#OurAnxietyStories

Mark Antczak is Anxiety Canada’s in-house Registered Clinical Counsellor and Clinical Educator. Mark also practices at the Vancouver CBT Centre, where he specializes in providing cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to adults with anxiety spectrum disorders.  

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories Mark dives into his personal journey with anxiety and panic, as well as his professional experience as a mental health professional. As someone with both lived and professional experience on the topic, Mark emphasizes how important it is for those with anxiety to overcome avoidance and face their fears.  Mark also discusses his work at Anxiety Canada, touching on resources offered including MindShift CBT, a free anxiety-management app, and MindShift CBT Groups, an online group therapy program.

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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). 

Joanna Zelichowska is a registered clinical counsellor and the manager of Jessie’s Legacy Eating Disorders Prevention Program at Family Services of the North Shore. Jessie’s Legacy was named after Jessie Alexander, a young woman who took her own life after a long battle with disordered eating and depression. Although Jessie did not live to see this happen, her hope upon her own recovery was to help others and prevent the pain and anguish she experienced. 

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories Joanna touches on her work at Jessie’s Legacy and discusses the resources available for those in need of support. Growing up as a dancer and gymnast, Joanna recognized that anxiety around body image was common among her peers. This led to her interest in learning more and becoming a clinical counsellor. Joanna notes that symptoms of anxiety tend to occur before disordered eating, and that oftentimes eating disorders are used as a way to cope with anxiety, as they can provide a sense of control. To learn more about how anxiety and eating disorders can overlap visit www.heretohelp.bc.ca/infosheet/the-overlap-between-anxiety-and-eating-disorders.  

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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). 

Born and raised in Kelowna, Jeff Roberts is a 32-year-old leading what could be considered a normal, average life.  

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories Jeff shares that although he leads a normal life, he has a rather unique story. Reflecting on his high school years, Jeff recalls a specific traumatic incident, involving using the restroom, that set-off 15 years of severe anxiety. Over the years that followed, Jeff sought out treatment and support, including counselling and medication, but struggled to find something that worked for him. Eventually, Jeff connected with the Vancouver CBT Centre, and refers to their staff as “the best people in the entire world”, claiming they saved his life.

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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). 

Eboni Fisher is a young BIPOC queer singer, songwriter, actor and mental health advocate. In recent years, Eboni has written and performed an original piece titled “I Can’t Breathe” to raise awareness amid the Black Lives Matter movement during Pride, as well as at the Juneteenth Freedom March in 2021.  

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories Eboni talks about her experience with social anxiety, bullying and self-harm. Eboni shares that although she experienced anxiety as early as 11 years old, she didn’t have guidance from the adults in her life on how to find support. Living away from her mother, and attending online school to escape the bullying, Eboni was forced to learn independence at a young age, which allowed her to seek a diagnosis and treatment on her own. Today, Eboni continues to navigate her anxiety, noting that song writing, and shadow work continue to help her heal. To listen to Eboni’s music visit www.soundcloud.com/ebonifisher. 

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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). 

Stephanie Zito is an Educational and Counselling Psychology PhD candidate at McGill, and the founder of the self-care spotlight initiative on Instagram (@SelfCareSpotlight), which has now become a safe space for nearly 400K people to connect with and support one another.  

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories Stephanie discusses her experiences with health anxiety and panic as a university student. Having studied psychology, Stephanie understood what she was experiencing, but she had trouble sharing her story with others, as mental health was not openly talked about at that time. Hoping to decrease stigma around mental health and provide the general public with helpful tools and information, Stephanie founded the self-care spotlight initiative, where she shares infographics, helpful tips, and positive affirmations.

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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). 

TC Carling is the President & CEO of the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation (CMHF), providing information, tools, and motivation for men and their families to lead healthier lives. Previously, Carling has gained valuable leadership experience holding executive roles with Canucks Sports & Entertainment, GSL Group, and most recently as President & CEO for Fortius Sport & Health. He also has experience in the non-profit sector serving on the Board of Directors for Anxiety Canada, Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver, and the CMHF. 

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories TC dives into his journey with anxiety, sharing that it’s something he’s lived with for nearly 35 years. Today, TC strives to educate others on anxiety and mental health, by speaking openly about his experiences and providing Canadian men and their families with resources and support. TC is a firm believer that simple changes can lead to big impacts.  

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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). 

Minister Sheila Malcolmson is a Canadian politician who has served as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of British Columbia for the electoral district of Nanaimo. She was elected as MLA for Nanaimo in 2019 and re-elected in 2020.  

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories Minister Malcolmson discusses her role as Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, where she focuses on removing barriers and improving accessibility to resources. Malcolmson touches on the Ministry’s involvement with non-government organizations, such as Anxiety Canada and Foundry BC, sharing that technology has played a significant role in how the ministry has been able to support British Columbians.

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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). 

Dan Pietens is a pencil artist from London, Ontario, known for his highly realistic portraits of professional hockey players including Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid. To help raise awareness around anxiety, Dan donates proceeds from his artwork sales to Anxiety Canada. 

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories Dan shares that anxiety affected his work as a physiotherapist, which led him to seek treatment and explore alternative career trajectories. Dan notes that although he felt symptoms of anxiety from a young age, he didn’t think much of it at the time, assuming it was a feeling everyone experienced to some degree. After recognizing the therapeutic benefits of creating art, Dan chose to pursue a career as an artist, and continues to work on overcoming his anxiety and perfectionism. To check out Dan’s work, visit www.pietensart.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). 

French-Canadian Eugenie Turner was one of few women in the Royal Canadian Air Force selected to serve overseas on a bomber base in the Second World War. There she witnessed horrific crashes, dodged bombings, and worked around the clock on the historic D-Day.  

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories Eugenie discusses her experiences as a World War II veteran, noting that her excitement to enlist surpassed feelings of worry and anxiety. Eugenie shares vivid stories from her time at war, mentioning that although she experienced several bombings, she would not enter bomb shelters due to claustrophobia. Living a life filled with adventure, adversity, and loss, Eugenie notes that during the toughest moments, religion and a higher power are what keep her going. To learn more about Eugenie’s story, check out Elinor Florence’s novel “My Favourite Veterans” and Eric Brunt’s upcoming documentary “Last Ones Standing”.  

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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. Kyle Burns is a psychiatrist and Co-Director of VanPsych, a centre that provides high-quality, empirically supported and compassionate care for people with complex mental health challenges. Dr. Burns completed his medical degree and psychiatry training at the University of British Columbia and joined Anxiety Canada’s Board of Directors in 2016.  

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories Dr. Burns discusses his work as a psychiatrist. Dr. Burns shares that many severe mental illnesses, such as mood disorders and schizophrenia, tend to be intertwined with symptoms of anxiety. He notes that in these cases, anxiety is often overshadowed by more dramatic symptoms such as hallucinations. Dr. Burns also touches on the benefits of using medication as a tool for treatment, emphasizing that “the combination of medication and behavioural techniques can be really useful”.

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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).