Anxiety Society

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.

Welcome back to The Anxiety Society podcast! In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner discuss the pervasive impact of social media on mental health. We explore recent findings and the US Surgeon General's call for warning labels on social media, akin to those on tobacco products. The conversation tackles how platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok contribute to anxiety, depression, and body image issues, especially among adolescents. We'll also discuss personal experiences with anxiety, the importance of setting boundaries with technology, and practical steps for creating meaningful, real-life connections. Join us as we challenge the status quo and provide insights on managing anxiety in the digital age.

Key Points:

[0:06] Introduction to The Anxiety Society -

Introduction to The Anxiety Society podcast and episode overview.

[1:26] Personal "Anxious Moments" -

Struggling with balance and feeling overwhelmed.

[3:13] Clinical Consultation Anxiety -

Dealing with inappropriate language and rumination.

[6:26] Surgeon General's Warning -

Surgeon General's warning on social media's impact on children's mental health.

[10:11] Reflections on Social Media -

Personal reflections on social media's role in anxiety and comparison traps.

[15:01] Risks of Unsupervised Internet Access -

The risks of unsupervised internet access for children.

[19:39] Potential Social Media Accountability -

Discussion on potential lawsuits and accountability for social media platforms.

[27:13] Anxiety and Storytelling -

Coping with social media-induced stress.

[31:13] Setting Personal Boundaries -

Homework: Setting personal boundaries with technology.

Quotable Moments:

[2:34] - "Life is always going to be overwhelming, and there really isn't a middle space; we need to just accept that." - Cali Werner

[6:26] - "Social media is being equated to tobacco use in 2024 due to its impact on mental health, especially among youth." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

[30:47] - "You don't grow from things that are easy; you grow from things that are challenging." - Cali Werner

Links Mentioned:

• US Surgeon General NY Times Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/17/health/surgeon-general-social-media-warning-label.html
• Anxiety Society Podcast: http://www.anxietysocietypodcast.com
• Instagram: @theanxietysocietypod | https://www.instagram.com/theanxietysocietypod
• Book Recommendation: The Anxious Generation - https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/

Thank you for joining us today on The Anxiety Society podcast! We hope this episode has provided valuable insights into the impact of social media on mental health. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast, leave us a review, and follow us on Instagram for more content and updates. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with others who might benefit from our message. Remember, together we can change our relationship with anxiety and get back to living our lives to the fullest.

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.

Hey Anxiety Society listeners! Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner are back with another eye-opening episode. This week we’re peeling back the layers on the mental load that comes with parenting, daily life stressors, and why our society is grappling with more anxiety than ever before. We’re sharing relatable ways we juggle with work, family, and those pesky everyday anxieties effectively and ineffectively. Get ready for some candid unfiltered conversations and actionable advice that will help you reclaim control over your anxiety and improve your daily life.

Key Points:

[1:19] Makeup Madness:

Cali’s hilarious makeup mishap and navigating daily anxieties

[3:33] Parenting Pressures:

Liz’s reflections on the anxiety spikes from parenting and life stressors

[6:32] Mental Load Mayhem:

The crushing mental load of motherhood and feeling perpetually overwhelmed

[10:13] Embracing Discomfort:

Facing discomfort head-on to prevent enabling anxious behaviors

[11:50] Play and Anxiety:

How societal shifts have eroded children’s ability to tolerate anxiety

[14:14] Tech Trouble:

The impact of technology on our social interactions and anxiety levels

[19:15] PTSD Pathways:

 Effective treatments and recovery strategies for PTSD and trauma

[28:14] Tolerance Training:

Building distress tolerance: Your secret weapon against anxiety

[33:09] Social Media Sneak Peek:

Sneak peek: Social media’s role in our growing anxiety epidemic

Quotable Moments:

- [6:32] "The mental load of motherhood is like juggling flaming torches while balancing on a tightrope. It’s overwhelming, but acknowledging it is the first step to managing it.” - Cali Werner

- [10:13] "Facing discomfort head-on is crucial. If we constantly avoid it, we’re just feeding the anxiety monster.”- Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

- [14:14] "We’ve traded real connections for screen time. It’s no wonder our ability to handle anxiety has plummeted."- Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

Links Mentioned:

• Anxiety Society Podcast: http://www.anxietysocietypodcast.com
• Instagram: @theanxietysocietypod | https://www.instagram.com/theanxietysocietypod
• Book Recommendation: The Anxious Generation - https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/

Thanks for hanging out with us on the Anxiety Society podcast. We hope today’s episode gave you some powerful insights and tools to tackle anxiety head-on. Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode, and if you loved what you heard, please leave us a review. Your feedback helps us reach even more people who could benefit from these conversations. Follow us on Instagram at @AnxietySocietyPod and visit our website AnxietySocietyPodcast.com for more resources and to send us your burning questions.

Remember, we live it, we contribute to it, and together, we can change it. Let’s tackle anxiety together – one episode at a time. See you next week!

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! In this episode, we're diving into the personal journey of our co-host Cali Werner. From her early days as an anxious child to becoming a therapist dedicated to helping others, Cali's story is filled with raw honesty and inspiring moments. After a light-hearted and relatable start where Elizabeth and Cali share their recent anxious moments, we explore Cali's childhood anxieties, her struggles with OCD, and how she turned her challenges into a powerful tool for helping others. This episode is packed with insights, personal anecdotes, and practical advice for anyone dealing with anxiety.

Key Points:

[1:20] - Introduction

We're kicking off with a focus on Cali's journey. Get ready to hear her story!

[1:55] - Parenting Anxiety

Elizbeth's candid share about her daughter's medical anxiety hits home for many parents.

[5:07] - Cali’s Anxious Moment Of the Week

Cali's relatable anxious moment about being late for a coffee date—who hasn't been there?

[6:37] - Early Stages of Anxiety

Cali opens up about her childhood, the early signs of anxiety, and her 'horse girl' phase.

[11:00] - Growing Up With Anxiety

The pressure of school and sports: How Cali's anxiety showed up during her formative years.

[17:09] - The Family Dynamic

Family dynamics and anxiety: How Cali's parents responded during high school.

[20:20] - Challenges Faced

College struggles: Cali's battle with OCD and intrusive thoughts.

[23:40] - A Turning Point

Cali's coach steps in, and she begins her recovery journey.

[26:00] - Path of Less Anxiety

From functioning to freedom: Cali's path to managing and overcoming anxiety.

Quotable Moments:

[5:56] - "As anxiety clinicians, so many times we deny what we're being told because it's easier to deny it. But what we also know is that if we deny it, it's way worse in the long run." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

[22:42] - "You can’t get rid of the problem unless you’re working on the problem." - Cali Werner

[31:54] - "When we face our fears, not only do we get the excitement and freedom that we no longer have to be afraid, but we feel empowered because we're proud of ourselves." - Cali Werner

Links Mentioned:

• Anxiety Society Podcast: http://www.anxietysocietypodcast.com
• Instagram: @theanxietysocietypod | https://www.instagram.com/theanxietysocietypod
• Book Mentioned: *McFarland, USA* | https://www.amazon.com/McFarland-USA-Kevin-Costner/dp/B00UI5CU6Y

Thank you for joining us on this heartfelt episode of the Anxiety Society Podcast! Cali's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of proper treatment. If her story touched you, make sure to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode. We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please leave us a review. Stay connected with us on our website and Instagram for more insights and community support. Remember, we’re all in this together. Can you come through?

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! In this episode, your hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner, open up about their personal journeys with anxiety. They explore how these experiences have shaped their lives and careers as therapists. From rescuing stray dogs to navigating social anxieties, they share the most vulnerable moments and lessons learned. Tune in to hear about how the transformative power of effective treatment, can lead to freedom from anxiety. This is a raw, and unfiltered conversation that reveals how we can overcome anxiety in everyday situations.

Key Points:

[00:06] - Introduction

Discover the mission of the Anxiety Society podcast and what we aim to achieve together.

[01:35] - New Segment: Anxious Moment of the Week

We introduce a fresh segment where we share our personal anxious moments. It's real, raw, and relatable.

[02:19] - Cali’s Anxious Moment

Cali rescues a stray dog, leading to a heartfelt discussion about anxiety, compassion, and coping mechanisms.

[06:14] - Elizabeth’s Anxious Moment

Elizabeth reveals her social anxiety over a coffee meetup, offering a candid look at how anxiety can sneak into everyday situations.

[10:07] - Relational Anxieties

We delve into the complexities of relational anxieties and how they affect our interactions and self-perception.

[11:17] - Elizabeth’s Journey with Anxiety

Elizabeth begins sharing her powerful personal journey with anxiety, starting from her childhood and leading to her struggles with OCD.

[19:36] - The Impact of OCD

A deep dive into how OCD disrupted Elizabeth's daily life and the challenges she faced before seeking help.

[25:11] - Turning Point

The pivotal moment when Elizabeth sought effective treatment, marking the beginning of her path to recovery.

[32:24] - Finding Freedom

The role of effective treatment in achieving freedom from anxiety, emphasizing the importance of proper care and support.

Quotable Moments:

[34:37] - "Our stories shouldn't be exceptions; they should be the norm. With effective treatment, you can find freedom from anxiety.” - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

[35:27] - "You don't have to just survive with anxiety; you can thrive and live a life free from its grasp.” - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

[36:42] - "It's not about fighting to function; it's about fighting for freedom.” - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

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 our stories and insights inspire you to explore your own relationship with anxiety and seek the help you need. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and make a difference. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with friends and family. 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.

Welcome to the Anxiety Society podcast hosted by Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner. As therapists and individuals who've navigated our own anxiety journeys, we're here to explore what anxiety really is, how it's ingrained in our society, and most importantly, how we can overcome it. In this debut episode, we share our personal stories, revealing the raw and unfiltered reality of living with anxiety. Get ready to push your boundaries and challenge the status quo as we uncover the truth about anxiety and offer practical insights to help you reclaim your life.

Key Points:

- [0:06] Introduction: Meet your hosts, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner, and discover the mission behind the Anxiety Society podcast.

- [1:20] Behind the Scenes: The journey to launching this podcast and overcoming our own anxieties to make it happen.

- [2:15] Our Goals: Sharing personal experiences and professional insights to help you understand and manage anxiety better.

- [4:22] Natural Responses: Why our instinctive reactions to anxiety often make things worse and how to counteract them.

- [10:48] Personal Stories: Dr. McIngvale’s challenge with her daughter’s fear of a toy dinosaur and Cali’s holiday-induced anxiety.

- [18:03] Teaching Resilience: The importance of encouraging children to face their fears and build distress tolerance.

- [24:09] Overcoming Performance Anxiety: Cali’s journey from Division 1 athlete to Olympic trials, and how she conquered her anxieties.

- [30:14] Effective Treatment: Why evidence-based therapy is crucial and how to avoid the trap of quick fixes.

- [33:29] Seeking Help: Encouragement to pursue proper treatment and an understanding of anxiety’s widespread impact.

- [39:17] Wrap-Up: Our final thoughts and a call to action for listeners to follow, share, and review the podcast.

Links Mentioned:

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

Quotable Moments:

[22:08] "Anxiety treatment is when it gets hard. Can we lean in? Can we ride the waves of anxiety? Can we work through it versus running from it?" - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

[34:53] "If it feels uncomfortable, you're growing. Discomfort equals growth." - Cali Werner

[18:03] "Without our struggle, we wouldn't know our strength. There is no situation in your life that you're super proud of because it was super easy." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

Thank you for tuning in to the Anxiety Society podcast! We hope this episode brought you valuable insights and a sense of connection. If you enjoyed what you heard, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others who might benefit. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more people who need to hear this message. Remember, together we can change our relationship with anxiety and start living our best lives. Until next time, keep facing those fears and coming through!

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.

Tune in to learn what Anxiety Society podcast is all about!