Anxiety disorder is the most prevalent mental illness in the U.S. and worldwide. Twenty percent of Americans, 40 million people, suffer from an anxiety disorder. The disorder can have a devastating impact on society and the individual, and can be particularly damaging to the human brain. Experts caution that an anxiety disorder requires treatment for the person to recover. The good news is that this episode highlights effective, proven treatment such as psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and medication, along with cutting-edge treatment methods. With the current and developing treatment methods, there is cause for optimism and hope in overcoming anxiety disorder today. Valerie and Helen both battle anxiety disorder, and they are well-versed in the symptoms and severity of the illness. Join them as they share what they have learned.

Find Valerie and Helen at https://mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com

Shownotes:

Attacking Anxiety

Episode #58
Release Date: September 29th, 2025

What This Episode Covers 

·      Helen and Valerie explore lived experience, causes and symptoms, coping skills, and research in the area of anxiety disorders.

Key Takeaways & Tools

· Anxiety disorder is the most prevalent mental illness in the U.S. and worldwide. 

· The disorder can have a devastating impact on society and the individual, and can be particularly damaging to the human brain.

· The good news is that with the current and developing treatment methods, there is cause for optimism and hope in overcoming anxiety disorder today.

· There are a vast number of practical coping skills for anxiety disorder, including mindfulness, diaphragmatic breathing, journaling, therapy, dialectical and cognitive behavior skills, checking for the actual truth of a situation, exercise, and proper sleep.

Resources & Links Mentioned

· National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://nami.org

· Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): Dial 988 for immediate support

Related Episodes

How to Connect with Mental Health: Hope and Recovery

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· Share your story or suggest a topic: mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com

Disclaimer

The content in this episode is for educational / informational purposes only. The hosts are not licensed mental health professionals. If you are in crisis or believe you may harm yourself or others, please seek immediate help from qualified professionals.

Inspiring Quote from This Episode

· “Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action.” Walter Anderson

· “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”  William James

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What does a skilled therapist with an exceptional background think of therapy and how to effectively treat people battling mental illnesses? From advice on how to choose the right therapist to attachment issues to Ketamine treatment in conjunction with psychotherapy, Samantha Potthoff delivers priceless information and insights gained though her extensive practice in the field of mental health. Her clarity and vision provide an up-close examination of the challenges and rewards of a therapist’s work.

In addition, her uplifting hope for those fighting today for mental health is based on years of professional experience.  This unforgettable episode offers dozens of valuable tips and inspiring words for people who are enmeshed in the often long and arduous journey towards a life in recovery.

Samantha Potthoff’s website http://www.therapycollectiveca.com/

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Bipolar disorder is one of the toughest of all mental illnesses. Personal stories about the complexity and severity of bipolar symptoms and behaviors represent great challenges for those fighting for recovery, their friends, family, and many professionals in the psychiatric field. Firsthand accounts provide invaluable information and inspiration when an individual recounts battles and triumphs over bipolar disorder. In this episode, Helen and Valerie interview Patricia Wentzel, a writer and mental health advocate, whose long journey with bipolar disorder ultimately led to a life in recovery—but not before a fierce and powerful struggle lasting many decades. Patricia’s amazing story, her strength and determination in the face of this powerful disorder, will educate and inspire listeners everywhere.

Find Valerie and Helen at mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com

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The subject of happiness is a new area of research and study in the mental health field. In a complete reversal of psychiatric tradition, the emphasis and exploration are not about what makes you weak and sick, but rather, what makes you healthy and happy. In this episode, Valerie and Helen confront this gargantuan subject: happiness and mental health. And they approach it from a new perspective. They examine how happiness fosters healing within the mental and physical well-being of an individual. Also explored is how happiness affects the brain, biochemistry, nervous system, and physiological health. Given the fact that happiness can be the most elusive emotion, the episode offers tips and advice from the experts. Don’t miss the chance to learn more about happiness, including yours. 

Find Valerie and Helen at https://www.mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com

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Find Valerie and Helen at https://www.mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com

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Throughout a decade of making presentations, Helen and Valerie are often asked, “What can I do when my family member with mental health issues refuses treatment?” A tough situation and difficult to answer until they discovered “When a Family Member Refuses Mental Health Treatment.” They explore this groundbreaking book with co-author Gary Mitchell, a seasoned clinician, researcher and innovator in the mental health field. One of the basic premises is to shift focus from the member who is treat-resistant to the other family members who are seeking help with their own needs. To deal with their issues that can be improved upon, rather than accommodating and enabling their recalcitrant loved one. The end result can create a healthy, productive, healing environment for the entire family.

Find Valerie and Helen at https://www.mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.co

When a Loved One Won't Seek Mental Health Treatment by C. Alec Pollard, PhD; Melanie VanDyke, PhD; Gary Mitchell, LCSW; Heidi J. Pollard, RN, MSM; and Gloria Steketee, PhD

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The significance and complexities of the family’s role during a loved one’s psychiatric crisis led Valerie and Helen to devote a five-episode series to the topic. This fifth and final episode of the series is filled with invaluable professional advice with guest Lisa Powell-Watts, a seasoned psychotherapist of 40 years. 

Please visit the first four episodes of this series for an in-depth exploration of the many challenges and numerous roles in a family where a member has mental health issues. Discover the perspectives of Valerie’s spouse and sister, of caregivers and parents, and of a peer as she shares her own journey with a mental health condition within her family.

Find Valerie and Helen at https://www.mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com

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Family members’ responses to and support of their loved one who lives with a mental health condition often includes a steep learning curve, uncertainty, misunderstanding, and yes, much love. Each family also has its own journey.  In this episode, we hear from Rebecca as she shares her story of how her family has navigated her mental health struggles and now her life in recovery.  Rebecca offers us her personal recovery toolbox, examples of family education, and much more as her courage and resilience shines throughout the interview.  Please join us as we continue our series, The Family Dynamics of a Psychiatric Crisis—Part Four: The Peer Perspective.

Find Valerie and Helen at https://mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com

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In Part 3 of their in-depth series on the impact of a psychiatric crisis on the family, the topic is the parents’ perspectives and stories of the intricate roles of a parent when dealing with a child with mental health issues. Two guest parents speak with unflinching candor and deep personal knowledge about their family experiences. Over many years, their challenges have evolved into rich insights relayed with unflinching candor and deep wisdom. The delicate relationships with their child and themselves resulted in hard won advancements through the communications, skills, self-knowledge, and changes needed to support a child into recovery. Please join Helen and Valerie for this landmark episode—their 50th episode of Mental Health: Hope and Recovery!

Find Helen and Valerie at https://www.mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com

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With the holidays all around, this episode is an annual tradition for Helen and Valerie. For some of us, this time of year is emotionally charged due to the pressures and expectations of the holidays. Individuals can become stressed out, depressed, anxious, exhausted. For others, the joys of the season also can create the need for emotional downtime.

Valerie and Helen offer a perfect gift for anyone overwhelmed by the intensity generated during this time: a full episode of mindfulness exercises from the past year. Regardless of holiday feelings, they hope their audiences will use the healing gift of mindfulness, and will accept their best wishes for all listeners and their loved ones to have a safe, healthy new year.

Find Valerie and Helen at https://mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com

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