of identifying and addressing anxiety in children. They share insightful experiences and offer hope for parents who are struggling to support their anxious children.Topics Covered in this Episode:Identifying Anxiety in Children: Signs and symptoms that suggest a child might be struggling with anxiety.Parental Perspectives: The type of parents who seek help and the confusion they often experience.Physical Manifestations of Anxiety in Children: The ‘stomach aches' and ‘headaches' that may actually be signs of anxiety.Beyond Shyness: Dr. Barr talks about the differences between natural introversion and anxiety-driven avoidance in children.Long-term Impact: Discussion about how untreated anxiety in childhood can potentially affect a person throughout their life.Trauma Signs and Red Flags: How to discern if a child's behavior may be signaling a deeper, traumatic experience.Effective Communication with School and Caretakers: Advocating for your child and investigating possible external influences on their anxiety.The Role of Parents: The impact of parents' words and actions on a child's perception and understanding of the world, and the importance of being mindful of this.Tools for Change: A teaser for future discussion on effective strategies and tools parents and children can use to manage and overcome anxiety.Listen to this episode to gain insights into the different forms anxiety can take in children, and find hope through the expertise of Dr. Barr and Erica's own lived experience overcoming anxiety. They're here to show that with the right tools and guidance, anxiety can be treated effectively.To find out more about the new membership options for the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program, head to lifefreeofanxiety.com!Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!--- Useful Links: FreeFromFearsBook.com

In this episode, Erica, a former anxiety sufferer, and Dr. Charles Barr, her therapist and a fellow alumni of the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program, discuss the important topic of identifying and addressing anxiety in children. They share insightful experiences and offer hope for parents who are struggling to support their anxious children.Additionally, we discuss the LifeSkills for Kids program, an at-home program for helping your child learn to deal with the stresses and anxieties of life, so it doesn't affect them as adults! The LifeSkills for Kids program is coming back later this month, so head to LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/Kids to find out more!Topics Covered in this Episode:Identifying Anxiety in Children: Signs and symptoms that suggest a child might be struggling with anxiety.Parental Perspectives: The type of parents who seek help and the confusion they often experience.Physical Manifestations of Anxiety in Children: The ‘stomach aches' and ‘headaches' that may actually be signs of anxiety.Beyond Shyness: Dr. Barr talks about the differences between natural introversion and anxiety-driven avoidance in children.Long-term Impact: Discussion about how untreated anxiety in childhood can potentially affect a person throughout their life.Trauma Signs and Red Flags: How to discern if a child's behavior may be signaling a deeper, traumatic experience.Effective Communication with School and Caretakers: Advocating for your child and investigating possible external influences on their anxiety.The Role of Parents: The impact of parents' words and actions on a child's perception and understanding of the world, and the importance of being mindful of this.Tools for Change: A teaser for future discussion on effective strategies and tools parents and children can use to manage and overcome anxiety.To find out more about the new membership options for the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program, head to lifefreeofanxiety.com!Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!--- Useful Links: FreeFromFearsBook.com

In this episode of The Life Free of Anxiety Podcast, Erica, a former patient and now a successful overcomer of anxiety, alongside Dr. Charles Barr, delve into their personal experiences with anxiety and how they managed to regain control over their lives.Panic and Anxiety History: Erica and Dr. Barr discuss how some people can pinpoint their first panic attack while others have dealt with anxiety all their lives. They dissect how creative minds may have a heightened imagination that might enhance fears and anxieties.The Impact of Substance Use: Erica candidly shares her experience with marijuana use and how it led to heightened anxiety and the fear of permanency in that state.Depersonalization and Anxiety: They explore the concept of depersonalization, a sensation that can make individuals feel like they're losing their mind. Erica recounts her battles with this sensation, particularly during stressful situations, and how she successfully overcame it.The Path to Recovery: Erica and Dr. Barr highlight the importance of practicing therapy for anxiety disorders, emphasizing that improvement is impossible without consistent practice. They discuss exposure therapy and the initial fear and skepticism that comes with confronting anxiety-inducing situations.The Role of Medication: The duo addresses the controversial role of medication in treating anxiety, acknowledging the variability in individual responses. Erica shares her personal journey, from her struggles with medication to eventually overcoming her fears and phobias without it.Hope and Recovery: Lastly, the podcast promotes a message of hope. Contrary to common misconceptions, Erica and Dr. Barr stress that it is possible to completely overcome anxiety disorders and live a fulfilling life.If you're struggling with anxiety, remember that there is hope. The CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program is designed to help you beat anxiety in 16 weeks. Listen to the experiences of those who have walked the same path and emerged victorious. You're not alone, and there is a process to get you through this.Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!--- Useful Links: FreeFromFearsBook.com

Just a quick update on reaching the field/clinical work phase of my masters degree and why there's no actual podcast episode this week. We'll be back with another episode of The Anxious Truth next week as usual, but in the meanwhile why not check out Disordered, the podcast I do with Josh Fletcher. Find that podcast at https://disordered.fm Of course, you can also check out any of the 268 previous episodes of The Anxious Truth that I've recorded over the last 8 years or so. They're all free on your favorite podcast platform and on my YouTube channel. I'll see you next week! :-)

HOW CAN I ACCEPT OR ALLOW ANXIETY WITHOUT SPIRALING? This week on The Anxious Truth let's answer a common question about "spiraling". This is a term used every day in our community so lets dismantle it a bit and re-conceptualize spiraling in two parts. One spiral - the downward spiral - is based on how you feel. The other spiral - the anxiety itself - is an UPWARD spiral, which is more accurately described as a storm. Let's look at how we can address the first spiral by addressing the second - robbing the anxiety storm of its energy rather than feeding it more. This episode is - as usual - full of paradoxical stuff. Isn't recovery both interesting and really confusing sometimes??? For full show notes on this episode: https://theanxioustruth.com/263 --- My books, social, and other links: ⁠https://theanxioustruth.com/links ⁠ Support The Anxious Truth: ⁠https://theanxioustruth.com/support ⁠

No new podcast this week, but we'll be back next week with episode 252. I asked my Facebook group which of the old podcast episodes they like the most and these are a few that came up often in the discussion: Episode 150: How Do I Talk TO My Anxiety Episode 51: Panic Attacks - The Critical Moment of Decision The Exposure Episodes: 13, 17, 192 and 226 Related to Exposure: Episode 116 - Are You Trying To Ignore Your Anxiety? I did a short series detailing my personal experience with medication in episodes 145 through 147, and Jenn Swantowski stopped by to share her experience with benzo withdrawal on episode 223. Finally, the success story episodes are popular. Search "success story" on my website, on my YouTube channel, or in your podcast app to find those. And ... check out the new podcast with Joshua Fletcher at https://disordered.fm I'll see you next week! :-)

Can I Recover On My Own? Joe Ryan is a Certified Peer Support Specialist who knows trauma because he's lived it and learned to live beyond it. Joe has been on a lifelong journey to overcome trauma, shame, and the demons that plagued him from early in life. Joe is turning his mission outward, helping others conquer their traumatic experiences through his podcast (“It's Not You, It's Your Trauma“) and one-on-one coaching. - Website: https://joeryan.com - Instagram: https://instagram.com/joeryan - Subscribe: https://joeryan.com/subscribe/ - Coaching: https://joeryan.com/coaching/ Drew Linsalata, creator and host of The Anxious Truth. I am a full time graduate student in clinical mental health counseling on the way to being a licensed therapist. I'm an author, a speaker, and proud to be both an educator and advocate in the anxiety, anxiety disorder, and anxiety recovery community. I am also a former sufferer, having struggled with anxiety disorders and clinical depression for more than 25 years of my life before finally fully recovering around 2008. - https://theanxioustruth.com/