#OurAnxietyStories

Dealing with anxiety or finding strategies for anxiety is tough at any age, but how can you manage anxiety as an adult when you didn’t have access to the right resources as a child? 

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories, Anxiety Canada Youth Network alum Pegah Mollahajian shares her story, and registered psychologist Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff offers her clinical expertise and insights into group therapy, exposure therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and more.  

At 25, Pegah reflects on being an anxious child. As a young Iranian Canadian, she felt her family did not know how to track down the right anxiety resources “at the right time.” Dr. Taube-Schiff confirms that anxiety disorders often appear at a young age and go underdiagnosed, adding that early intervention is important but we can still treat adult anxiety. When Pegah looks back, she feels her anxiety prevented her from many new childhood experiences and wonders what could have been if she’d had the right treatment. Dr. Taube-Schiff stresses that when anxiety hits during formative, developmental years, it can seemingly interrupt our lives and personal growth, but we can see getting better as a real opportunity to move forward. Though Pegah had no formal anxiety treatment or strategies as a child, she found ways to cope as an adult. When Pegah’s anxiety re-emerged in university, she began to push herself out of her comfort zone—something Dr. Taube-Schiff notes could be considered “informally” engaging in exposure therapy. 

Eventually, Pegah found Anxiety Canada’s MindShift CBT Groups, an 8-session online group therapy program for small groups of adults (aged 19+) with mild to moderate anxiety. Since participating in MindShift CBT Groups, Pegah has learned to analyze, challenge, and balance her anxious thoughts. Dr. Taube-Schiff and host John Bateman also touch on the benefits of group therapy: it not only offers the same content and skills as individualized therapy, but participants can find comfort in connecting with others, realizing their similar worries and symptoms, and knowing they’re not alone.  

This episode touches on how important it is to connect families with the resources they need. FamilySmart’s ‘In the Know’ videos and events provide expert speakers on topics important to young people, families, and those working to support the mental health of children and youth. For more information, visit www.familysmart.ca. 

About the Guest:  

Pegah Mollahajian is young adult who recently completed her master’s degree in public health at the University of Toronto. As an Iranian Canadian child, she experienced anxiety but didn’t have the resources to understand what it was or how to cope with it. After receiving help from Anxiety Canada’s MindShift Program, she applied her new understanding of anxiety and desire to advocate for mental health by joining the Anxiety Canada Youth Network for the 2021-22 season.  

Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff, a registered psychologist for over 15 years, offers her expertise and shares insights with Pegah and John. Dr. Taube-Schiff’s clinical work is focused on the delivery of scientifically supported treatments for obsessive compulsive and related disorders, anxiety disorders, depression-related issues, and a wide range of emotional and behavioural problems. 

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#OurAnxietyStories is brought to you by Anxiety Canada™, a leader in developing free evidence-based resources, including the free anxiety-management app, MindShift CBT. To learn more about Anxiety Canada, visit www.AnxietyCanada.com. 

Anxiety Canada is proud to be affiliated with HeretoHelp, a project of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Substance Use Information. The BC Partners are funded by the Provincial Health Services Authority. 

Did you know that everyone experiences anxiety in some way or another?  

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories, renowned artist Robert Bateman is interviewed by his son, #OurAnxietyStories host John Bateman. Despite having lived a fairly stressful lifestyle, as far as John recalls, his dad never experienced anxiety—or so it appeared. Robert shares that although he does not have an anxiety disorder, he has in fact experienced anxiety. Robert shares that learning how to cope and manage worries early on in life allowed him to reduce anxiety in his day-to-day. This episode of #OurAnxietyStories was originally filmed for Action Anxiety Day 2022, and a video is available here.  

Is anxiety getting in the way of your life? Consider MindShift® CBT, our free anxiety-relief app, available on IOS and Android devices. Using scientifically proven strategies based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), MindShift CBT can help people with mild to moderate anxiety learn to relax and be mindful, develop more effective ways of thinking, and use active steps to take charge of your anxiety. A new feature, the Community forum, now enables you to find and offer peer-to-peer support. 

About the Guest:  

Robert Bateman is a renowned Canadian naturalist and painter. Robert’s realistic and evocative painting style reflects his deep understanding and appreciation for nature, featuring wildlife in its natural habitat and encouraging the viewer to closely observe the natural world. Besides being one of Canada’s foremost artists, he is also a naturalist recognized by the Audubon Society as one of the 20th century’s “heroes of conservation.” Robert has received numerous honours and awards, including the Order of Canada and fourteen honorary doctorates. He has been the subject of several films and books, including The Art of Robert Bateman (1981), The World of Robert Bateman (1985), An Artist in Nature (1990), Natural Worlds (1996), Thinking Like a Mountain (2000), Birds (2002), New Works (2010), Life Sketches (2015) and Bateman’s Canada (2017), as well as several children’s books. 

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#OurAnxietyStories is brought to you by Anxiety Canada™, a leader in developing free evidence-based resources, including the free anxiety-management app, MindShift CBT. To learn more about Anxiety Canada, visit www.AnxietyCanada.com. 

Anxiety Canada is proud to be affiliated with HeretoHelp, a project of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Substance Use Information. The BC Partners are funded by the Provincial Health Services Authority. 

Did you know that eating disorders and anxiety disorders can overlap?  

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories, Chloë Grande reflects on the intersection of anxiety and anorexia. Diagnosed with anorexia at 15, Chloë shares that a recent eating disorder relapse during the COVID-19 pandemic led her to recognize the role social anxiety plays in her mental health journey. Having studied communications, Chloë created a mental health blog in hopes of helping others with similar challenges feel understood and less alone.  

If you or someone you know is concerned about eating habits or body image, check out Jessie’s Legacy’s free and anonymous body image and eating attitudes online self-tests. These self-tests can help test-takers reflect on how their habits and beliefs may impact their quality of life and whether they could benefit from additional support or resources. Please note: self-tests are not a diagnostic tool and will not provide or confirm a diagnosis. To learn more about how anxiety and disordered eating may overlap, visit HeretoHelp.BC.Ca. 

About the Guest:  

Chloë Grande is a communications specialist turned eating disorder recovery writer, speaker and activist. In ED recovery for 10+ years, she is open about her experiences with mental illness and educating others on the stereotypes and stigmas that exist. She’s a fan of yoga and reading, and draws inspiration from individuals who embrace their vulnerabilities. Her advocacy work has been featured in the media on CBC, CP24, Global News and more. You can learn more about Chloë by visiting her website, www.chloegrande.com, or following her on Instagram and Twitter: @Chloshegrows.  

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#OurAnxietyStories is brought to you by Anxiety Canada™, a leader in developing free evidence-based resources, including the free anxiety-management app, MindShift CBT. To learn more about Anxiety Canada, visit www.AnxietyCanada.com. 

Anxiety Canada is proud to be affiliated with HeretoHelp, a project of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Substance Use Information. The BC Partners are funded by the Provincial Health Services Authority. 

Work anxiety can impact anyone, but can you imagine having an anxiety attack right before you need to go live on air?  

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories, Tamara Taggart shares her story. As a successful broadcaster and speaker, she thrived in her professional life, with many around her noting that she was the busiest and most successful people they knew. But behind the scenes, she felt “odd,” and later realized that she’d been dealing with undiagnosed anxiety and depression for years. She coped by staying busy through work and volunteering so that she never had to “think about anything else.” From childhood chaos, to having a child diagnosed with Down Syndrome, to her own cancer diagnosis, Tamara was in survival mode for as long as she can remember. Tamara and host John Bateman discuss her journey to understand and work through her anxiety—a journey she is still on today. 

This episode explores how a support system can help you cope with anxiety and mood disorders. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mood disorder, consider the Mood Disorders Association of BC's peer-led support groups. MDABC support groups are a safe place to share your story and find support. For more info, visit www.mdabc.net/resources/mdabc-support-groups. 

Additionally, if this episode resonates with you, check out ‘Visions: BC’s Mental Health and Substance Use Journal,’ an award-winning magazine that brings together many views on mental health and substance use. Visions features different aspects of wellness, personal experiences, and interesting discussions. The journal is written by and for people who have experienced mental health or substance use problems or used mental health or addictions services, along with service providers, family and friends, community advocates, and leaders/decision-makers.  

About the Guest:  

Tamara Taggart was a major broadcaster on national television for over 30 years. Now, she’s a writer, moderator, keynote speaker, and advocate for mental health and down syndrome. Tamara’s activism and advocacy, plus her natural curiosity and talent for interviewing, led her to her own podcast. She hosts ‘Telus Talks with Tamara Taggart,’ where she interviews different experts, thinkers, and leaders, and advocates for healthcare for people with disabilities and marginalized communities.

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#OurAnxietyStories is brought to you by Anxiety Canada™, a leader in developing free evidence-based resources, including the free anxiety-management app, MindShift CBT. To learn more about Anxiety Canada, visit www.AnxietyCanada.com. 

Anxiety Canada is proud to be affiliated with HeretoHelp, a project of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Substance Use Information. The BC Partners are funded by the Provincial Health Services Authority. 

We at Anxiety Canada are always looking for ways to improve the listener experience. Although this contest is closed, you can still complete the listener feedback survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OAS22-23.

Thanks for tuning in, and lookout for new episodes later this year!

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#OurAnxietyStories is brought to you by Anxiety Canada™, a leader in developing free evidence-based resources, including the free anxiety-management app, MindShift CBT. To learn more about Anxiety Canada, visit www.AnxietyCanada.com. 

Anxiety Canada is proud to be affiliated with HeretoHelp, a project of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Substance Use Information. The BC Partners are funded by the Provincial Health Services Authority. 

Mary Walsh is a Newfoundland actor, writer and comedian, best known for CODCO and This Hour has 22 Minutes. Throughout her career, Mary has received many awards and honorary doctorates, including the Governor General's Performing Arts Award (GGPAA) for Lifetime Artistic Achievement.. Mary is an outspoken advocate for mental health and addiction awareness.   

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories Mary reflects on her mental health journey, sharing that for 25 years she abused alcohol to “escape”. Mary shares that despite her successful career, she often felt like she was on the outside. It was only after seeing a counsellor that Mary learned about healthier coping strategies. Looking back, Mary recognizes that stigma as well as a lack of resources and information posed significant barriers to support. Today, Mary shares that she is 29 years sober, and although she still experiences anxiety, she continues to learn new coping skills in her life-long recovery.   

If you, or someone you know is struggling with substance use, The Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (CISUR) has created several informative workbooks to help those who use substances. Workbooks covering topics such as substance use and young people, helping people who use substances, and safer use, can be found on www.heretohelp.bc.ca.   

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#OurAnxietyStories is brought to you by Anxiety Canada™, a leader in developing free evidence-based resources, including the free anxiety-management app, MindShift CBT. To learn more about Anxiety Canada, visit www.AnxietyCanada.com. 

Anxiety Canada™ is proud to be affiliated with HeretoHelp. HeretoHelp is a project of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information funded by the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). 

Dr. Margaret Chisolm is Vice-Chair for Education, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; and professor of Medicine, at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Chisolm is also the author of “From Survive to Thrive Living your Best Life with Mental Illness”, released in 2021.   

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories Dr. Chisolm talks about her journey with anxiety and postpartum depression, as well her experience as a mental health professional. Dr. Chisolm shares that although she’s had an anxious temperament from a young age, it wasn’t until her brother passed away from suicide that she considered psychiatry as a career path. As a practicing psychiatrist, Dr. Chisolm emphasizes the value of the John Hopkins’ Perspectives Approach to Psychiatry, a conceptual framework for the proper evaluation and understanding of psychiatric disorders. She also shares what treatment and diagnosis can look like for someone looking to manage anxiety.

To learn more about Dr. Chisolm and the perspectives approach to psychiatry, visit https://margaretchisolmmd.com.

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#OurAnxietyStories is brought to you by Anxiety Canada™, a leader in developing free evidence-based resources, including the free anxiety-management app, MindShift CBT. To learn more about Anxiety Canada, visit www.AnxietyCanada.com. 

Anxiety Canada™ is proud to be affiliated with HeretoHelp. HeretoHelp is a project of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information funded by the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). 

Shane Koyczan is a spoken-word poet and writer, best known for writing about issues like bullying, cancer, death, and eating disorders. Shane is best known for the anti-bullying poem “To this Day” which has amassed over 25 million views on YouTube and performed live at a Ted Talk event.  

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories Shane reflects on his journey with anxiety, sharing that bullying played a major role during his years as a student. Interested in pursuing the arts, Shane was often met with discouragement and doubt from guidance counsellors, who instead pressured him to follow the status quo. Eventually, Shane stopped letting other people plant seeds of doubt in his mind and pursued a career in the arts. Although success did not come overnight, Shane’s perseverance and dedication to his craft allowed him to touch millions of hearts worldwide. Visit www.shanekoyczan.com to learn more about Shane and his work.

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#OurAnxietyStories is brought to you by Anxiety Canada™, a leader in developing free evidence-based resources, including the free anxiety-management app, MindShift CBT. To learn more about Anxiety Canada, visit www.AnxietyCanada.com. 

Anxiety Canada™ is proud to be affiliated with HeretoHelp. HeretoHelp is a project of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information funded by the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). 

Hannah Stone is an artist who began painting and designing clothes in 2002. Inspired by the nostalgia of childhood visits to the seaside arcade, Hannah claims her work "has a way of transporting the viewer to a sweeter and simpler time”.   

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories Hannah dives into her journey with anxiety and bipolar disorder, sharing that she didn’t realize she had anxiety her entire life until recently receiving a diagnosis. Hannah shares that in the past, she was able to hide how she was feeling, and put up a front for the outside world. As a recovered substance user, Hannah mentions that for a long time she coped by self-medicating with drugs and alcohol. Today, Hannah is eagerly exploring the various coping tools and strategies available and learning to cope with her anxiety day by day. To see Hannah’s art visit www.gohannahstone.com.

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#OurAnxietyStories is brought to you by Anxiety Canada™, a leader in developing free evidence-based resources, including the free anxiety-management app, MindShift CBT. To learn more about Anxiety Canada, visit www.AnxietyCanada.com. 

Anxiety Canada™ is proud to be affiliated with HeretoHelp. HeretoHelp is a project of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information funded by the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).