That Anxiety Guy - Straight Talk And Help With Anxiety, Panic And Agoraphobia

Send in a question or comment via text.Ask yourself a question.  Is your anxiety your enemy, or is it your teacher?  Most of you are going to immediately tell me that you see anxiety as an enemy.  It lurks in the shadows, stalking you day and and day out, always ready to attack.  Your anxiety drives you to do things you do not want to do.  It drives you to eliminate and avoid parts of your life that desperately want back.  Anxiety is clearly your enemy, right?(For full show notes on this episode visit theanxioustruth.com/128)It is not.  Anxiety  - when dealing with the anxiety disorders I am always addressing - has never been your enemy regardless of how much you may hate and fear it.How do we learn once and for all to “believe” that we are safe even when afraid?  By allowing the fear and the anxiety themselves to be your teachers.  That’s right.  Anxiety and fear MUST be your teachers if you are to achieve true and lasting recovery.  We must be willing to face our anxiety and the associated fear, building a

Send in a question or comment via text.This is common misconception for many, and it's keeping some folks stuck!  When we talk about accepting anxiety as the path to recovery, and when we talk about surrendering to anxiety, we are not saying that you have to LIKE or LOVE your anxiety.  You do not.  If you've been struggling to find a way to like your anxiety because you think accepting and liking are the same thing, then this episode is for you.Of note is a discussion about people dealing with OCD and intrusive, obsessive, disturbing thoughts.  Acceptance in this case does NOT mean accepting that those thoughts are predictive of the future, will come true, or will represent who you are.  It can be scary for someone to accept intrusive thoughts for this reason, but accepting just means acknowledging that they are here and that fighting them has been fruitless.  Accepting is just a way of giving up the old ways of coping so that you can learn a new way that leads to freedom from the thing you hate - a

Send in a question or comment via text.Is your worst-case scenario being forced to sit quietly with your own thoughts and sensations?  Are you one of the many that declares that they are "OK" so long as they are up and about and occupied?  Learning to sit quietly with oneself is a challenge for many people, with or without anxiety.  For those recovering from an anxiety disorder, this presents a serious challenge, but a challenge that must be met on route to full recovery.(For full show notes on this episode visit https://theanxioustruth.com/126)It is well worth the time to solve this problem just like it is with all of your anxiety related problems.  First you learn that being quiet and still is NOT a catastrophe, then you learn how to use quiet/still time positively and productively.This is a hard thing to overcome and a hard thing to learn to do.  As always, you can do hard things.My social media or and other links:  https://theanxioustruth.com/linksMusic Credit: "Afterglow" by Ben Drake

Send in a question or comment via text.For many, having to undergo a surgical or major medical procedure is "worst nightmare" territory anxiety-wise.  There are quite a few fears at play here.  Fear of being out of control.  Fear of being away from safe places and people.  Fear of sedation and anesthesia.  Fear of complication or problems cause by the procedure in question.  It can add up to an almost tragic level of avoidance in some cases, even when surgery or other medical procedures are critical to one's well being.Today I was joined by practicing anesthesiologist Dr. Frank Catanzaro. Dr. Catanzaro has been practicing for over 25 years in the Rochester, New York area and has encountered all these fears in his patients.  Frank was kind enough to take some time to share his knowledge and experience with us.Takeaways:1. EVERYBODY has anxiety or nervousness going into surgery or other major medical procedures.  Anesthesiologists and other healthcare providers encounter this situation all the ti

Send in a question or comment via text.I often here people saying that recovery becomes harder - or even impossible - if you've suffered too long with your anxiety problems.  This is simply not true.  In this podcast episode let's take a look at why this is a misconception that you're going to have to leave behind. There are three main reasons why you can recover no matter how long you've suffered.1. Anxiety disorders are not progressive degenerative diseases that take away your physical or mental abilities over time.  If you're thinking of it that way, you're wrong and need to drop that notion.2. The past does not predict or govern the future.  You are not powerless.  If you begin to make new choices and engage in new behaviors and reactions, new things can and will happen.  Just because you've done a thing for 20 years does not prevent you from doing a different thing tomorrow.3. You have not been digging an infinitely deep hole all this time.  The hole got as deep as it w

Send in a question or comment via text.Holly is back in this episode, sharing her long experience using benzos as part of her anxiety management strategy.  Holly shares how she started on benzos, what her doctor told her, and how she actually did use them.  We talk about "as needed" use, daily use, dependency (addiction), effectiveness, and how the use of benzos interferes with learning recovery lessons.  Holly shares her recovery story and how we gradually stopped taking benzos altogether after many years of use. This is a topic that I know many want me to cover in greater detail. It seemed that this was a good first step in that direction.Please note that neither Holly nor I are medical professionals.  NEVER make changes to your medication without consulting your doctor(s) and NEVER just stop taking benzodiazepines on your own. For full show notes please visit https://theanxioustruth.com/123My social media and other links: https://theanxioustruth.com/linksMy books: https://theanxioustruth.com/book

Send in a question or comment via text.In this episode I answer listener questions about: Returning to "normal". Handling thoughts, memories and emotions. Parenting issues in recovery. Sleep anxiety. My own progress in recovery and my issues with coming off medications.For full show notes on this episode, go to https://theanxioustruth.com/122My social media and other links:  https://theanxioustruth.com/linksSupport 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 rea

Send in a question or comment via text.This week and next I will take time to answer questions submitted by by Instagram friends.  I had over 130 questions sent in for this episode so lets break it into two episodes.  This is part one.  Part two will be next week in episode 122.Questions covered in this episode are: "I just started therapy, how do I make the most out of it to get the most out of it?" "What's the best way to deal with the urge to talk about feelings often and seek reassurance?" "I always think you need to go to A&E (the ER in the US) when you have a panic attack because you can't breathe.  Any tips?" "Any advice on how to deal with pain due to a medical condition triggering anxiety?" "How do I tell the difference between anxiety and an actual medical issue?" "Benzo/antidepressant withdrawal issues." "What part do other approaches like teas, oils, crystals and inner child work play in the recovery process?"

Send in a question or comment via text.Shelley Hohe has struggled with OCD for many years.  Her contamination obsession and the accompanying compulsions drove her into a very dark place.  Her faith was questioned and shaken, her life was getting smaller, her relationships were suffering, and she simply wasn't sure where to turn for answers or help.  A chance encounter with an old friend changed everything, setting Shelley on a path of renewed faith where recovery from OCD is not only a goal, but a real work in progress.  Shelley was generous enough to share her story with us in the hope that she may shine a light that others struggling with OCD can follow.  Shelley has made it her mission to educate, inspire, and advocate on behalf of the OCD community, and has even taken on the role of OCD Advocate for the International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation.Find Shelley on Instagram at https://instagram.com/theocdcafeFind the IOCDF at https://iocdf.orgMy Links:  https://theanxioustruth.com/linksSuppo

Send in a question or comment via text.One of the most common topics I am asked to address is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).  GAD is generally categorized with other anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, agoraphobia, OCD and social anxiety.  Today I was lucky enough to spend 30 minutes with Dr. David Carbonell.  A clinical psychologist specializing in treating anxiety disorders, Dr. Carbonell is the author of "The Worry Trick" and three other books on anxiety and phobias.  We had a most excellent talk about GAD, what it is, and how it's treated.For full show notes on this episode, visit https://theanxioustruth.com/119Find Dr. Carbonell and his books at https://anxietycoach.comMy Links:  https://theanxioustruth.com/linksSupport 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

Send in a question or comment via text.The recovery process will - unfortunately - include days where you still struggle.  This is to be expected.  In this episode I read lesson 5.5 from my book which discusses the struggles you will encounter.  I then discuss the basics of creating a "playbook" that you can turn to on the bad days when you need an easy to follow script rather than thinking on your feet.For full show notes on this episode including the full text of the book chapter I read, visit https://theanxioustruth.com/118CREATING YOUR "BAD DAY PLAYBOOK"Bad days and period of struggle often include the onset of confusion and forgetting.  I see people declare that they can not remember what they are supposed to do when they find themselves faced with period of struggle in recovery.  This is clearly a normal situation experienced by many.  When discouraged, feeling defeated, and feeling confused and lost, having a playbook or a script that you can reference is VERY helpful.Remember that

Send in a question or comment via text.Recovery from an anxiety disorder gets even harder when you judge the presence of fear as an immediate failure.  Dr. B - Bridget Cooper - joined me today to talk about fear, and the misconception that the presence of fear indicates failure of some kind.For full show notes on this episode go to https://theanxioustruth.com/117The Highlights:1. Being afraid is NOT failure.  There are a few reasons you may be thinking this, most based on old self-limiting beliefs and what Dr. B calls "old contracts".  Being afraid during recovery does not mean you are failing or "doing it wrong".2. The Fear - Trust - Control model.  Dr. B uses her model of fear to explain how high levels of fear and corresponding low levels of trust trigger exaggerated attempts at control. We discuss how trying to control things is expressed as our old safety, escape and avoidance behaviors.3. Are you clinging to old self-beliefs because they are comfortable? We discuss why some people ar

Send in a question or comment via text.One of the concepts that confuses people more than any other is understanding the difference between accepting and surrendering to anxiety, learning to be nonreactive to anxiety, or ignoring anxiety. Let's talk about that today.There is a difference between ignoring anxiety and learning to become truly non-reactive to anxiety. This is subtle. It's reasonable for people to be confused especially in the early stages of the game. This is a thing that requires a fair amount of thought. It requires a bit of a change in mindset and approach. And it certainly does require practice!For full show notes on this episode go to https://theanxioustruth.com/116Highlights of this episode: Ignoring Anxiety Is PASSIVE Ignoring Anxiety Is Like Useless "Positive Self Talk" Non-Reactive Acknowledgement - An ACTIVE, Intentional, Purposeful Process Learning The Skill of Non-Reactive Acknowledgement With Practice Acceptance.  Surrender.  Floating.My Links:https://theanxioust

Send in a question or comment via text.Dr. Bridget Cooper is a cage rattler. Her penchant for confronting old beliefs and challenging thought patterns is helping people to break from from old negative beliefs and ideas.  Dr. B is passionate about showing you that a new way and a new life is possible.Old ContractsMany people want so desperately to recover from anxiety issues, but find themselves trapped by old beliefs and ideas that tell them that they are not capable of recovery.  The belief that one is less than, not strong enough, not smart enough, or simply not worthy of recovery can be crippling to the process of recovery.Dr. Bridget frames these old negative beliefs as "old contracts" that you were forced to sign well before you had the knowledge, maturity, or ability to understand them or even sign them.  You've been given contracts against your will, and you've been acting in accordance with those contracts.Here is news.  You are entitled to tear up those old contracts.  You didn&ap

Send in a question or comment via text.Here is a paradox. So much of this anxiety complex revolves around a desperate attempt to find 100 percent iron clad certainty. The search for certainty in the face of irrationally perceived threats destroys your ability to handle uncertainty in the face of real challenges and threats. The search for safety undermines the very thing you seek ...For Full show notes on this episode, visit https://theanxioustruth.com/114My Links:https://theanxioustruth.com/linksSupport 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/o

Send in a question or comment via text.Sarah Doan Peace is amazing.  Having been born with VATER syndrome and after 35 surgeries and years of serious medical challenges, Sarah is finding her voice as a speaker and advocate for others that share her experience.  Sarah's honesty and willingness to openly share her story and struggle are educational, enlightening, and inspiring.* For full show notes on this episode, visit https://theanxioustruth.com/113* To find Sarah online, visit https://sarahdoanpeace.com* My links: https://theanxioustruth.com/linksSupport 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 yo

Send in a question or comment via text.Do you fear your emotions? Do you see them as threats, or indicators that you are failing in recovery, or destined for disaster? Do you attempt to escape from your emotions or avoid them?  You are not alone.For full show notes on this episode, visit https://theanxioustruth.com/112Emotions Are A Natural Part of Being HumanEvery human being experiences emotions.  Some are great.  Some really suck.  But all are normal and natural.  While we may not always like our emotions, we do not have to fear them or see them as disaster.  Regardless of what you think about your emotions, if you are reading this right now, then you have handled and navigated every last thing life has ever thrown at you.  You have handled them and you are still here.  You can handle emotions and emotional waves too!  You are capable of this.Is It The Emotion, Or The Reaction To The Emotion?While all humans experience emotions, and often don't like them, not everyone FEARS emotions. Experiencing emot

Send in a question or comment via text.You may think that you are afraid of an ever-growing list of places, tasks, people and situations.  You are not.  There is only ONE FEAR driving your anxiety disorder - fear of how you feel and what you think.  Acknowledging the one fear can clarify and simplify your recovery path so let's talk about it.For full show notes on this episode visit https://theanxioustruth.com/111My Links:https://theanxioustruth.com/linksSupport 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 h

Send in a question or comment via text.My friend Nick Maynard is an almost textbook example of how to recovery from panic disorder and agoraphobia.  At one point Nick was in a panic on the ground in a Costco on Black Friday.  He was then trapped in his bedroom for weeks, unable to even get a glass of water.  But Nick changed direction and started putting in the hard work.  Today he's back on his feet, excelling at work, and living a normal life again.  Thank you Nick, for taking the time to share your story today!My Comprehensive Anxiety Recovery Guide Is Here! ------------------------------- https://theanxioustruth.com/recoveryguideMy Links------------------------------ https://theanxioustruth.com/linksSupport 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 relationsh

Send in a question or comment via text.For full show notes and a link to download this tutorial as an MP3, visit https://theanxioustruth.com/109.HOW DO I RELAX, BREATHE, AND FOCUS????  I've been asked to do something like this for a while. With some extra nudging from a friend, I took 15 minutes to record this little beginner's relax, breathe, and focus tutorial. This isn't my usual thing, but hopefully, it will be of use.  This episode will take you through the basics of what it looks like and feels like when you surrender to anxiety or panic.  Instead of fighting and fleeing, this is how we relax into the fear, experience it, and let it pass.  This is how we learn that we do not have to fear our anxiety and the sensations that come along with it.  The basics are relaxing of your body, breathing into your belly, and focusing on your breath rather than on the symptoms and thoughts. This is a difficult skill to learn, and it will NOT make your anxiety go away instantly.  Please do not use is a c