Understanding and Managing Your Anxious Mind

In this episode, hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner talk about the nuances of anxiety. We start with our usual "anxious moment" segment, where Cali recalls a hilarious yet anxiety-provoking memory. Elizabeth shares her thoughts on imposter syndrome and how it's impacted her in the lead-up to the podcast launch.  Then we have an intro into Anxiety 101, discussing the signs, symptoms, and when anxiety becomes a clinical concern. You'll hear about anticipatory anxiety and the "fear of anxiety," accompanied by relatable analogies like the "storage unit" scenario. We break down the concept of avoidance and reassurance, illustrating how these behaviors feed into anxiety. Finally, we provide practical tips on how to recognize and manage subclinical anxiety, and what to do if you need professional help.

Key Points:

[00:06] - Welcome to the Anxiety Society  

  Introduction to the podcast and today's episode.

[01:24] - Cali’s High School Mishap  

  Cali shares a funny yet anxiety-inducing story involving exercise balls.

[04:22] - Elizabeth's Imposter Syndrome  

  Elizabeth opens up about her anxiety leading up to the podcast launch.

[06:29] - Anxiety 101 Introduction  

  Setting the stage for an in-depth discussion on anxiety basics.

[07:15] - The Anticipatory Anxiety Breakdown  

  Exploring the concept of anticipatory anxiety and its effects.

[08:17] - The Storage Unit Analogy  

  Using a storage unit scenario to explain the fear of anxiety.

[12:29] - Avoidance and Reassurance Behaviors  

  How these common responses contribute to ongoing anxiety.

[18:11] - Useful vs. Unhelpful Anxiety  

  Discussing when anxiety serves a purpose and when it hinders.

[23:33] - Managing Subclinical Anxiety  

  Practical tips for recognizing and managing everyday anxiety.

[29:05] - Leaning Into Anxiety  

Strategies for changing your relationship with anxiety by embracing discomfort.

[35:05] - Finding Professional Help  

Guidance on how to find a qualified clinician for clinical anxiety.

Quotable Moments:

[06:29]  "Anxiety lives in the past and the future. It never lives in the present.” - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale  

[29:05] - "If I want to actually have freedom from that anxiety, then I've got to lean into the distress in the here and now, which is so much scarier in that moment.”- Cali Werner

Links Mentioned:

• Anxiety Society Podcast: http://www.anxietysocietypodcast.com
• Instagram: @theanxietysocietypod | https://www.instagram.com/theanxietysocietypod

Thank you for tuning in to the Anxiety Society podcast! We hope you gained valuable insights into anxiety and how to manage it effectively. Remember, if you enjoyed the episode, please rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach more people and make a positive impact. Until next time, let's change our relationship with anxiety together.