October 9, 2025 • 44 mins
Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re tackling anxiety- because who doesn’t love that constant feeling of doom and worry, right? As always, we’ll start with the DSM criteria, which is our favorite official checklist, that defines anxiety. But let’s be real, you know it’s way more than a couple of bullet points on a page, and you know I'm going to break it down in a way that’s less “clinical speak” and more “what’s actually going on inside your head.” Next up, we’ve got the media portrayal of anxiety—which, spoiler alert, isn’t exactly accurate.Anxiety is a real, often chronic, condition that’s more than just occasional stress. So, buckle up, because I'm about to take you through the real, unfiltered truth about anxiety. No sugar-coating, just the good stuff.
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(00:00):
Welcome to today's episode wherewe are tackling anxiety.
Because who doesn't love that constant feeling of doom and
worry, right? As always, we'll start with the
DSM criteria, which is our favorite official checklist that
defines anxiety. But let's be real, you know,
(00:24):
it's way more than a couple of bullet points on a page.
And, you know, I'm going to break it down in a way that's
less clinical speak and more what's actually going on inside
your head. Next up, we've got the media
portrayal of anxiety, which, spoiler alert, isn't exactly
(00:45):
accurate. From the dramatic movie scenes
where people can't breathe because they're too anxious, to
the idea that anxiety is just worrying over a test.
It's a lot messier and a lot more complex than that.
We'll get into how anxiety is actually experienced.
And trust me, it's not always about nervous breakdowns on
(01:08):
screen. And you know, we have to talk
about what anxiety is not, because we both know it's not
just about being a little jittery before a big
presentation or worrying about whether or not you lock the
door. Anxiety is a real, often chronic
condition that's more than just occasional stress.
(01:29):
So buckle up because I'm about to take you through the real,
unfiltered truth about anxiety. No sugar coating, just the good
stuff. Let's get into it.
(01:51):
So anxiety disorders are like the overachievers of mental
health. They don't just do fear, they
take fear and anxiety, make a smoothie out of them and throw
in a sprinkle of chaos that messes with your daily life.
It's like you're trying to live your life but someone keeps
(02:13):
playing the end as near soundtrack on loop in the
background. Now fear.
Classic, right? It's that instinctual response
to something that's actual, actually dangerous.
Think a bear in the wild or a toddler with scissors.
(02:33):
It's the run for your life mode in the brain.
But anxiety? Oh, that's the brain taking the
run for your life signal and going into hyperdrive, imagining
that everything like your boss'sside eye or the possibility of
losing Wi-Fi might be catastrophic.
(02:57):
So it gets all worked up about things that could happen, even
though they're usually about as likely as a UFO landing on your
front lawn. The DSM Five, that big fancy
book of mental health conditions, lists a bunch of
these disorders, each with its own spicy little criteria.
You've got generalized anxiety disorder where you're basically
(03:20):
worrying about everything under the sun and wondering if you've
left the stove on even if you haven't used it in years.
Then there's panic disorder where your body goes into full
on it's a disaster call everyonemode and you have no no idea
why. Social anxiety.
(03:41):
Just imagine your brain telling you that every conversation is a
potential disaster and that everyone in the room is silently
judging you for existing. Nice, right?
So yeah, anxiety disorders are like a mental amusement park
where the rides are broken and you're stuck on them forever.
(04:03):
It's a ride, but it's the one you never asked to get on.
All right, let's break this circus down, shall we?
Anxiety disorders are like that messy acquaintance who shows up
uninvited, drinks all your emotional wine, critiques your
(04:24):
life choices, and then refuses to leave.
You didn't ask for this mental health party crasher, but here
it is bringing a three tiered cake of panic, dread and
existential sweating. Let's start with the crown jewel
of anxiety, excessive, persistent worry and not the
(04:52):
normal Did I leave the stove on kind?
Oh no, this is Olympic level full time job version of
worrying. Your brain turns into an over
caffeinated doomsday prepper, spinning elaborate scenarios
about everything that could go wrong at any given moment.
(05:15):
Your future, your friends, your inbox, your heartbeat, your
house plants. There's no chill.
It's like your mind is stuck in a loop of what if?
Like some anxiety powered game show with no prize, just
cortisol. Now, because your brain is
(05:36):
hosting its own anxiety rave, your body decides to join the
party. Cue the physical symptoms.
We're talking muscle tension that makes you feel like you've
been clenching every muscle in your body since 2009.
Restlessness that makes sitting still feel like a form of
(05:57):
medieval torture. Rapid heartbeat, like your heart
is trying to audition for a car chase scene.
Sweating, nausea and dry mouth because apparently your body
thinks you're about to fight a bear or give a Ted talk and it
can't decide which. Oh, and fatigue, because living
(06:19):
in a state of fight or flight burns through energy like a
phone with 43 apps running. Meanwhile, your day-to-day life
totally hijacked work. You're rereading the same
sentence 17 times while spiraling about an e-mail you
sent three days ago. Social life sounds fun until you
(06:43):
spend 2 hours beforehand rehearsing what to say and then
replay every interaction for thenext week like an emotionally
masochistic director's cut Relationships.
If your anxiety doesn't push people away, your chronic need
for reassurance just might. You want connection, but your
(07:04):
brain keeps yelling rat alert atthis first sign of
vulnerability. And let's be clear, this isn't
just a bad week. Anxiety disorders hang out for
months, six or more for the DSM standards, not because they're
welcome but because they're clingy and rude.
(07:27):
It's like emotional mildew, you didn't notice it at first but
now it's everywhere and making everything harder to clean up.
Also quick note, anxiety disorders aren't
one-size-fits-all. You've got the generalized
thing, generalized variety, worry about everything, the
(07:49):
social kind where being perceived is a full blown horror
film, the panic disorder complete with surprise attacks
from your own body, and a few other spicy subtypes like
specific phobias and agoraphobia, which turns just
going outside into a strategic mission.
(08:09):
But across the board, the unifying theme is this.
Your brain and body are constantly acting like something
terrible is about to happen, even when you're literally just
standing in line at Walgreens. So to recap, if your mind is a
(08:29):
doomsday carnival, your body thinks you're mid zombie
apocalypse, and your ability to function is being held hostage
by your own nervous system. Welcome to the glamorous world
of anxiety disorders. It's exhausting, it's
relentless, and no, you're not just overthinking it.
(08:54):
You're stuck in a neurological escape room with no clues, no
timer, and someone yelling you're late in the background.
So first, let's breakdown generalized anxiety disorder in
a way that even your over caffeinated brain can follow.
(09:15):
GAD isn't just about being stressed for a day or two, it's
more like a constant background hum.
It's always there, turning everything into a potential
disaster. We're talking about anxiety that
sticks around for at least six months, just chilling like that
(09:36):
uninvited guest who refuses to leave the party.
This isn't just I'm worried about my performance at work.
It's a lifestyle. You're constantly scanning your
mental To Do List, checking for potential threats, whether it's
how your emails are perceived orthat weird looks someone gave
(09:58):
you in the coffee shop. You can't even stop worrying
because your brain is like no, no, we must keep worrying, it's
our job now. To top it off, you're
practically running on fumes. You're irritable, fatigued, and
your brain is in a constant fog.Good luck trying to focus on
(10:19):
anything when your mind is throwing a tantrum in the
background. It's like trying to concentrate
while a toddler is setting off fireworks next to you.
You're tense. Your muscles feel like they've
been in a constant state of flexing since 1999.
And don't even get me started onsleep.
(10:39):
You're either lying awake for hours staring at the ceiling or
waking up every 5 minutes like you're in the middle of a bad
game of whack A mole with your thoughts.
And it doesn't stop there. The anxiety ruins your ability
to function like a regular human.
Social interactions, a nightmarework?
(11:02):
Forget about it. Everything just feels like one
big emotional landmine and it's hard to be productive or even
keep up appearances when anxietyhas you in a headlock.
The kicker here is that this isn't just some oh I'm feeling
stressed thing that can be blamed on life events or a bad
(11:26):
cup of coffee. It's a legit mental health
condition that sticks around regardless of what's happening
around you. And no, it's not caused by some
Randall random medical issue or substances.
It's just anxiety being a royal pain in the ass.
Now if GAD is like a constant low level buzz, panic disorder
(11:53):
is the opposite. It's a full on heart attack of
anxiety, but with no actual heart attack involved.
You're cruising along, minding your own business when out of
nowhere, BAM, your heart starts pounding like you've just run a
(12:13):
marathon. Your palms are slick with sweat
and suddenly it feels like you're drowning on dry land.
You're shaking, you can't breathe, and your body is like
surprise. Here's a list of symptoms to
freak you out even more. You start getting hit with a
wave of dizziness, nausea, and this delightful sensation of
(12:38):
what the hell is happening to me.
That's the fun part where you feel like you're either about to
pass out or even better, die. Seriously, you might actually
think this is it, the end of theline, and you're convinced that
your body is about to stage an epic meltdown.
(13:00):
Now if that wasn't enough fun, it doesn't stop there.
Once you've had a panic attack or two or 10, the aftermath
lingers like a bad hangover. You're now in full on survival
mode, worried about when the next one is coming.
(13:22):
You're hyper aware of every little change in your body
because your brain is convinced it's all leading to another
attack. Maybe this time you'll actually
die, or go insane, or get trapped in a situation that
makes it impossible to escape when the next attack hits.
(13:44):
People with panic disorder startavoiding places where they've
had attacks before, like that one Starbucks that just happens
to be the setting of their last meltdown.
You're not just dealing with theattacks themselves, but also
with the constant anticipation of when the next one is going to
hit. And of course, the cherry on
(14:08):
top, it's not something you can blame on any other condition.
It's not some other mental health disorder, a medical issue
issue, or the fact that you decided to drink an entire pot
of coffee at 11:00 PM. It's just your brains little way
of saying surprise. I'm here to ruin your day.
(14:28):
All right, so you made it through the unpredictable terror
of panic disorder, and now you've entered the social
battlefield known as social anxiety disorder.
Imagine every single social interaction feels like you're
stepping onto a stage in front of an audience of thousands and
(14:53):
the only thing on their minds ishow much of A disaster you're
about to be. Whether it's a casual
conversation, a work meeting, orthe horrifying idea of
performing in front of others, your brain is convinced that any
slip up will result in public humiliation of epic, epic
(15:17):
proportions. It's like the fear that someone
will notice you sweating, fumbling your words like I do,
or saying something dumb is the only thing your body is capable
of processing. Welcome to your own personal
horror show. Social interactions, Oh they
(15:39):
almost always spark that crippling wave of fear and
anxiety. We're talking about that I can't
breathe feeling when you're asked a simple question at work,
or the pre meeting meeting jitters that leave you
questioning if everyone is secretly judging you.
(16:00):
And because avoidance is the name of the game, you'll find
yourself dodging those situations like their landmines.
The irony is, if you even show up to that meeting or social
gathering, you're barely hangingon, just waiting for the clock
to hit the escape time so you can run and hide.
(16:24):
And the kicker? The actual danger in these
situations is usually nowhere near as bad as your brain makes
it seem. That possibility of getting
laughed at or judged is more of a what if nightmare than any
actual threat. But it doesn't seem to matter
because the fear is so overwhelming that it takes over
(16:47):
and ruins any chance of casuallyexisting.
And this fear sticks around for at least six months because
apparently your brain thinks this is the way to handle any
social interactions long term. And Oh yeah, it doesn't just
suck, it actually hurts your life.
(17:09):
Your social life, work life, Everything becomes a game of
avoiding discomfort or pushing through it while feeling like
you're about to combust. Social anxiety doesn't just make
you awkward at parties, it actively disrupts your ability
to function like a regular human.
(17:31):
Now let's turn the dial up even further with agoraphobia,
because why not take a mix of social anxiety and panic
disorder and throw in a healthy dose of I'm too scared to leave
the house? Imagine a world where even the
idea of stepping outside your front door feels like you're
(17:56):
walking into a war zone and the only safe space is your home,
which has now become your self-imposed fortress of
solitude. This isn't just and I'm a little
nervous about crowds thing. We're talking about full on
(18:18):
panic at the thought of public transportation.
Standing in line at the grocery store or being in an elevator.
Anything that requires you to leave the house or be in a place
where escape might be tricky is a major no go.
The heart of the fear. It's that deep, gnawing worry
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that if a panic attack hits or you start feeling like you're
about to implode in front of a crowd, you're trapped.
It's like the brain starts playing out worst case scenarios
where help is nowhere to be found and you're left to just
flail in public. So what does the agoraphobic do?
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Avoid, avoid, avoid the list of places and situations that feel
like land mines, grows and growsuntil you're left with just your
cozy safe little cave, AKA your house.
(19:25):
Of course, you can't exactly go on with life in this self-made
prison, so you'll probably end up enduring situations that
spark anxiety, but with a get methe hell out of here attitude.
Some people even need a companion to come along for the
ride just to make sure they don't spontaneously combust in a
(19:46):
crowd. The kicker, of course, is that
the danger is almost never as bad as your brain thinks it is.
Whether it's public transportation or standing in
line at a concert, the actual threat isn't life threatening.
But your mind is busy concoctingall sorts of terrifying
scenarios. And of course, this misery isn't
(20:10):
just a temporary inconvenience. It sticks around for months, if
not longer. And the fear, anxiety and
avoidance starts to wreak havoc on every part of your life.
You end up avoiding work events,social interactions, and pretty
(20:31):
much anything that requires being outside of your safe zone
before. Phobia doesn't just make you a
homebody, it practically chains you to your living room.
And now we've reached the land of specific phobia.
(20:51):
Because sometimes having a generalized anxiety isn't
enough. No, no, you need that one
particular thing that triggers you to the point where the mere
thought of it can send you into a full blown freak out.
It could be something as common as flying heights, animals, or
even getting a shot. Yes, needles are the devil in
(21:14):
disguise. Your brain locks on to that one
thing and decides this is the thing that will send us
spiraling. And every time you encounter it,
it's like your body flips the switch and you're hit with a
wave of terror. That object or situation.
Instant panic. The moment you're faced with it,
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all logic flies out the window and your nervous system goes
into full meltdown mode. Flying.
Prepare for the world's worst panic attack.
As soon as you hear the word airport heights, don't even
think about looking down animals.
The smallest dog can become a giant drooling beast in your
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mind. And don't get me started on
needles. Some people would rather fight a
bear then face the tiny prick ofa shot.
And because this is a phobia, not just a mild dislike, you
actively avoid these triggers with the intensity of someone
dodging a toxic X. If you can't avoid it, you're
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probably enduring it with so much anxiety that it feels like
you're being tortured. You might even think you're
being irrational about it, but that doesn't stop your brain
from sending out distress signals.
The whole thing is a mess of disproportionate fear that's
totally out of line with any actual danger involved.
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The thing isn't going to hurt you, but the panic and avoidance
come anyway because your mind has decided this is a real
threat. And of course, just like the
other disorders, it doesn't go away after a few days.
The fear sticks around for months, sometimes years, and it
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starts to mess with your life. You might have to dodge family
vacations, business trips, or routine health check UPS, all
because that one specific thing is enough to make you reconsider
leaving your house. It's not just inconvenient, it
actively gets in the way of youreveryday existence.
(23:28):
Welcome to the world of specificphobia, where your brain picks a
battle with one random thing andmakes it your worst nightmare.
Speaking of nightmares, that brings us to anxieties
representation in the media. Anxiety in the media is like
that awkward, poorly timed punchline that lands way off the
(23:52):
mark. On one side, you've got the well
meaning but often misguided portrayals of anxiety.
Where characters might be shown pacing nervously or clutching
their chest while breathing intoa paper bag.
This sort of oversimplified anxiety moment is more like the
(24:13):
idea of anxiety than a true representation.
It's often the big, dramatic andloud version of anxiety, the
kind you can spot from a mile away because it's got neon
lights flashing over it, saying hey, this person is experiencing
something intense. But The thing is, anxiety
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doesn't always look like that inreal life.
Anxiety is often quieter, subtler, and sneakier than those
dramatic portrayals. It's the constant what ifs
running through your head, the feelings of dread that sneak up
during a work presentation, or the exhaustion that hits after
(24:58):
hours of overthinking whether you said the right thing in a
conversation. Sometimes it feels like you're
drowning in a sea of thoughts but still managing to function.
It's the kind of anxiety that doesn't always have a big
cinematic moment, but rather lurks in the background,
constantly influencing how you engage with the world.
(25:20):
On the flip side, there's also just the misrepresentation of
anxiety. Media often glamorizes mental
health struggles, turning them into a trendy thing for
characters to experience, sometimes for no reason at all,
and sometimes to make a moment more dramatic than it needs to
(25:42):
be. Think of those teen dramas where
anxiety is the secret ingredientthat adds depth to the
character, often without really diving into the complexity of
what living with anxiety day in and day out is like.
This can create a dangerous narrative where people feel like
anxiety is just a plot device, or worse, something that can be
(26:06):
fixed in an hour long episode. The portrayal of mental health
issues like anxiety often missesthe real struggles, like the
constant weight of feeling like you're on edge, the isolation,
the toll it takes on your physical health.
(26:27):
Media representations also sometimes make it seem like
anxiety is something that can beeasily overcome with the right
advice or a dramatic personal revelation.
In reality, for many people, it's something that they manage
every day with no neat or quick solutions.
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The idea that it's something youcan snap out of just makes the
whole thing more frustrated for those who experience it.
And let's not forget the portrayal portrayal of anxiety
as a mere quirk. As if being a little jittery or
avoiding social situations here and there is just charming.
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Or add some mystique to a character.
Anxiety when trivialized like this because becomes something
less serious, when in reality itcan cause real, lasting
distress. It doesn't help that we often
see characters with anxiety who are portrayed as struggling in a
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way that can be played for laughs, further reinforcing the
idea that it's something to be mocked or underestimated.
Anxiety isn't funny in the same way that laughing at someone's
pain isn't funny. In short, the media has a way of
reducing anxiety to either a dramatic tool for creating
(27:55):
suspense or a quirky trait that someone can overcome by the end
of an episode. It doesn't fully capture how
complex, persistent, and sometimes invisible anxiety can
be. The real battle is often much
more subtle and persistent, and it doesn't get resolved in a
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single act of courage or a self help book.
Real anxiety is part of the landscape of daily life for
many, not just the highlight reel of a momentary crisis.
One of the biggest issues with anxiety representation is the
lack of nuance. When you see anxiety in TV shows
(28:39):
or movies, it's often portrayed as a big moment or a defining
character trait where a character either spirals into an
all consuming meltdown or magically pulls themselves
together in a dramatic moment ofclarity.
But here's the thing, real anxiety doesn't always come with
a soundtrack and a slow motion shot of the character crumbling
(29:02):
under pressure. Sometimes it's the quiet hum in
the background that no one notices.
It's the character who smiles through the panic, showing up at
the office or a social event like they've got it all together
even though their brain is a whirlwind of catastrophizing.
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It's walking through life on autopilot, your thoughts racing
at 1000 miles an hour while you try to keep everything from
falling apart on the outside. This constant low level anxiety
is rarely depicted because it's not as dramatic.
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It's not as marketable for TV and film where we want to see
the high stakes and the high emotions.
But the truth is, for many people with anxiety disorders,
that low grade, simmering anxiety is just as real, just as
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debilitating, and just as hard to manage as the bigger, more
overt panic attacks or meltdownswe typically see on screen.
It's the anxiety that shows up at 2:00 AM when you're lying
awake replaying conversations from a week ago, or the kind
that fills you with dread just by thinking about leaving your
(30:25):
house for the day. And then there's the way that
anxiety is often romanticized ortreated as something that makes
characters more relatable or quirky.
Think of the classic I'm so stressed out, I'm kind of a mess
trope where anxiety is turned into a cute little personality
trait that people can easily laugh off.
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Sure, it's cute in a ROM com when the lead character
nervously fumbles her words at aparty and somehow makes it into
a charming moment with love interest, but in reality,
anxiety isn't something that magically turns into a moment of
personal growth and self discovery.
It's not a quirky thing that adds layers to a character.
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It's a real and exhausting experience that doesn't just
disappear because someone learned a valuable lesson about
love or life. On the darker side, anxiety is
sometimes shown as a dramatic villain, a force that takes over
a character's life in a way thatfeels like they're fighting a
literal battle. The anxious character becomes so
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consumed by fear that it takes over their entire existence.
While this can be true for some people with severe anxiety, it
doesn't capture the more subtle,long term aspects of the
disorder. Anxiety doesn't always consume
everything. Sometimes it just lurks in the
background like a shadow. It might not always lead to a
(31:57):
complete breakdown, but it's constantly influencing your
decisions, your social life, your job performance and your
physical health. The media portrayal of anxiety
as an all consuming monster misses how it can just be this
constant companion that you haveto manage, no matter how small
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or big it gets. The stigma around mental health
also plays a role in how anxietyis depicted.
When we see anxious characters portrayed as either too weak or
too neurotic, it feeds into the societal narrative that mental
health struggles are something to be ashamed of or minimized.
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You see it in shows where the anxious character is either
laughed at, ignored, or treated like an inconvenience rather
than being taken seriously. The character struggles aren't
seen as legitimate because anxiety is still too often
portrayed as something that can be fixed with the right pep talk
or a deep breath. This kind of misrepresentation
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can be harmful because it perpetuates the idea that mental
health issues are somehow less worthy of attention or care than
physical health problems. And let's not forget the way
that certain types of anxiety are often left out of the
conversation altogether. Media representation tends to
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focus on anxiety that is socially or performance related,
like stage fright or awkward social situations, while leaving
out more complex manifestations of anxiety, like health anxiety,
generalized anxiety disorder, orthe intense physical symptoms
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that many people experience. For instance, someone with
health anxiety might spend hoursobsessing over every physical
symptom, convinced they have a serious illness, even when
doctors repeatedly assure them they're fine.
But instead of portraying these different types of anxiety
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realistically, the media typically lumps everything
together in a way that doesn't help viewers understand the
variety and depth of anxiety disorders.
One thing that's often glossed over is the long term effects of
anxiety. It's not just about feeling
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nervous before a big presentation or worrying about
what people think of you at a party.
Long term anxiety can have a serious impact on someone's
health. It can erode your confidence,
damage relationships and even impact your physical health.
Chronic anxiety is linked to a host of health problems,
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including gastrointestinal issues, sleep disturbances,
muscle tension and even heart disease.
But in the media, these long term consequences are often left
out, creating the false impression that anxiety is a
temporary, fixable issue that will just go away with time.
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In reality, it can be a lifelongbattle that requires ongoing
effort and support. The media often leaves the
impression that people with anxiety are either overreacting
or cured with a little bit of help, when in fact, anxiety can
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be a lifelong struggle. Sure, we see moments where
characters appear to overcome their anxiety, but the reality
is that anxiety doesn't simply disappear with a dramatic plot
twist. It's about learning to live with
it, manage it, and find ways to make peace with it.
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That's the part we rarely see inmovies, and that's the part that
people living with anxiety most need to see.
It's the reminder that you're not alone and that there is no
one-size-fits-all solution. It's not about curing anxiety in
an hour long episode. It's about navigating it every
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day, just like you would any other chronic condition.
So here's the good news. While anxiety can sometimes feel
like the permanent, unwanted roommate who eats all your
snacks and refuses to leave, it's actually highly treatable.
Yep, you heard that right. You don't have to just live with
(36:50):
it or let it run the show. The trick is to get a little
help. And no, we're not talking about
a motivational quote or trying to manifest your way to a
peaceful mind. We're talking about real
strategies, therapy, meds, and some lifestyle changes that work
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together like a well oiled anxiety fighting machine.
First up, therapy. Specifically, Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy, CBT for short, which sounds all
technical and complicated, but really it's about teaching you
how to call out your brain's ridiculous anxiety fueled
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thoughts and replace them with something more realistic.
CBT is like hiring a personal trainer for your brain.
You know, the one who doesn't let you get away with the I'm
terrible at everything routine and actually helps you learn how
to break free from that hamster wheel of overthinking.
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You'll learn how to turn the volume down on those intrusive,
catastrophic thoughts and gain more control over your
reactions. Basically, it's giving your
brain a makeover, one healthy thought at a time.
Then there's the medication route.
SSR is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or even
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benzodiazepines are often prescribed to help balance out
the chemical chaos in your brainthat makes anxiety feel like
it's on a never ending loop. Think of SSRI as as your brains
calm down crew helping to restore some much needed
balance. Benzos.
Those are like the emergency brake when things are spiraling
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out of control. But side note, they're meant to
be used sparingly because you know you don't want to rely on
them to get through every dinnerparty.
But hold up, it's not all about meds and therapy.
Lifestyle changes also play a pretty big role.
(39:03):
We're talking about the boring but necessary stuff,
mindfulness, exercise, and all those habits that actually help
your body and mind chill out. Mindfulness is like training
your brain to take a moment and breathe instead of letting every
(39:23):
little stressor turn into a fullon existential crisis.
Exercise. Yeah, that's basically your
anxieties arch nemesis. Your body might not love it at
first, but getting that heart rate up and sweating it out can
seriously help to lower anxiety levels.
(39:45):
It's like telling your brain, hey, I'm not going to let you
run the show today. Plus, it's hard for anxiety to
hang around when you're in the middle of a kickboxing class.
The key take away here is don't just suffer through it.
If you've been feeling like youranxiety is driving the car, it
(40:06):
might be time to take the wheel.Seeking professional help for a
proper diagnosis and treatment plan can give you the tools to
regain control of your life and get that anxiety in check.
It's like fixing a broken sink. It's not glamorous, but it works
and soon enough your brain won'tbe leaking panic every time we
(40:29):
try to relax. So if you're struggling with
excessive worry, physical symptoms, or anything else that
feels out of control, remember you don't have to do this alone.
Help is available and it's highly effective.
It's time to stop letting anxiety win the championship.
(40:54):
We have pulled apart anxiety piece by piece and shown you
it's way more than just sweaty palms before presentation or
that little nervous energy that you think is just part of the
human experience. No, anxiety is not the friendly
neighbor you can just wave off. It's that uninvited guest who
(41:18):
overstays their welcome and it often doesn't have the decency
to let you know when they're leaving.
But here's the kicker, This isn't the kind of thing that you
have to just deal with forever. It might feel overwhelming at
times, and those moments when the world feels like it's
(41:38):
closing in can be downright exhausting.
But the good news is, there are ways to manage, treat, and even
thrive despite anxiety. Whether it's medication,
therapy, or shaking up your lifestyle, there's a way out of
that constant cycle. No one should feel like they
have to just suffer in silence. So take a moment to check in
(42:03):
with yourself. If something we talked about
today hit home, don't hesitate to reach out for help.
No shame, no guilt, just a smartmove toward better managing your
mental health. And remember, anxiety is a
complicated beast that doesn't fit into a neat little box.
(42:23):
But that doesn't mean you can't fight back, take control, and
keep moving forward. And that's a wrap on today's DSM
dive into the emotional roller coaster that is anxiety, AKA
your brains favorite hobby. Catastrophizing everything from
texts to traffic. Hopefully now you've got a
(42:46):
clearer picture of what anxiety really looks like.
Hint, it's not just being a little stressed and maybe even
feel a little more seen in the chaos.
If this episode hit home or justmade you laugh at your own
nervous system, do me a favor and spread the word.
(43:08):
Share this episode with your anxious bestie, your therapist,
or that one Co worker who alwayssays I'm fine but blinks in
Morse code. And while you're at it, don't
forget to rate, review and subscribe because nothing
soothes my anxiety like knowing people are actually listening.
(43:29):
Now, if you want to keep the conversation going, join the
O'Neill Counseling app. The link is in the show notes,
it's full of listeners like you,and there are blog posts with
full text transcripts of each episode, fun badges you can
earn, and way less pressure thangroup chats that say, can we
talk. And of course, TuneIn next week
(43:51):
for another irreverent, brutallyhonest and occasionally unhinged
episode of Shrink Wrapped, wherewe are diving into breaking
cycles. Thanks for pushing play and I'll
see you next time. Or at least shout into your ears
again.
Welcome to today's episode wherewe are tackling anxiety.
Because who doesn't love that constant feeling of doom and
worry, right? As always, we'll start with the
DSM criteria, which is our favorite official checklist that
defines anxiety. But let's be real, you know,
(00:24):
it's way more than a couple of bullet points on a page.
And, you know, I'm going to break it down in a way that's
less clinical speak and more what's actually going on inside
your head. Next up, we've got the media
portrayal of anxiety, which, spoiler alert, isn't exactly
(00:45):
accurate. From the dramatic movie scenes
where people can't breathe because they're too anxious, to
the idea that anxiety is just worrying over a test.
It's a lot messier and a lot more complex than that.
We'll get into how anxiety is actually experienced.
And trust me, it's not always about nervous breakdowns on
(01:08):
screen. And you know, we have to talk
about what anxiety is not, because we both know it's not
just about being a little jittery before a big
presentation or worrying about whether or not you lock the
door. Anxiety is a real, often chronic
condition that's more than just occasional stress.
(01:29):
So buckle up because I'm about to take you through the real,
unfiltered truth about anxiety. No sugar coating, just the good
stuff. Let's get into it.
(01:51):
So anxiety disorders are like the overachievers of mental
health. They don't just do fear, they
take fear and anxiety, make a smoothie out of them and throw
in a sprinkle of chaos that messes with your daily life.
It's like you're trying to live your life but someone keeps
(02:13):
playing the end as near soundtrack on loop in the
background. Now fear.
Classic, right? It's that instinctual response
to something that's actual, actually dangerous.
Think a bear in the wild or a toddler with scissors.
(02:33):
It's the run for your life mode in the brain.
But anxiety? Oh, that's the brain taking the
run for your life signal and going into hyperdrive, imagining
that everything like your boss'sside eye or the possibility of
losing Wi-Fi might be catastrophic.
(02:57):
So it gets all worked up about things that could happen, even
though they're usually about as likely as a UFO landing on your
front lawn. The DSM Five, that big fancy
book of mental health conditions, lists a bunch of
these disorders, each with its own spicy little criteria.
You've got generalized anxiety disorder where you're basically
(03:20):
worrying about everything under the sun and wondering if you've
left the stove on even if you haven't used it in years.
Then there's panic disorder where your body goes into full
on it's a disaster call everyonemode and you have no no idea
why. Social anxiety.
(03:41):
Just imagine your brain telling you that every conversation is a
potential disaster and that everyone in the room is silently
judging you for existing. Nice, right?
So yeah, anxiety disorders are like a mental amusement park
where the rides are broken and you're stuck on them forever.
(04:03):
It's a ride, but it's the one you never asked to get on.
All right, let's break this circus down, shall we?
Anxiety disorders are like that messy acquaintance who shows up
uninvited, drinks all your emotional wine, critiques your
(04:24):
life choices, and then refuses to leave.
You didn't ask for this mental health party crasher, but here
it is bringing a three tiered cake of panic, dread and
existential sweating. Let's start with the crown jewel
of anxiety, excessive, persistent worry and not the
(04:52):
normal Did I leave the stove on kind?
Oh no, this is Olympic level full time job version of
worrying. Your brain turns into an over
caffeinated doomsday prepper, spinning elaborate scenarios
about everything that could go wrong at any given moment.
(05:15):
Your future, your friends, your inbox, your heartbeat, your
house plants. There's no chill.
It's like your mind is stuck in a loop of what if?
Like some anxiety powered game show with no prize, just
cortisol. Now, because your brain is
(05:36):
hosting its own anxiety rave, your body decides to join the
party. Cue the physical symptoms.
We're talking muscle tension that makes you feel like you've
been clenching every muscle in your body since 2009.
Restlessness that makes sitting still feel like a form of
(05:57):
medieval torture. Rapid heartbeat, like your heart
is trying to audition for a car chase scene.
Sweating, nausea and dry mouth because apparently your body
thinks you're about to fight a bear or give a Ted talk and it
can't decide which. Oh, and fatigue, because living
(06:19):
in a state of fight or flight burns through energy like a
phone with 43 apps running. Meanwhile, your day-to-day life
totally hijacked work. You're rereading the same
sentence 17 times while spiraling about an e-mail you
sent three days ago. Social life sounds fun until you
(06:43):
spend 2 hours beforehand rehearsing what to say and then
replay every interaction for thenext week like an emotionally
masochistic director's cut Relationships.
If your anxiety doesn't push people away, your chronic need
for reassurance just might. You want connection, but your
(07:04):
brain keeps yelling rat alert atthis first sign of
vulnerability. And let's be clear, this isn't
just a bad week. Anxiety disorders hang out for
months, six or more for the DSM standards, not because they're
welcome but because they're clingy and rude.
(07:27):
It's like emotional mildew, you didn't notice it at first but
now it's everywhere and making everything harder to clean up.
Also quick note, anxiety disorders aren't
one-size-fits-all. You've got the generalized
thing, generalized variety, worry about everything, the
(07:49):
social kind where being perceived is a full blown horror
film, the panic disorder complete with surprise attacks
from your own body, and a few other spicy subtypes like
specific phobias and agoraphobia, which turns just
going outside into a strategic mission.
(08:09):
But across the board, the unifying theme is this.
Your brain and body are constantly acting like something
terrible is about to happen, even when you're literally just
standing in line at Walgreens. So to recap, if your mind is a
(08:29):
doomsday carnival, your body thinks you're mid zombie
apocalypse, and your ability to function is being held hostage
by your own nervous system. Welcome to the glamorous world
of anxiety disorders. It's exhausting, it's
relentless, and no, you're not just overthinking it.
(08:54):
You're stuck in a neurological escape room with no clues, no
timer, and someone yelling you're late in the background.
So first, let's breakdown generalized anxiety disorder in
a way that even your over caffeinated brain can follow.
(09:15):
GAD isn't just about being stressed for a day or two, it's
more like a constant background hum.
It's always there, turning everything into a potential
disaster. We're talking about anxiety that
sticks around for at least six months, just chilling like that
(09:36):
uninvited guest who refuses to leave the party.
This isn't just I'm worried about my performance at work.
It's a lifestyle. You're constantly scanning your
mental To Do List, checking for potential threats, whether it's
how your emails are perceived orthat weird looks someone gave
(09:58):
you in the coffee shop. You can't even stop worrying
because your brain is like no, no, we must keep worrying, it's
our job now. To top it off, you're
practically running on fumes. You're irritable, fatigued, and
your brain is in a constant fog.Good luck trying to focus on
(10:19):
anything when your mind is throwing a tantrum in the
background. It's like trying to concentrate
while a toddler is setting off fireworks next to you.
You're tense. Your muscles feel like they've
been in a constant state of flexing since 1999.
And don't even get me started onsleep.
(10:39):
You're either lying awake for hours staring at the ceiling or
waking up every 5 minutes like you're in the middle of a bad
game of whack A mole with your thoughts.
And it doesn't stop there. The anxiety ruins your ability
to function like a regular human.
Social interactions, a nightmarework?
(11:02):
Forget about it. Everything just feels like one
big emotional landmine and it's hard to be productive or even
keep up appearances when anxietyhas you in a headlock.
The kicker here is that this isn't just some oh I'm feeling
stressed thing that can be blamed on life events or a bad
(11:26):
cup of coffee. It's a legit mental health
condition that sticks around regardless of what's happening
around you. And no, it's not caused by some
Randall random medical issue or substances.
It's just anxiety being a royal pain in the ass.
Now if GAD is like a constant low level buzz, panic disorder
(11:53):
is the opposite. It's a full on heart attack of
anxiety, but with no actual heart attack involved.
You're cruising along, minding your own business when out of
nowhere, BAM, your heart starts pounding like you've just run a
(12:13):
marathon. Your palms are slick with sweat
and suddenly it feels like you're drowning on dry land.
You're shaking, you can't breathe, and your body is like
surprise. Here's a list of symptoms to
freak you out even more. You start getting hit with a
wave of dizziness, nausea, and this delightful sensation of
(12:38):
what the hell is happening to me.
That's the fun part where you feel like you're either about to
pass out or even better, die. Seriously, you might actually
think this is it, the end of theline, and you're convinced that
your body is about to stage an epic meltdown.
(13:00):
Now if that wasn't enough fun, it doesn't stop there.
Once you've had a panic attack or two or 10, the aftermath
lingers like a bad hangover. You're now in full on survival
mode, worried about when the next one is coming.
(13:22):
You're hyper aware of every little change in your body
because your brain is convinced it's all leading to another
attack. Maybe this time you'll actually
die, or go insane, or get trapped in a situation that
makes it impossible to escape when the next attack hits.
(13:44):
People with panic disorder startavoiding places where they've
had attacks before, like that one Starbucks that just happens
to be the setting of their last meltdown.
You're not just dealing with theattacks themselves, but also
with the constant anticipation of when the next one is going to
hit. And of course, the cherry on
(14:08):
top, it's not something you can blame on any other condition.
It's not some other mental health disorder, a medical issue
issue, or the fact that you decided to drink an entire pot
of coffee at 11:00 PM. It's just your brains little way
of saying surprise. I'm here to ruin your day.
(14:28):
All right, so you made it through the unpredictable terror
of panic disorder, and now you've entered the social
battlefield known as social anxiety disorder.
Imagine every single social interaction feels like you're
stepping onto a stage in front of an audience of thousands and
(14:53):
the only thing on their minds ishow much of A disaster you're
about to be. Whether it's a casual
conversation, a work meeting, orthe horrifying idea of
performing in front of others, your brain is convinced that any
slip up will result in public humiliation of epic, epic
(15:17):
proportions. It's like the fear that someone
will notice you sweating, fumbling your words like I do,
or saying something dumb is the only thing your body is capable
of processing. Welcome to your own personal
horror show. Social interactions, Oh they
(15:39):
almost always spark that crippling wave of fear and
anxiety. We're talking about that I can't
breathe feeling when you're asked a simple question at work,
or the pre meeting meeting jitters that leave you
questioning if everyone is secretly judging you.
(16:00):
And because avoidance is the name of the game, you'll find
yourself dodging those situations like their landmines.
The irony is, if you even show up to that meeting or social
gathering, you're barely hangingon, just waiting for the clock
to hit the escape time so you can run and hide.
(16:24):
And the kicker? The actual danger in these
situations is usually nowhere near as bad as your brain makes
it seem. That possibility of getting
laughed at or judged is more of a what if nightmare than any
actual threat. But it doesn't seem to matter
because the fear is so overwhelming that it takes over
(16:47):
and ruins any chance of casuallyexisting.
And this fear sticks around for at least six months because
apparently your brain thinks this is the way to handle any
social interactions long term. And Oh yeah, it doesn't just
suck, it actually hurts your life.
(17:09):
Your social life, work life, Everything becomes a game of
avoiding discomfort or pushing through it while feeling like
you're about to combust. Social anxiety doesn't just make
you awkward at parties, it actively disrupts your ability
to function like a regular human.
(17:31):
Now let's turn the dial up even further with agoraphobia,
because why not take a mix of social anxiety and panic
disorder and throw in a healthy dose of I'm too scared to leave
the house? Imagine a world where even the
idea of stepping outside your front door feels like you're
(17:56):
walking into a war zone and the only safe space is your home,
which has now become your self-imposed fortress of
solitude. This isn't just and I'm a little
nervous about crowds thing. We're talking about full on
(18:18):
panic at the thought of public transportation.
Standing in line at the grocery store or being in an elevator.
Anything that requires you to leave the house or be in a place
where escape might be tricky is a major no go.
The heart of the fear. It's that deep, gnawing worry
(18:41):
that if a panic attack hits or you start feeling like you're
about to implode in front of a crowd, you're trapped.
It's like the brain starts playing out worst case scenarios
where help is nowhere to be found and you're left to just
flail in public. So what does the agoraphobic do?
(19:05):
Avoid, avoid, avoid the list of places and situations that feel
like land mines, grows and growsuntil you're left with just your
cozy safe little cave, AKA your house.
(19:25):
Of course, you can't exactly go on with life in this self-made
prison, so you'll probably end up enduring situations that
spark anxiety, but with a get methe hell out of here attitude.
Some people even need a companion to come along for the
ride just to make sure they don't spontaneously combust in a
(19:46):
crowd. The kicker, of course, is that
the danger is almost never as bad as your brain thinks it is.
Whether it's public transportation or standing in
line at a concert, the actual threat isn't life threatening.
But your mind is busy concoctingall sorts of terrifying
scenarios. And of course, this misery isn't
(20:10):
just a temporary inconvenience. It sticks around for months, if
not longer. And the fear, anxiety and
avoidance starts to wreak havoc on every part of your life.
You end up avoiding work events,social interactions, and pretty
(20:31):
much anything that requires being outside of your safe zone
before. Phobia doesn't just make you a
homebody, it practically chains you to your living room.
And now we've reached the land of specific phobia.
(20:51):
Because sometimes having a generalized anxiety isn't
enough. No, no, you need that one
particular thing that triggers you to the point where the mere
thought of it can send you into a full blown freak out.
It could be something as common as flying heights, animals, or
even getting a shot. Yes, needles are the devil in
(21:14):
disguise. Your brain locks on to that one
thing and decides this is the thing that will send us
spiraling. And every time you encounter it,
it's like your body flips the switch and you're hit with a
wave of terror. That object or situation.
Instant panic. The moment you're faced with it,
(21:35):
all logic flies out the window and your nervous system goes
into full meltdown mode. Flying.
Prepare for the world's worst panic attack.
As soon as you hear the word airport heights, don't even
think about looking down animals.
The smallest dog can become a giant drooling beast in your
(21:58):
mind. And don't get me started on
needles. Some people would rather fight a
bear then face the tiny prick ofa shot.
And because this is a phobia, not just a mild dislike, you
actively avoid these triggers with the intensity of someone
dodging a toxic X. If you can't avoid it, you're
(22:22):
probably enduring it with so much anxiety that it feels like
you're being tortured. You might even think you're
being irrational about it, but that doesn't stop your brain
from sending out distress signals.
The whole thing is a mess of disproportionate fear that's
totally out of line with any actual danger involved.
(22:46):
The thing isn't going to hurt you, but the panic and avoidance
come anyway because your mind has decided this is a real
threat. And of course, just like the
other disorders, it doesn't go away after a few days.
The fear sticks around for months, sometimes years, and it
(23:07):
starts to mess with your life. You might have to dodge family
vacations, business trips, or routine health check UPS, all
because that one specific thing is enough to make you reconsider
leaving your house. It's not just inconvenient, it
actively gets in the way of youreveryday existence.
(23:28):
Welcome to the world of specificphobia, where your brain picks a
battle with one random thing andmakes it your worst nightmare.
Speaking of nightmares, that brings us to anxieties
representation in the media. Anxiety in the media is like
that awkward, poorly timed punchline that lands way off the
(23:52):
mark. On one side, you've got the well
meaning but often misguided portrayals of anxiety.
Where characters might be shown pacing nervously or clutching
their chest while breathing intoa paper bag.
This sort of oversimplified anxiety moment is more like the
(24:13):
idea of anxiety than a true representation.
It's often the big, dramatic andloud version of anxiety, the
kind you can spot from a mile away because it's got neon
lights flashing over it, saying hey, this person is experiencing
something intense. But The thing is, anxiety
(24:34):
doesn't always look like that inreal life.
Anxiety is often quieter, subtler, and sneakier than those
dramatic portrayals. It's the constant what ifs
running through your head, the feelings of dread that sneak up
during a work presentation, or the exhaustion that hits after
(24:58):
hours of overthinking whether you said the right thing in a
conversation. Sometimes it feels like you're
drowning in a sea of thoughts but still managing to function.
It's the kind of anxiety that doesn't always have a big
cinematic moment, but rather lurks in the background,
constantly influencing how you engage with the world.
(25:20):
On the flip side, there's also just the misrepresentation of
anxiety. Media often glamorizes mental
health struggles, turning them into a trendy thing for
characters to experience, sometimes for no reason at all,
and sometimes to make a moment more dramatic than it needs to
(25:42):
be. Think of those teen dramas where
anxiety is the secret ingredientthat adds depth to the
character, often without really diving into the complexity of
what living with anxiety day in and day out is like.
This can create a dangerous narrative where people feel like
anxiety is just a plot device, or worse, something that can be
(26:06):
fixed in an hour long episode. The portrayal of mental health
issues like anxiety often missesthe real struggles, like the
constant weight of feeling like you're on edge, the isolation,
the toll it takes on your physical health.
(26:27):
Media representations also sometimes make it seem like
anxiety is something that can beeasily overcome with the right
advice or a dramatic personal revelation.
In reality, for many people, it's something that they manage
every day with no neat or quick solutions.
(26:48):
The idea that it's something youcan snap out of just makes the
whole thing more frustrated for those who experience it.
And let's not forget the portrayal portrayal of anxiety
as a mere quirk. As if being a little jittery or
avoiding social situations here and there is just charming.
(27:09):
Or add some mystique to a character.
Anxiety when trivialized like this because becomes something
less serious, when in reality itcan cause real, lasting
distress. It doesn't help that we often
see characters with anxiety who are portrayed as struggling in a
(27:32):
way that can be played for laughs, further reinforcing the
idea that it's something to be mocked or underestimated.
Anxiety isn't funny in the same way that laughing at someone's
pain isn't funny. In short, the media has a way of
reducing anxiety to either a dramatic tool for creating
(27:55):
suspense or a quirky trait that someone can overcome by the end
of an episode. It doesn't fully capture how
complex, persistent, and sometimes invisible anxiety can
be. The real battle is often much
more subtle and persistent, and it doesn't get resolved in a
(28:16):
single act of courage or a self help book.
Real anxiety is part of the landscape of daily life for
many, not just the highlight reel of a momentary crisis.
One of the biggest issues with anxiety representation is the
lack of nuance. When you see anxiety in TV shows
(28:39):
or movies, it's often portrayed as a big moment or a defining
character trait where a character either spirals into an
all consuming meltdown or magically pulls themselves
together in a dramatic moment ofclarity.
But here's the thing, real anxiety doesn't always come with
a soundtrack and a slow motion shot of the character crumbling
(29:02):
under pressure. Sometimes it's the quiet hum in
the background that no one notices.
It's the character who smiles through the panic, showing up at
the office or a social event like they've got it all together
even though their brain is a whirlwind of catastrophizing.
(29:22):
It's walking through life on autopilot, your thoughts racing
at 1000 miles an hour while you try to keep everything from
falling apart on the outside. This constant low level anxiety
is rarely depicted because it's not as dramatic.
(29:43):
It's not as marketable for TV and film where we want to see
the high stakes and the high emotions.
But the truth is, for many people with anxiety disorders,
that low grade, simmering anxiety is just as real, just as
(30:03):
debilitating, and just as hard to manage as the bigger, more
overt panic attacks or meltdownswe typically see on screen.
It's the anxiety that shows up at 2:00 AM when you're lying
awake replaying conversations from a week ago, or the kind
that fills you with dread just by thinking about leaving your
(30:25):
house for the day. And then there's the way that
anxiety is often romanticized ortreated as something that makes
characters more relatable or quirky.
Think of the classic I'm so stressed out, I'm kind of a mess
trope where anxiety is turned into a cute little personality
trait that people can easily laugh off.
(30:48):
Sure, it's cute in a ROM com when the lead character
nervously fumbles her words at aparty and somehow makes it into
a charming moment with love interest, but in reality,
anxiety isn't something that magically turns into a moment of
personal growth and self discovery.
It's not a quirky thing that adds layers to a character.
(31:12):
It's a real and exhausting experience that doesn't just
disappear because someone learned a valuable lesson about
love or life. On the darker side, anxiety is
sometimes shown as a dramatic villain, a force that takes over
a character's life in a way thatfeels like they're fighting a
literal battle. The anxious character becomes so
(31:33):
consumed by fear that it takes over their entire existence.
While this can be true for some people with severe anxiety, it
doesn't capture the more subtle,long term aspects of the
disorder. Anxiety doesn't always consume
everything. Sometimes it just lurks in the
background like a shadow. It might not always lead to a
(31:57):
complete breakdown, but it's constantly influencing your
decisions, your social life, your job performance and your
physical health. The media portrayal of anxiety
as an all consuming monster misses how it can just be this
constant companion that you haveto manage, no matter how small
(32:19):
or big it gets. The stigma around mental health
also plays a role in how anxietyis depicted.
When we see anxious characters portrayed as either too weak or
too neurotic, it feeds into the societal narrative that mental
health struggles are something to be ashamed of or minimized.
(32:41):
You see it in shows where the anxious character is either
laughed at, ignored, or treated like an inconvenience rather
than being taken seriously. The character struggles aren't
seen as legitimate because anxiety is still too often
portrayed as something that can be fixed with the right pep talk
or a deep breath. This kind of misrepresentation
(33:04):
can be harmful because it perpetuates the idea that mental
health issues are somehow less worthy of attention or care than
physical health problems. And let's not forget the way
that certain types of anxiety are often left out of the
conversation altogether. Media representation tends to
(33:25):
focus on anxiety that is socially or performance related,
like stage fright or awkward social situations, while leaving
out more complex manifestations of anxiety, like health anxiety,
generalized anxiety disorder, orthe intense physical symptoms
(33:47):
that many people experience. For instance, someone with
health anxiety might spend hoursobsessing over every physical
symptom, convinced they have a serious illness, even when
doctors repeatedly assure them they're fine.
But instead of portraying these different types of anxiety
(34:10):
realistically, the media typically lumps everything
together in a way that doesn't help viewers understand the
variety and depth of anxiety disorders.
One thing that's often glossed over is the long term effects of
anxiety. It's not just about feeling
(34:32):
nervous before a big presentation or worrying about
what people think of you at a party.
Long term anxiety can have a serious impact on someone's
health. It can erode your confidence,
damage relationships and even impact your physical health.
Chronic anxiety is linked to a host of health problems,
(34:56):
including gastrointestinal issues, sleep disturbances,
muscle tension and even heart disease.
But in the media, these long term consequences are often left
out, creating the false impression that anxiety is a
temporary, fixable issue that will just go away with time.
(35:17):
In reality, it can be a lifelongbattle that requires ongoing
effort and support. The media often leaves the
impression that people with anxiety are either overreacting
or cured with a little bit of help, when in fact, anxiety can
(35:39):
be a lifelong struggle. Sure, we see moments where
characters appear to overcome their anxiety, but the reality
is that anxiety doesn't simply disappear with a dramatic plot
twist. It's about learning to live with
it, manage it, and find ways to make peace with it.
(36:02):
That's the part we rarely see inmovies, and that's the part that
people living with anxiety most need to see.
It's the reminder that you're not alone and that there is no
one-size-fits-all solution. It's not about curing anxiety in
an hour long episode. It's about navigating it every
(36:26):
day, just like you would any other chronic condition.
So here's the good news. While anxiety can sometimes feel
like the permanent, unwanted roommate who eats all your
snacks and refuses to leave, it's actually highly treatable.
Yep, you heard that right. You don't have to just live with
(36:50):
it or let it run the show. The trick is to get a little
help. And no, we're not talking about
a motivational quote or trying to manifest your way to a
peaceful mind. We're talking about real
strategies, therapy, meds, and some lifestyle changes that work
(37:12):
together like a well oiled anxiety fighting machine.
First up, therapy. Specifically, Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy, CBT for short, which sounds all
technical and complicated, but really it's about teaching you
how to call out your brain's ridiculous anxiety fueled
(37:34):
thoughts and replace them with something more realistic.
CBT is like hiring a personal trainer for your brain.
You know, the one who doesn't let you get away with the I'm
terrible at everything routine and actually helps you learn how
to break free from that hamster wheel of overthinking.
(37:55):
You'll learn how to turn the volume down on those intrusive,
catastrophic thoughts and gain more control over your
reactions. Basically, it's giving your
brain a makeover, one healthy thought at a time.
Then there's the medication route.
SSR is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or even
(38:20):
benzodiazepines are often prescribed to help balance out
the chemical chaos in your brainthat makes anxiety feel like
it's on a never ending loop. Think of SSRI as as your brains
calm down crew helping to restore some much needed
balance. Benzos.
Those are like the emergency brake when things are spiraling
(38:42):
out of control. But side note, they're meant to
be used sparingly because you know you don't want to rely on
them to get through every dinnerparty.
But hold up, it's not all about meds and therapy.
Lifestyle changes also play a pretty big role.
(39:03):
We're talking about the boring but necessary stuff,
mindfulness, exercise, and all those habits that actually help
your body and mind chill out. Mindfulness is like training
your brain to take a moment and breathe instead of letting every
(39:23):
little stressor turn into a fullon existential crisis.
Exercise. Yeah, that's basically your
anxieties arch nemesis. Your body might not love it at
first, but getting that heart rate up and sweating it out can
seriously help to lower anxiety levels.
(39:45):
It's like telling your brain, hey, I'm not going to let you
run the show today. Plus, it's hard for anxiety to
hang around when you're in the middle of a kickboxing class.
The key take away here is don't just suffer through it.
If you've been feeling like youranxiety is driving the car, it
(40:06):
might be time to take the wheel.Seeking professional help for a
proper diagnosis and treatment plan can give you the tools to
regain control of your life and get that anxiety in check.
It's like fixing a broken sink. It's not glamorous, but it works
and soon enough your brain won'tbe leaking panic every time we
(40:29):
try to relax. So if you're struggling with
excessive worry, physical symptoms, or anything else that
feels out of control, remember you don't have to do this alone.
Help is available and it's highly effective.
It's time to stop letting anxiety win the championship.
(40:54):
We have pulled apart anxiety piece by piece and shown you
it's way more than just sweaty palms before presentation or
that little nervous energy that you think is just part of the
human experience. No, anxiety is not the friendly
neighbor you can just wave off. It's that uninvited guest who
(41:18):
overstays their welcome and it often doesn't have the decency
to let you know when they're leaving.
But here's the kicker, This isn't the kind of thing that you
have to just deal with forever. It might feel overwhelming at
times, and those moments when the world feels like it's
(41:38):
closing in can be downright exhausting.
But the good news is, there are ways to manage, treat, and even
thrive despite anxiety. Whether it's medication,
therapy, or shaking up your lifestyle, there's a way out of
that constant cycle. No one should feel like they
have to just suffer in silence. So take a moment to check in
(42:03):
with yourself. If something we talked about
today hit home, don't hesitate to reach out for help.
No shame, no guilt, just a smartmove toward better managing your
mental health. And remember, anxiety is a
complicated beast that doesn't fit into a neat little box.
(42:23):
But that doesn't mean you can't fight back, take control, and
keep moving forward. And that's a wrap on today's DSM
dive into the emotional roller coaster that is anxiety, AKA
your brains favorite hobby. Catastrophizing everything from
texts to traffic. Hopefully now you've got a
(42:46):
clearer picture of what anxiety really looks like.
Hint, it's not just being a little stressed and maybe even
feel a little more seen in the chaos.
If this episode hit home or justmade you laugh at your own
nervous system, do me a favor and spread the word.
(43:08):
Share this episode with your anxious bestie, your therapist,
or that one Co worker who alwayssays I'm fine but blinks in
Morse code. And while you're at it, don't
forget to rate, review and subscribe because nothing
soothes my anxiety like knowing people are actually listening.
(43:29):
Now, if you want to keep the conversation going, join the
O'Neill Counseling app. The link is in the show notes,
it's full of listeners like you,and there are blog posts with
full text transcripts of each episode, fun badges you can
earn, and way less pressure thangroup chats that say, can we
talk. And of course, TuneIn next week
(43:51):
for another irreverent, brutallyhonest and occasionally unhinged
episode of Shrink Wrapped, wherewe are diving into breaking
cycles. Thanks for pushing play and I'll
see you next time. Or at least shout into your ears
again.
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