In this episode, your hosts Dr. Liz McIngvale and Cali Werner dive into the intense feelings of political anxiety that often surface during election times. They explore how political beliefs, personal experiences, and the divisive nature of politics impact mental health, especially when the political climate feels overwhelming. Through personal stories and professional insights, the episode offers practical strategies for managing anxiety without being consumed by the turmoil, focusing on setting boundaries, riding the wave of anxiety, and living in alignment with your values.

Key Points:

[0:01] - Intro to Political Anxiety

The hosts introduce the theme of political anxiety, discussing how election seasons can heighten stress levels for many Americans.

[2:07] - Developing Your Own Political Views

A personal story about navigating the process of forming individual political beliefs, different from family or friends, and the challenge of balancing relationships with diverse political perspectives.

[5:12] - The Role of Empathy in Political Conversations

Emphasizing the importance of empathy, the hosts discuss how shame and judgment hinder productive dialogue and suggest approaching conversations with the intent to learn rather than to convince.

[12:50] - Media and Political Characters

Frustration with the discrepancy between politicians' public personas and private behaviors, emphasizing the difficulty in knowing who to trust and how this contributes to anxiety.

[17:02] - Boundary Setting in Political Conversations

Practical advice on setting boundaries with friends or family who have opposing political views, to maintain relationships and mental health during heated times.

[21:50] - Coping with Political Outcomes

How to manage the aftermath of an election when the result isn't what you hoped for, focusing on staying grounded in daily life and not letting anxiety dictate your actions.

Quotable Moments:

[4:25] "When we get stuck in this, I better say this to appeal to these friends... I'm not speaking in my values-based way."

– Cali Werner

[13:00] "Sometimes I feel like, why can't we all just be who we are? It feels like an act, and that makes me anxious and pissed."

– Dr. Liz McIngvale

[30:07] "Political anxiety is no different than other anxiety. You either contribute to it and make it bigger, or you can change it by the way you behave."

– Dr. Liz McIngvale

Links Mentioned:

Anxiety Society Podcast: http://www.anxietysocietypodcast.com

Instagram: @theanxietysocietypod : https://www.instagram.com/theanxietysocietypod

As election season ramps up, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by political anxiety, but you don't have to let it control your life. By setting healthy boundaries, focusing on your values, and practicing self-care, you can manage the anxiety that comes with the season. Remember, the goal isn’t to eliminate anxiety but to navigate through it. If you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend who might need it, and don't forget to rate and review!

Mentioned in this episode:

World Class Treatment For A Worldwide Need

The OCD Institute of Texas provides compassionate individualized treatment for anxiety, OCD and related disorders with a diverse team of dedicated specialists.

Join Dr. Elizabeth Mcignvale and Cali Werner as they return after a two-week hiatus caused by Hurricane Beryl. In this episode, we dive into a Q&A session centered around the impact of the hurricane on our lives, our mental health, and the anxiety lingering in its aftermath. From dealing with heat exhaustion to managing work and personal stress, we share our personal stories and professional insights to help you navigate these challenging times. Tune in for real, raw, and unfiltered discussions about living with anxiety and finding ways to overcome it.

Key Points:

[0:06] - Introduction: Welcome to The Anxiety Society Podcast and our mission.

[1:20] - Hurricane Impact: How Hurricane Beryl affected Houston and our personal lives.

[2:01] - Lingering Anxiety: Coping with anxiety and exhaustion post-hurricane.

[4:11] - Survival Struggles: The challenge of securing basic necessities during the storm.

[5:06] - Healthcare Heroes: A shout out to the dedication of healthcare workers.

[7:10] - Cali’s Anxious Moment: Sleeping with dogs during a power outage.

[8:00] - Elizabeth’s Anxious Moment: Black eye, COVID, and an ear infection.

[17:40] - Listener Q&A: Causes of anxiety disorders and when to seek help.

[19:59] - Workplace Anxiety: Managing anxiety at work and the importance of education.

[22:07] - Reducing Anxiety: Strategies for reducing anxiety and building distress tolerance.

[26:05] - Social Anxiety Tips: Staying present during dates and social interactions.

[28:32] - Self-Care Essentials: The role of self-care in managing anxiety and setting boundaries.

Quotable Moments:

[1:20] "The anxiety is lingering, so we'll talk about that." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

[8:00] "This is reality, and I can't really change it." - Cali Werner

[17:17] "Anxiety can be there, but there also can be actionable steps that need to happen." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

Links Mentioned:

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

Thank you for joining us today on The Anxiety Society Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, share, and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us improve and reach others who might benefit from hearing our message. Remember, together we can change how we live with anxiety.

Mentioned in this episode:

World Class Treatment For A Worldwide Need

The OCD Institute of Texas provides compassionate individualized treatment for anxiety, OCD and related disorders with a diverse team of dedicated specialists.

In this episode of The Anxiety Society podcast, Cali Werner is joined by Dr. Lennie Waite, PhD, OLY, an Olympic steeplechaser and sports psychologist, to explore the phenomenon of post-Olympic blues. The discussion delves into how the high of major achievements, like competing in the Olympics, can lead to emotional dips and anxiety afterward. They also discuss how this issue extends beyond athletes, affecting anyone who experiences a significant build-up to a major life event. Tune in for valuable insights on managing the emotional aftermath of success and learning how to build a balanced, fulfilling life post-accomplishment.

Key Points:

[2:02] – Meet Dr. Lennie: Olympian & Sports Psychologist

Dr. Lennie Waite, incredible career includes competing in the Rio Olympics, sports psychology work with athletes, and her role as a professor and mom.

[4:42] – The Rise of Achievement Anxiety

Dr. Lennie Waite, explains how athletes today not only train physically but also juggle brand-building and social media, contributing to heightened anxiety.

[9:35] – Defining Post-Olympic Blues

Post-Olympic blues refer to the emotional letdown athletes often feel after the thrill of competition fades, leaving a void after months or years of preparation.

[13:00] – Parallels in Everyday Life

Post-event dips aren’t exclusive to athletes. Anyone preparing for significant life events—like a big exam, a wedding, or career achievement—can feel similarly.

[15:40] – The Double-Edged Sword of Achievement

Highlighting how striving for success can be both motivating and draining, emphasizing the importance of balance and having a well-rounded identity.

[34:51] – Preparing for the Crash

Practical strategies for managing the emotional fallout after a big achievement include building a well-rounded identity, mindfulness, and behavior change.

Quotable Moments:

[9:35] "Post-Olympic blues are the letdown of excitement, feeling important, and having the world's attention on you—then waking up one day, and it's gone." – Dr. Lennie Waite, PhD, OLY

[15:03] "Achievement striving is a double-edged sword. It drives you, but at some point, you have nothing left to give, and it just plummets." – Dr. Lennie Waite, PhD, OLY

[35:00] "A huge part of managing post-achievement dips is having a well-rounded identity, so you’re not defined by just one accomplishment." – Cali Werner

Links Mentioned:

• AnxietySocietyPodcast: https://www.anxietysocietypodcast.com
• Instagram: @TheAnxietySocietyPod: https://www.instagram.com/TheAnxietySocietyPod

Post-achievement anxiety can impact anyone, from Olympians to everyday people. By building a well-rounded identity and preparing for emotional dips, you can manage the aftermath of major life events more effectively. For more insights into anxiety, subscribe to The Anxiety Society and explore our resources on social media. Together, we can change how we deal with anxiety and build healthier, more balanced lives.

Mentioned in this episode:

World Class Treatment For A Worldwide Need

The OCD Institute of Texas provides compassionate individualized treatment for anxiety, OCD and related disorders with a diverse team of dedicated specialists.

In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner dive into the concept of the "inner critic" and how it fuels anxiety through cognitive distortions. They explore how negative stories we tell ourselves can shape our reality, discussing practical strategies to identify, challenge, and reframe these unhelpful thoughts using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). They share personal anecdotes, clinical insights, and relatable examples that highlight how to break the cycle of self-criticism and embrace self-compassion.

Key Points:

[0:00] - Welcome and Introduction

Elizabeth and Cali introduce today’s topic: how negative stories and the inner critic influence anxiety. They explain cognitive distortions and how we believe these made-up stories.

[1:18] - Anxious Moments

Both hosts share recent personal experiences where their inner critic got the best of them, leading to overthinking and stress.

[4:07] - Mind Reading and Fortune Telling

A discussion on cognitive distortions like “mind reading” and “fortune telling,” where we assume negative things will happen without evidence.

[5:38] - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

How CBT can help change the negative beliefs we hold about ourselves. They outline the three steps to deal with the inner critic: Name it, Reframe it, and Live it Out.

[12:17] - Reframing Negative Thoughts

The hosts walk through real-life examples of how reframing can stop the cycle of negative self-talk, providing a helpful strategy for combating automatic negative thoughts.

[19:06] - Real-life Work and Relationship Examples

How the inner critic impacts relationships and work scenarios. The importance of communication and challenging assumptions about others' intentions.

[28:05] - Thought Challenge Worksheet

An introduction to a powerful CBT tool, the Thought Challenge Worksheet, which helps reframe negative beliefs through evidence-based thinking.

Quotable Moments:

[5:06] “The more you replay something, the more damage it leaves.” - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

[9:55] "Our behaviors empower thoughts—if we change our behaviors, we change how we feel." - Cali Werner

[28:17] "You may not be able to control the first thought, but you can control whether it becomes powerful." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

Links Mentioned:

• Kristin Neff’s website on self-compassion: https://self-compassion.org=
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Thought Challenge Worksheet:
• Anxiety Society Podcast: http://anxietysocietypodcast.com
• Instagram: @AnxietySocietyPod

The stories we tell ourselves can shape our mental health, but through techniques like CBT, we can shift negative self-talk into more constructive thoughts. If you found these tips helpful, try incorporating them into your daily routine and practice living by your new, reframed thoughts. Don’t forget to visit the Anxiety Society website for more resources, and follow us on Instagram for more updates!

Mentioned in this episode:

World Class Treatment For A Worldwide Need

The OCD Institute of Texas provides compassionate individualized treatment for anxiety, OCD and related disorders with a diverse team of dedicated specialists.

In this episode of the Anxiety Society podcast, hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner are joined by Ryan Judd, a seasoned therapist, to dive into the world of therapy. They explore the distinctions between good and bad therapy, the importance of evidence-based treatment, and how to ensure you or a loved one are getting the right help. From understanding diagnoses to recognizing red flags in therapy, this episode is packed with insights to help listeners navigate their mental health journey effectively.

Key Points:

- [0:00] Welcome and Introduction

Dr. McIngvale and Cali kick off the episode by welcoming Ryan Judd, discussing the importance of understanding what good therapy looks like.

- [0:55] Ryan's Background and Passion for Therapy

Ryan shares his journey into therapy, fueled by personal experiences with anxiety and OCD, and his commitment to evidence-based care.

- [3:03] The Anxious Moments Segment

The hosts share their weekly "anxious moments," from Cali's edgy new look to Ryan's anxiety at a slide park with his nephews.

- [8:10] What is Therapy?

A deep dive into the true purpose of therapy, how it should help solve problems, and why it's not just about feeling good after each session.

- [12:10] Therapy as a Coaching Relationship

Ryan explains how effective therapy should be like a coaching relationship, with structure, goals, and accountability.

- [15:10] Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

The importance of receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan within the first few sessions, and why it's crucial for effective therapy.

- [30:43] Red Flags in Therapy

Identifying red flags such as therapists who claim to treat all disorders or use too many different approaches, and why these might indicate inadequate care.

- [41:36] What to Expect in Therapy Sessions

A discussion on the structure of therapy sessions, the importance of setting goals, and why therapy should be time-limited for specific issues.

Quotable Moments:

[11:43] "Great therapy doesn’t always feel good in the moment, but it's necessary for real change." - Ryan Judd

[29:24] "If you’re seeing a therapist for years and still struggling, it might be time to reassess your treatment." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

[12:10] "Your therapist should be a coach, pushing you to grow, not just a friend who listens." - Cali Werner

Links Mentioned:

SAMHSA.gov: https://www.samhsa.gov

This episode sheds light on the critical aspects of choosing the right therapy and therapist. If you've been in therapy without significant progress, it's time to reassess. Reach out to qualified professionals, ensure they're using evidence-based practices, and don't hesitate to ask about their training and experience. For more episodes and insights, subscribe to the Anxiety Society podcast, and follow us on social media for more tips.

Mentioned in this episode:

World Class Treatment For A Worldwide Need

The OCD Institute of Texas provides compassionate individualized treatment for anxiety, OCD and related disorders with a diverse team of dedicated specialists.

Welcome back to The Anxiety Society Podcast! This episode is a special treat as we hold a live Q&A session with our listeners. Join hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner as they tackle your burning questions about anxiety. We explore what anxiety looks like in daily life, discuss the difference between general anxiety and anxiety disorders, and provide insights on handling anxiety in children and the workplace. Plus, we touch on how anxiety can manifest as anger, and share practical advice for both individuals and their loved ones. Tune in for real, raw, and unfiltered answers that will help you navigate anxiety and regain control of your life.

Key Points:

- [00:06] - Introduction to The Anxiety Society Podcast and today’s special Q&A format.

- [01:20] - Discussing the common signs of anxiety in daily life and the difference between typical anxiety and anxiety disorders.

- [03:04] - Addressing how anxiety can interfere with everyday functioning and what an anxiety disorder looks like.

- [03:26] - Advice for parents on dealing with their child’s anxiety and handling bullying situations.

- [04:29] - Responding to a listener who is struggling with anxiety at work and considering changing jobs.

- [05:47] - Exploring how anxiety can appear as anger and other emotions.

- [07:16] - Strategies for talking to loved ones about their anxiety and encouraging them to seek help.

- [10:07] - Addressing an athlete’s anxiety about life after sports and identity beyond their career.

- [12:05] - When medication might be recommended for anxiety disorders.

- [13:09] - Understanding if and how parents might be contributing to their child’s anxiety and ways to teach children about anxiety.

- [15:15] - Tips for discussing personal anxiety with a spouse and improving mutual understanding.

- [18:09] - Common misconceptions about perfectionism and how it differs from simply being detail-oriented or Type-A.

- [20:00] - The impact of culture on our perceptions of anxiety and perfectionism, and the importance of tailored treatment approaches.

- [21:11] - Future directions for the mental health field in improving access to evidence-based treatments.

- [22:51] - The role of personal experience in being an effective clinician and maintaining professional boundaries.

- [24:32] - Differentiating between diagnosable anxiety disorders and common symptoms of anxiety.

- [26:02] - Managing family dynamics when personal anxiety affects household interactions.

- [27:50] - Recognizing when anxiety-driven behaviors are attempts to regain control in other areas of life.

Quotable Moments:

• [01:43] - "This is how it's actually applied in real life. Examples that are tangible." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

• [03:04] - "If it's more of an anxiety disorder, this is something that's not just turning off or just passing. It gets in the way of your ability to maintain friendships, relationships, your ability to work, your ability to do what it is that you need to do day to day." - Cali Werner

• [07:16] - "We can't force someone to go to treatment. But if they are not receptive and open to it, it's not going to be that useful." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

Link Mentioned:

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

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

Key Points:

[00:06] - Welcome to the Anxiety Society

Introduction to the podcast and today's episode.

[01:24] - Cali’s High School Mishap

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

[04:22] - Elizabeth's Imposter Syndrome

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

[06:29] - Anxiety 101 Introduction

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

[07:15] - The Anticipatory Anxiety Breakdown

Exploring the concept of anticipatory anxiety and its effects.

[08:17] - The Storage Unit Analogy

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

[12:29] - Avoidance and Reassurance Behaviors

How these common responses contribute to ongoing anxiety.

[18:11] - Useful vs. Unhelpful Anxiety

Discussing when anxiety serves a purpose and when it hinders.

[23:33] - Managing Subclinical Anxiety

Practical tips for recognizing and managing everyday anxiety.

[29:05] - Leaning Into Anxiety

Strategies for changing your relationship with anxiety by embracing discomfort.

[35:05] - Finding Professional Help

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

Quotable Moments:

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

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

Links Mentioned:

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

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

Mentioned in this episode:

World Class Treatment For A Worldwide Need

The OCD Institute of Texas provides compassionate individualized treatment for anxiety, OCD and related disorders with a diverse team of dedicated specialists.

In this episode we get into the challenges that come with back-to-school anxiety, not just for kids but for parents too. Our hosts share personal stories, practical strategies, and expert advice on how to manage anxiety as the new school year begins. Whether it's normalizing anxious feelings, discussing the role of parents in modeling calm behavior, or addressing more severe issues like school refusal, this episode is packed with insights that can help families navigate this stressful time with confidence.

Key Points:

[0:00] Introduction and Anxious Moments:

The hosts discuss their own recent experiences with anxiety, setting the stage for a deeper conversation about managing stress in everyday life.

[4:14] Back-to-School Anxiety:

A discussion on how the return to school impacts not just students but the entire family system. The hosts emphasize the importance of normalizing anxiety during this transition.

[5:12] School Stress Statistics:

The hosts share eye-opening statistics on school stress, bullying, and the impact of social media on mental health, highlighting the pervasive nature of anxiety in today’s educational environment.

[12:16] Parental Influence on Child Anxiety:

The role of parents in either exacerbating or alleviating their children's anxiety is explored, with tips on how to model resilience and confidence.

[27:20] School Refusal and Professional Help:

Addressing more severe cases of anxiety like school refusal, the hosts discuss when and how to seek professional help, including the benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and parent-focused interventions like the SPACE program.

Quotable Moments:

[3:03] “just that friendly reminder that saying no to something else also allows you to say yes to you in different ways.” - Dr Elizabeth McIngvale

[22:44] "The way we show our kids that they are strong, they can do hard things, and that we love them is by believing in them." - Dr Elizabeth McIngvale

[16:31] “I know you're scared and I know you can do scary things” - Dr Elizabeth McIngvale

Links Mentioned:

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

As the school year begins, remember that anxiety is a normal part of life. By modeling healthy behaviors, encouraging open conversations, and seeking professional help when necessary, you can help your child—and yourself—navigate these challenges. Together, we can change the conversation around anxiety!

Mentioned in this episode:

World Class Treatment For A Worldwide Need

The OCD Institute of Texas provides compassionate individualized treatment for anxiety, OCD and related disorders with a diverse team of dedicated specialists.