We spend so much energy trying to silence anxiety. But what if it isn’t an enemy to defeat—what if it’s a signal to understand?

This week, Dr. Alison talks with Dr. Bethany Teachman, professor of clinical psychology at the University of Virginia and director of the PACT Lab, about what healthy anxiety looks like, why it’s actually useful, and how to stop letting it run your life. 

Dr. Teachman explains how to know when anxiety is becoming a problem and shares practical ways to calm anxious thoughts, build resilience, and approach your fears with curiosity instead of control. She says,

“Anxiety is uncomfortable, but it’s not dangerous, when you stop treating it like a threat, it loses its power over you.”

You'll learn:

Check out more free resources on anxiety:

TYDE (Thriving Youth in a Digital Environment) — A University of Virginia initiative co-directed by Dr. Teachman focused on youth, technology, and mental health.

MindTrails — A suite of digital and mobile interventions designed to help people manage anxiety and increase access to care, including. 

If you liked this episode, you’ll love: 

Episode 129: Understanding Your Anxiety

Episode 54: Can I Pray My Anxiety Away?

📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here

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