In this episode of the Anxiety Society podcast, hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner welcome listeners back with an open and honest discussion about their personal experiences with anxiety, the complexities of managing it, and the importance of recognizing our controlling behaviors. As both clinicians and relatable voices in the mental health community, they delve into how anxiety manifests in their lives and explore actionable methods for processing anxiety productively.

• Anxiety and Parenthood: Cali shares her experiences navigating anxiety as a new mother of four, emphasizing the need to accept messiness in life.
• Understanding Control: The hosts discuss controlling behaviors that often arise during anxious moments and how these behaviors can be misinterpreted, distinguishing between normal anxious responses and OCD.
• Processing Emotions: They highlight the importance of recognizing and processing emotions rather than avoiding them, marking the difference between productive processing and rumination.
• Productive Processing Techniques: The conversation emphasizes nurturing self-awareness and reflection to manage emotions effectively.
• Seeking Help and Therapy: A nuanced look at the necessity of therapy, its role in symptom management, and how to encourage loved ones to seek help.

• Controlling behaviors may stem from feeling overwhelmed in other areas of life.
• Anxiety waxes and wanes; everyone experiences normalized levels of anxiety in different life stages.
• Processing emotions is essential to understanding one’s thoughts and behaviors, allowing for personal growth.
• Remember that experiencing anxiety doesn't equate to having a mental health disorder, but seeking help is always a positive step.

• “Recognizing the discomfort can lead to healthier responses.” – Cali Werner
• "If you're questioning if you should seek treatment, you probably should." – Cali Werner

• 00:00 - 00:45: Introduction and welcome back.
• 00:46 - 06:10: Personal anxious moments shared by Cali and Elizabeth.
• 06:11 - 13:20: Discussing control, boundaries, and how they relate to anxiety.
• 13:21 - 23:00: Processing emotions and reflection techniques.
• 23:01 - 30:45: The importance of therapy and best practices for encouraging loved ones to seek help.
• 30:46 - 43:00: Listener Q&A segment discussing EMDR, CBT, and the difference between normal and clinical anxiety.
• 43:01 - End: Closing reflections and encouragement to subscribe and engage with the community.

• Podcast Website: anxietysocietypodcast.com
• Instagram: @theanxietysocietypod

If you found value in this episode, please subscribe to the Anxiety Society podcast on your favorite platform to never miss an episode. Your feedback is crucial—consider leaving us a review to help us reach others who might benefit from our conversations. Join the conversation on social media and stay connected with our community!

Episode Overview:

In this episode, host Cali Werner welcomes special guest Jelani Daniel, a seasoned clinician specializing in anxiety and related disorders. Together, they explore the complexities of hoarding disorder, its psychological impacts, and the importance of compassion and understanding in supporting those affected. They discuss common misconceptions about hoarding, the distinctions between hoarding and collecting, and share valuable resources for both individuals struggling with hoarding and their loved ones.

Key Insights:

• What is Hoarding Disorder? Defined by persistent difficulty in discarding possessions, regardless of their value, which can severely impact living spaces.
• Misconceptions: The portrayal of hoarders in media, especially reality TV, often emphasizes extreme cases and does not represent the average experience.
• Hoarding vs. Collecting: Important distinctions exist; collectors are organized and display items, whereas hoarding presents a cluttered living environment without utility.
• Support for Family Members: Encouragement for family and friends to seek their own support while navigating the challenges of living with or supporting someone who hoards.

Notable Quotes:

• "Hoarding can look a lot of different ways." – Cali Werner
• "Cleanouts do not treat the individual; they treat the house." – Jelani Daniel
• "Not all clutter is hoarding, and not all clutter is due to hoarding disorder." – Jelani Daniel

Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] - Introduction to the episode and hosts
• [00:01:10] - Introduction of guest Jelani Daniel
• [00:05:00] - Discussion on what defines hoarding disorder
• [00:10:09] - Impact of hoarding on individuals and families
• [00:16:45] - Misconceptions about hoarding vs. collecting
• [00:24:38] - Understanding the psychological aspects of treatment
• [00:39:40] - Resources for family members and support groups
• [00:43:01] - Conclusion and call to action

Relevant Resources:

• Houston OCD Support: houstonocdsupport.org
• Family as Motivators: gregchasson.com
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): nami.org

Call to Action:

If you found insights in this episode beneficial, please subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform, leave us a review, and share your thoughts or questions on social media! Connect with us on Instagram @theanxietysocietypod or visit our website at anxietysocietypodcast.com to engage with our growing community.

In this episode of the Anxiety Society podcast, hosts Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner welcome back Dr. Emily Bailey for an engaging discussion on the pervasive issue of perfectionism. They explore how perfectionism impacts mental health, fuels anxiety, and creates unrealistic expectations. The conversation delves into personal experiences, misconceptions, and practical strategies for overcoming perfectionistic tendencies, emphasizing the importance of embracing imperfections and focusing on meaningful values.

• Defining perfectionism and exploring its dual nature: healthy versus maladaptive forms.
• The role of perfectionism in anxiety, OCD, depression, and eating disorders.
• The link between perfectionism and procrastination as well as imposter syndrome.
• The impact of social media on perfectionistic tendencies, especially among younger generations.
• Practical strategies for managing perfectionism, including identifying personal values and cultivating a growth mindset.

• Perfectionism can drive achievement but often leads to anxiety, procrastination, and feelings of inadequacy.
• Social media amplifies perfectionistic expectations by encouraging constant comparisons.
• It’s important to distinguish between healthy perfectionism that motivates growth and maladaptive perfectionism that hinders well-being.
• Embracing imperfections and learning from mistakes is crucial in reducing perfectionistic pressures.
• Recognizing personal values and focusing on meaningful actions can help counteract the negative effects of perfectionism.

• "Perfectionism can be maladaptive. It can lead to procrastination and a fear of failure." – Dr. Emily Bailey
• "Sometimes we make something all of who we are, and I think the pressure's too much." – Cali Werner
• "Think about what’s important to you, because that’s not always going to be what anxiety and perfectionism says is important." – Dr. Emily Bailey

• 00:08 – Introduction to the podcast hosts and purpose of the episode.
• 01:10 – Welcoming Dr. Emily Bailey; discussion of the topic of perfectionism.
• 02:57 – Personal anxious moments shared by the hosts.
• 05:01 – Defining perfectionism and its impact on personal experiences.
• 12:02 – The clinical perspective on perfectionism and mental health issues.
• 17:10 – Discussion on procrastination and imposter syndrome related to perfectionism.
• 27:00 – The role of social media in exacerbating perfectionistic tendencies.
• 39:11 – Strategies for overcoming perfectionism and embracing growth.

• Anxiety Society Podcast Website
• Follow us on Instagram @theanxietysocietypod

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform to stay updated on future episodes! We would love to hear your thoughts—consider leaving a review to help us reach more listeners who can benefit from our message. Join our community by connecting with us on social media!

Episode Overview: In this Q&A episode, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale & Cali Werner tackle listener-submitted questions about navigating anxiety in everyday life. They discuss practical strategies for managing negativity, overcoming imposter syndrome, finding balance between productivity & rest, coping with current events, & understanding the difference between OCD & preferences. Plus, they offer insights into how parents’ anxiety can impact children & how to foster a healthier relationship with discomfort.

Key Insights:

• Balancing Self-Compassion, Grace, & Behavior Change: It's crucial to find the right mix of self-compassion, grace, & behavior change when addressing negativity. Excessive self-compassion can lead to stagnation, while focusing solely on behavior change without self-acceptance can be counterproductive.
• Reframing Productivity: Relaxation & connection are productive activities. It’s essential to evaluate which activities truly drain your energy versus those that fill your tank.
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Moving through imposter syndrome is key. Acknowledge feelings of inadequacy, but don't let them paralyze you. Embrace new challenges as learning opportunities.
• Setting Boundaries with Current Events: Limit exposure to news & social media to manage anxiety related to current events. It’s okay to set boundaries in conversations with friends & family.
• OCD is Not a Positive Performance Enhancer: OCD is disruptive & dysfunctional. It doesn’t improve performance; it hinders it by consuming mental energy.
• Anxiety in Parenting: Children are perceptive + sense their parents’ anxieties. Open communication + modeling healthy coping mechanisms are vital.

Notable Moments & Timestamps:

• [01:10] Cali shares her anxious moment about adopting two new puppies.
• [03:20] Elizabeth discusses her anxious moment about negativity during pregnancy.
• [05:25] Q&A begins with a discussion on managing negative self-perception.
• [07:51] Addressing guilt + productivity, + the importance of rest.
• [13:02] Strategies for managing imposter syndrome.
• [20:17] Exposures for anxiety about something bad happening.
• [23:19] Managing the need to be hyper-productive.
• [26:10] Coping with terror related to current events.
• [29:01] Debunking the myth that OCD enhances performance.
• [35:19] How parents’ anxiety affects children.
• [43:16] Increasing willingness to tolerate discomfort + start treatment.

Call to Action:

Submit your questions for future Q&A episodes via our website or social media! Subscribe to the Anxiety Society Podcast on your favorite platform + leave a review. Join our growing community on Instagram!

Overview:

In this episode of The Anxiety Society Podcast, host Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale dives deep into the complex relationship between trauma, anxiety, and PTSD. Joined by expert clinician Emily Weems, the discussion touches on effective treatment modalities, common misconceptions, and the powerful journey towards healing. Listeners can expect a candid conversation filled with personal anecdotes, clinical insights, and a hopeful message for those struggling with trauma-related disorders.

Main Topics Discussed:

• The definition and nuances of trauma and PTSD.
• The comorbidity of PTSD with other disorders like OCD.
• Personal anecdotes illustrating the hosts' journey with anxiety and parenting challenges.
• The importance of evidence-based treatment and the effectiveness of different therapeutic modalities.
• The significance of understanding the distinctions between trauma responses and PTSD.
• Misuse of the term "PTSD" in everyday language and its implications for treatment.
• The hope and recovery available through proper trauma-focused therapy.

Key Insights:

• PTSD is characterized by specific symptom clusters, including re-experiencing, avoidance, and emotional arousal, which can manifest differently in each individual.
• Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, highlighting the significance of resilience and recovery.
• Effective PTSD treatment modalities include Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Written Exposure Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
• Significant personal growth and healing can result from trauma work, allowing individuals to redefine their narratives beyond their traumatic experiences.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Everyone deserves to heal, and it's important that we extend compassion to ourselves." – Emily Weems
2. "What is more difficult is living with untreated PTSD." – Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale
3. "Without our struggle, we wouldn't know our strength." – Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

Timestamps:

• [00:00:01] Introduction and welcome back from maternity leave
• [00:01:30] Discussing the intersection of trauma and anxiety
• [00:12:00] Defining trauma and PTSD
• [00:30:00] Misuse of the term "PTSD"
• [00:45:00] Effective treatment options for PTSD
• [00:54:00] Personal growth through trauma recovery

Relevant Resources:

• OCD Texas: Website
• Anxiety Society Podcast: anxietysocietypodcast.com

Call to Action:

If you found value in today's episode, please subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform, share your thoughts in a review, and connect with us on social media at @theanxietysocietypod. Your feedback helps us reach others who might benefit from our conversations about anxiety and trauma. Together, we can contribute to a more compassionate understanding of these mental health challenges.

In this episode of the Anxiety Society podcast, hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner welcome Emily Hahn, a certified eating disorder dietitian and founder of We All Eat Nutrition Therapy. Together, they explore the complexities of eating disorders, the stigma surrounding them, and the importance of a non-diet approach to recovery. The discussion is rich with personal anecdotes, expert insights, and practical tips for those navigating their journeys with food and body image.

• The role of society and culture in defining anxiety and eating disorders.
• The common misconceptions about who suffers from eating disorders and the various forms they take.
• Understanding the non-diet approach and its benefits in treating eating disorders.
• The psychological and physical impacts of eating disorders.
• Strategies for recovery and what supportive treatment looks like.

• Dieting Risks: Emphasizing that dieting can lead to disordered eating—a significant risk factor for developing eating disorders.
• Diverse Experiences: Eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, or gender, and do not always fit the stereotypical image.
• Importance of Support: Recovery is possible, and fostering healthy conversations around food is crucial for those on the journey to healing.
• Holistic Approach: Recovery should involve a team that includes therapists and dietitians working collaboratively to address both emotional and nutritional needs.

• "Dieting is risky. I know they sell it well, but you must be mindful before entering into anything that might be harmful." - Emily Hahn
• "Eating disorders look many different ways, and often people do not recognize their struggles based on preconceived notions." - Emily Hahn
• "You can like your body and that’s okay; enjoying food and not stressing about it is possible." - Emily Hahn

• 00:00 - 02:21: Introduction to the episode and guest.
• 02:22 - 11:00: Discussion on common eating disorder myths and cultural impacts.
• 11:01 - 25:00: Overview of non-diet approaches and their significance.
• 25:01 - 37:41: Emily shares personal experiences highlighting the importance of seeking help.
• 37:42 - 43:12: Closing thoughts on recovery and future discussions.

• We All Eat Nutrition Therapy
• International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals
• Houston Eating Disorder Specialists

Thank you for joining us today on the Anxiety Society podcast! To stay connected and access additional resources, visit our website at anxietysocietypodcast.com and follow us on Instagram at @theanxietysocietypod. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode, and if you enjoyed what you heard, please consider leaving us a review. Your feedback helps us improve and reach others that might benefit from hearing our message!

In this episode of the Anxiety Society Podcast, host Cali Werner welcomes Ryan Judd, clinical director of the OCD Institute, to explore the critical role of sports psychology and performance mindset in managing anxiety and improving athletic performance. Drawing from personal experiences and professional insights, they dive into the intricacies of athlete psychology, examining how mindset can either hinder or enhance performance.

• Mindset vs. Performance: The importance of understanding how mindset influences athletic performance, particularly in endurance sports, where mental fortitude is crucial.
• Types of Motivation: Discussion on intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation and its effect on performance, highlighting the need for athletes to cultivate intrinsic enjoyment of their sport.
• Embracing Mistakes: Acknowledging that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process and strategies to foster resilience instead of perfectionism.
• Process Goals: The significance of focusing on process goals over outcome goals to reduce anxiety and improve performance, allowing athletes to concentrate on what they can control.
• Coping with Performance Anxiety: Techniques to reframe anxiety as excitement and the value of pre-performance routines to enhance confidence without resorting to superstitions.

• "The best athletes aren't necessarily perfect at what they do; they just recover from their mistakes faster." - Ryan Judd
• "Every time I go and run a race, I'm more anxious if I don't have anxiety because I need to be prepared." - Ryan Judd
• "When you can make losing an enjoyable experience, that's a skill for all of us to have." - Cali Werner

• 00:00 - Introduction: Introduction of hosts and overview.
• 01:08 - Sports Psychology Discussion: Cali and Ryan share their backgrounds in sports and psychology.
• 09:14 - The Role of Mindset: Explaining how mindset affects athletic performance.
• 19:06 - Motivation Types: Discussing intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
• 28:04 - Learning from Mistakes: The importance of viewing mistakes as feedback.
• 46:20 - Balancing Enjoyment in Sports: Strategies for enjoying sports even in competition.

• Visit the Anxiety Society Podcast website: anxietysocietypodcast.com
• Follow the podcast on Instagram: @theanxietysocietypod

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the Anxiety Society Podcast on your favorite platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners. Don’t forget to leave a review, as your feedback plays a vital role in helping us improve the content and connect with others who might benefit from our discussions. Engage with us on social media to share your thoughts and experiences!

Overview:

This episode dives into the importance of embracing discomfort for personal growth. Hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale & Cali Werner explore how avoiding discomfort hinders critical thinking & limits our ability to experience true joy. They discuss the challenges of navigating difficult conversations, the impact of societal polarization on critical thinking, & the need to challenge our own beliefs. The episode also touches on the connection between self-awareness & emotional intelligence, offering practical tips for listeners to lean into discomfort & foster personal growth.

Key Insights:

• Discomfort is essential for growth: True joy & meaningful experiences often arise from embracing uncomfortable situations.
• Critical thinking requires discomfort: The polarization of society discourages critical thinking because people avoid uncomfortable conversations and perspectives.
• Self-awareness is a starting point: Recognizing our anxieties and discomfort is the first step, but taking action to address them is crucial for personal development.
• Difficult conversations are valuable: While uncomfortable, these conversations foster deeper connections & understanding in relationships.
• Avoiding discomfort limits our potential: Rushing to decisions or avoiding difficult situations hinders growth in personal, professional, & familial relationships.

Notable Moments + Quotes:

• [00:02:08] "Growth comes from discomfort. It doesn’t come from comfort."
• [00:09:06] "…the world has gone so polarizing… that we’ve lost space for critical thinking because people don’t want to be uncomfortable."
• [00:10:13] "…individuals who have no tolerance for anxiety or no tolerance for uncertainty don’t actually get to get the real experience of joy."
• [00:25:46] "When we rush to a decision so that we don’t have to feel discomfort, is that really allowing you to grow?"
• [00:31:39] "Without discomfort, you cannot grow."
• [00:36:26] "…self awareness alone doesn’t mean other people accommodate… Self awareness is, ‘Hey. I’m aware that I struggle with this… and so can I lean into it?’”

Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] Introduction
• [00:01:10] Cali’s awkward neighbor story + the importance of self-awareness
• [00:04:40] Cali’s anxious moment: Avoiding thoughts about upcoming delivery
• [00:07:50] Discussion about discomfort tolerance
• [00:08:25] Leaning into discomfort
• [00:10:41] Two types of self-awareness: Internal + External
• [00:10:50] The link between self-awareness + McDonald’s fries (a critical thinking example)
• [00:17:04] The importance of evidence-based medicine in relation to anxiety + the dangers of black + white thinking
• [00:22:18] Where do you need to grow in self-awareness?
• [00:30:32] Choosing to lean into discomfort
• [00:31:50] Algorithms + critical thinking
• [00:35:01] Self-awareness without action
• [00:36:20] Challenge: Embrace self-awareness + take action
• [00:37:51] Conclusion + Call to Action

Call to Action:

Subscribe to The Anxiety Society Podcast on your favorite platform! Leave a review + follow us on Instagram @theanxietysocietypod for more content + to connect with our community! Submit your questions at theanxietysocietypodcast.com! Let's get comfortable being uncomfortable together!