podcast

Science of Stuck: Addressing Anxiety [Podcast Episode 30]​

Podcast
September 11, 2023•2 min read
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Summary

Mandi, the host of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast, along with Britt Frank, a licensed neuropsychotherapist emphasize the importance of understanding and addressing anxiety and mental health issues with specificity, compassion, and a holistic approach that considers both the mind and the body.

Lessons Learned

  • 1. Anxiety serves as a signal, like a check engine light that helps point out issues in our lives that need to be addressed.

  • 2. Anxiety is a natural response to perceived threats. It becomes problematic when left unchecked, potentially contributing to various health issues.

  • 3. It's essential to be specific when disclosing anxiety or any mental health issue. Generalized terms like "I'm so anxious" may not provide a clear understanding of what's happening. 

  • 4. For anyone experiencing anxiety, identify specific concerns, break them down into manageable steps, and take small actions (micro-yeses) toward addressing them.

  • 5. Instead of trying to change your mindset immediately, focus on changing your body state. Engaging in sensory activities or movements can help regulate your nervous system.

  • 6. Somatic experiencing is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the physical body's sensations and helps individuals complete unprocessed threat response cycles, allowing them to better tolerate past experiences.

  • 7. It was recommended to find a therapist or practitioner who specializes in neuro-body-based therapies like somatic experiencing, such as EMDR, equine therapy, art therapy, EFT, etc.

 

Resources

Britt Frank, LSCSW, SEP is a licensed neuropsychotherapist and author of The Science of Stuck, named by Esquire and New York Magazine as a must-read. Britt received her undergraduate degree from Duke University and her master’s degree from the University of Kansas, where she later became an award-winning adjunct instructor. Britt is a contributing columnist to Psychology Today and her work has been featured in Forbes, NPR, Fast Company, Psych Central, SELF, and Thrive Global.


You can follow Britt Frank on her Instagram page.


What is Somatic Therapy and Find a Therapist in your state HERE


If you'd like to help sustain this podcast project to help empower others too, buy your host a coffee. Coffee Cheers!

You can find Mandi on Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared to message her.

Her website is WomenAwareAndPrepared.com where you can contact her or sign up for her weekly Tuesday Tip emails (at the bottom of the website) to stay safer and feel more empowered. You’ll receive a downloadable list of Mandi’s favorite 10 things to do to stay safer.

Music by Andrea Hamilton Binley at HopefulPop.com.

The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.

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