In this episode of The Anxiety Society podcast, Cali Werner are joined by Dr. Lennie Waite, PhD, OLY, an Olympic steeplechaser and sports psychologist, to explore the phenomenon of post-Olympic blues. The discussion delves into how the high of major achievements, like competing in the Olympics, can lead to emotional dips and anxiety afterward. They also discuss how this issue extends beyond athletes, affecting anyone who experiences a significant build-up to a major life event. Tune in for valuable insights on managing the emotional aftermath of success and learning how to build a balanced, fulfilling life post-accomplishment.

Key Points:

[2:02] – Meet Dr. Lennie: Olympian & Sports Psychologist

Dr. Lennie Waite, incredible career includes competing in the Rio Olympics, sports psychology work with athletes, and her role as a professor and mom.

[4:42] – The Rise of Achievement Anxiety

Dr. Lennie Waite, explains how athletes today not only train physically but also juggle brand-building and social media, contributing to heightened anxiety.

[9:35] – Defining Post-Olympic Blues

Post-Olympic blues refer to the emotional letdown athletes often feel after the thrill of competition fades, leaving a void after months or years of preparation.

[13:00] – Parallels in Everyday Life

Post-event dips aren’t exclusive to athletes. Anyone preparing for significant life events—like a big exam, a wedding, or career achievement—can feel similarly.

[15:40] – The Double-Edged Sword of Achievement

Highlighting how striving for success can be both motivating and draining, emphasizing the importance of balance and having a well-rounded identity.

[34:51] – Preparing for the Crash

Practical strategies for managing the emotional fallout after a big achievement include building a well-rounded identity, mindfulness, and behavior change.

Quotable Moments:

[9:35] "Post-Olympic blues are the letdown of excitement, feeling important, and having the world's attention on you—then waking up one day, and it's gone." – Dr. Lennie Waite, PhD, OLY

[15:03] "Achievement striving is a double-edged sword. It drives you, but at some point, you have nothing left to give, and it just plummets." – Dr. Lennie Waite, PhD, OLY

[35:00] "A huge part of managing post-achievement dips is having a well-rounded identity, so you’re not defined by just one accomplishment." – Cali Werner

Links Mentioned:

• AnxietySocietyPodcast: https://www.anxietysocietypodcast.com
• Instagram: @TheAnxietySocietyPod: https://www.instagram.com/TheAnxietySocietyPod

Post-achievement anxiety can impact anyone, from Olympians to everyday people. By building a well-rounded identity and preparing for emotional dips, you can manage the aftermath of major life events more effectively. For more insights into anxiety, subscribe to The Anxiety Society and explore our resources on social media. Together, we can change how we deal with anxiety and build healthier, more balanced lives.

In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner dive into the concept of the "inner critic" and how it fuels anxiety through cognitive distortions. They explore how negative stories we tell ourselves can shape our reality, discussing practical strategies to identify, challenge, and reframe these unhelpful thoughts using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). They share personal anecdotes, clinical insights, and relatable examples that highlight how to break the cycle of self-criticism and embrace self-compassion.

Key Points:

[0:00] - Welcome and Introduction

Elizabeth and Cali introduce today’s topic: how negative stories and the inner critic influence anxiety. They explain cognitive distortions and how we believe these made-up stories.

[1:18] - Anxious Moments

Both hosts share recent personal experiences where their inner critic got the best of them, leading to overthinking and stress.

[4:07] - Mind Reading and Fortune Telling

A discussion on cognitive distortions like “mind reading” and “fortune telling,” where we assume negative things will happen without evidence.

[5:38] - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

How CBT can help change the negative beliefs we hold about ourselves. They outline the three steps to deal with the inner critic: Name it, Reframe it, and Live it Out.

[12:17] - Reframing Negative Thoughts

The hosts walk through real-life examples of how reframing can stop the cycle of negative self-talk, providing a helpful strategy for combating automatic negative thoughts.

[19:06] - Real-life Work and Relationship Examples

How the inner critic impacts relationships and work scenarios. The importance of communication and challenging assumptions about others' intentions.

[28:05] - Thought Challenge Worksheet

An introduction to a powerful CBT tool, the Thought Challenge Worksheet, which helps reframe negative beliefs through evidence-based thinking.

Quotable Moments:

[5:06] “The more you replay something, the more damage it leaves.” - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

[9:55] "Our behaviors empower thoughts—if we change our behaviors, we change how we feel." - Cali Werner

[28:17] "You may not be able to control the first thought, but you can control whether it becomes powerful." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

Links Mentioned:

• Kristin Neff’s website on self-compassion: https://self-compassion.org=
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Thought Challenge Worksheet:
• Anxiety Society Podcast: http://anxietysocietypodcast.com
• Instagram: @AnxietySocietyPod

The stories we tell ourselves can shape our mental health, but through techniques like CBT, we can shift negative self-talk into more constructive thoughts. If you found these tips helpful, try incorporating them into your daily routine and practice living by your new, reframed thoughts. Don’t forget to visit the Anxiety Society website for more resources, and follow us on Instagram for more updates!

In this episode of the Anxiety Society podcast, hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner are joined by Ryan Judd, a seasoned therapist, to dive into the world of therapy. They explore the distinctions between good and bad therapy, the importance of evidence-based treatment, and how to ensure you or a loved one are getting the right help. From understanding diagnoses to recognizing red flags in therapy, this episode is packed with insights to help listeners navigate their mental health journey effectively.

Key Points:

- [0:00] Welcome and Introduction

Dr. McIngvale and Cali kick off the episode by welcoming Ryan Judd, discussing the importance of understanding what good therapy looks like.

- [0:55] Ryan's Background and Passion for Therapy

Ryan shares his journey into therapy, fueled by personal experiences with anxiety and OCD, and his commitment to evidence-based care.

- [3:03] The Anxious Moments Segment

The hosts share their weekly "anxious moments," from Cali's edgy new look to Ryan's anxiety at a slide park with his nephews.

- [8:10] What is Therapy?

A deep dive into the true purpose of therapy, how it should help solve problems, and why it's not just about feeling good after each session.

- [12:10] Therapy as a Coaching Relationship

Ryan explains how effective therapy should be like a coaching relationship, with structure, goals, and accountability.

- [15:10] Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

The importance of receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan within the first few sessions, and why it's crucial for effective therapy.

- [30:43] Red Flags in Therapy

Identifying red flags such as therapists who claim to treat all disorders or use too many different approaches, and why these might indicate inadequate care.

- [41:36] What to Expect in Therapy Sessions

A discussion on the structure of therapy sessions, the importance of setting goals, and why therapy should be time-limited for specific issues.

Quotable Moments:

[11:43] "Great therapy doesn’t always feel good in the moment, but it's necessary for real change." - Ryan Judd

[29:24] "If you’re seeing a therapist for years and still struggling, it might be time to reassess your treatment." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

[12:10] "Your therapist should be a coach, pushing you to grow, not just a friend who listens." - Cali Werner

Links Mentioned:

SAMHSA.gov: https://www.samhsa.gov

This episode sheds light on the critical aspects of choosing the right therapy and therapist. If you've been in therapy without significant progress, it's time to reassess. Reach out to qualified professionals, ensure they're using evidence-based practices, and don't hesitate to ask about their training and experience. For more episodes and insights, subscribe to the Anxiety Society podcast, and follow us on social media for more tips.

Welcome back to The Anxiety Society Podcast! This episode is a special treat as we hold a live Q&A session with our listeners. Join hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner as they tackle your burning questions about anxiety. We explore what anxiety looks like in daily life, discuss the difference between general anxiety and anxiety disorders, and provide insights on handling anxiety in children and the workplace. Plus, we touch on how anxiety can manifest as anger, and share practical advice for both individuals and their loved ones. Tune in for real, raw, and unfiltered answers that will help you navigate anxiety and regain control of your life.

Key Points:

- [00:06] - Introduction to The Anxiety Society Podcast and today’s special Q&A format.

- [01:20] - Discussing the common signs of anxiety in daily life and the difference between typical anxiety and anxiety disorders.

- [03:04] - Addressing how anxiety can interfere with everyday functioning and what an anxiety disorder looks like.

- [03:26] - Advice for parents on dealing with their child’s anxiety and handling bullying situations.

- [04:29] - Responding to a listener who is struggling with anxiety at work and considering changing jobs.

- [05:47] - Exploring how anxiety can appear as anger and other emotions.

- [07:16] - Strategies for talking to loved ones about their anxiety and encouraging them to seek help.

- [10:07] - Addressing an athlete’s anxiety about life after sports and identity beyond their career.

- [12:05] - When medication might be recommended for anxiety disorders.

- [13:09] - Understanding if and how parents might be contributing to their child’s anxiety and ways to teach children about anxiety.

- [15:15] - Tips for discussing personal anxiety with a spouse and improving mutual understanding.

- [18:09] - Common misconceptions about perfectionism and how it differs from simply being detail-oriented or Type-A.

- [20:00] - The impact of culture on our perceptions of anxiety and perfectionism, and the importance of tailored treatment approaches.

- [21:11] - Future directions for the mental health field in improving access to evidence-based treatments.

- [22:51] - The role of personal experience in being an effective clinician and maintaining professional boundaries.

- [24:32] - Differentiating between diagnosable anxiety disorders and common symptoms of anxiety.

- [26:02] - Managing family dynamics when personal anxiety affects household interactions.

- [27:50] - Recognizing when anxiety-driven behaviors are attempts to regain control in other areas of life.

Quotable Moments:

• [01:43] - "This is how it's actually applied in real life. Examples that are tangible." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

• [03:04] - "If it's more of an anxiety disorder, this is something that's not just turning off or just passing. It gets in the way of your ability to maintain friendships, relationships, your ability to work, your ability to do what it is that you need to do day to day." - Cali Werner

• [07:16] - "We can't force someone to go to treatment. But if they are not receptive and open to it, it's not going to be that useful." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

Link Mentioned:

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

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.

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!

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.

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!