Anxiety Rx

Emotional Alchemy: Transforming Anxiety into Empowerment

In this episode of The AnxietyRX Podcast, I’m chatting with another MBRX student, Katherine from Calgary.

Katherine's got a story to tell – she's been dealing with anxiety her whole life, it’s been a tough road, and it got really tough when her dad got sick and passed away when she was a kid.

We talk about different ways to manage anxiety, like meditation and body-focused therapies, how childhood trauma can stick with you, and how important it is to connect with your emotions and heal.

It's all about creating a safe space for yourself and being kind to your mind and body.

Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions.

PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

02:58 - Performance Anxiety Emerges

03:44 - Lack of Emotional Repair

04:33 - Support from Family

05:25 - Connection Between Parents and Children's Anxiety

08:38 - Understanding Emotional Trauma

12:05 - Katherine's Coping Strategies

13:45 - The Challenge of Resisting Emotions

14:05 - Power of Awareness in Anxiety

15:03 - Crescendo of Anxiety During Healing

15:59 - Understanding EMDR's Effectiveness

16:43 - Chronic vs. Acute Trauma

17:32 - Book Insights and Comparison

18:30 - The Importance of Emotional Connection

20:22 - Healing the Inner Child

21:13 - Neuroscience of Trauma

23:20 - The Role of Physical Activity

24:47 - Cognitive vs. Emotional Processing

26:38 - The Power of Repetition in Healing

27:30 - Meditation and Mind State

29:37 - Creating Empowerment Through Body Language

31:11 - Safety and Relaxation in Healing

32:05 - Changing Physiology Over Psychology

33:10 - Anxiety Before Performance

34:08 - Reassuring the Inner Child

36:57 - Performance Anxiety and Excitement

37:12 - Focusing on Positive Outcomes

39:24 - Learning to Feel Good

41:14 - Humor in Heavy Topics

45:25 - Mindfulness and Present Moment

46:40 - Understanding Emotional Healing

49:07 - Importance of Connection

51:21 - Gradual Healing Process

52:14 - Managing Stress Responses

Exploring the Gut-Brain Connection: How Your Microbiome Influences Mental Health

Hey there, it's Dr. Russ! In this episode of the AnxietyRX Podcast, I'm chatting with Dr. Christine Bishara, a total rockstar in the world of gut health. She's the author of "The Gut Revolution" and she's here to spill the tea on how your gut is totally connected to your mental health.

We're talking about how your gut can influence anxiety, chronic illnesses, and even childhood trauma. And the best part? We're not just throwing pills at the problem. Dr. Bishara's all about addressing the root causes, from your diet to neurotransmitters.

Get ready for practical tips on what to eat, what supplements to take, and why a holistic approach is key. This episode is a game-changer, folks. Let's dive in!

Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions.

PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

01:06 - The Gut as a Root Cause

02:03 - Alcohol's Impact on Gut Health

03:45 - Social Connections and Health

04:59 - Anxiety and Childhood Trauma

05:35 - Neuroplasticity and Negative Thinking

06:56 - Improving Gut Health

10:02 - Role of Neurotransmitters

12:11 - Supplements vs. Diet

12:35 - Probiotics and Gut Health

13:18 - Fermented Food

14:02 - Vitamin D and Health

17:10 - Gluten and Gut Health

20:30 - Diet's Impact on Anxiety

21:23 - Food Tolerance and Anxiety

22:09 - The Body's Survival Mechanism

22:25 - Cravings and Neurotransmitters

23:27 - Gut-Brain Questionnaire

24:16 - Genetically Modified Foods

25:13 - Adverse Childhood Experiences

26:31 - Impact of Trauma on Gut Health

27:36 - Repetition Compulsion in Relationships

28:29- Mind-Body Connection in Healin

29:19 - Diet and Trauma Responses

30:16 - Vagus Nerve and Anxiety

30:31 - Spirituality and Gratitude

31:19 - Connection and Self-Care

32:15 - Comfort Foods and Childhood Patterns

34:47 - Diet as Self-Care

35:25 - Familiarity and Security in Relationships

36:46 - Food Choices Reflecting Childhood

40:15 - Motivation for Dietary Change

41:38 - Inositol Recommendations

45:57 - Dietary Supplements for Anxiety

46:36 - Ozempic and Weight Management

54:04 - Intermittent Fasting Benefits

01:01:17 - Building a Positive Mindset

Healing Anxiety Through Creative Expression and Self-Discovery

In this episode of the AnxietyRX Podcast, we're diving deep into the messy world of anxiety, family drama, and career blues.

My guest, Michelle - another MBRX student - is an internal auditor who's been on quite a journey. She has tried everything from CBT to IFS to brain spotting to tackle her anxiety, and she's finally figuring it out.

We're talking about how her job didn't quite fit and how family issues were adding to the stress, exploring the importance of self-awareness, the role of safety in therapy, and finding healthy coping strategies.

Michelle's story is a real eye-opener. It's a powerful reminder that healing isn't always easy, but it's totally possible. Tune in to hear more!

Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions.

PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

01:38 - Discussion on Career

02:24 - Family Influence on Career Choices

03:52 - Loss of Connection with Self

08:04 - Mother's Death and Its Impact

09:44 - Anxiety After Mother's Death

10:39 - Career Misalignment and Grief

11:33 - Job Market Struggles

12:20 - Self-Awareness and Change

12:46 - Complaining and Mental State

14:41 - Childhood Trauma and Anxiety

15:05 - Mother Hunger and Attachment Issues

16:05 - Separation of Self and Anxiety

17:36 - Processing Grief and Moving Forward

17:42 - The Importance of Sports

18:27 - Exploring Anxiety's Roots

19:20 - Challenges with EMDR

20:18 - Referring to Inner Parts

20:44 - Discovering Brain Spotting

22:51 - Neuroscience of Anxiety

24:41 - The Illusion of Protective Anxiety

25:27 - Creating Safety in Therapy

27:19 - Combining Modalities

28:14 - Witnessing in Therapy

29:02 - The Role of the Body in Healing

31:45 - Future Aspirations in Therapy

32:29 - The Intersection of Mind, Body, and Spirit

33:19 - Reflecting on Personal Growth

35:52 - Exploring Maladaptive Patterns

37:36 - Healing Attachment Trauma

38:41 - Writing as a Healing Tool

39:38 - Identifying Sources of Grief

41:32 - Relationship Anxiety

42:33 - Recognizing Healing Potential

44:07 - Curiosity and the Unknown

49:52 - Trauma Bonds

51:29 - Morning Panic Attacks

52:33 - Self-Soothing Techniques

53:22 - Breathwork and Dysregulation

54:24 - Childhood Experiences and Breathing

55:26 - Finding Safe Breathwork

57:10 - Intellectual vs. Emotional Safety

59:02 - Healing Through Safety

01:01:36 - Using Poetry for Healing

01:03:51 - Right Brain and Poetry

01:05:27 - Incremental Healing

Anxiety: The Uninvited Guest That Just Won't Leave—How to Kick It Out!

In this episode, I sit down with Danielle to talk about our personal struggles with anxiety. We both grew up with some pretty tough stuff – my dad had schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and Danielle was raised in an alcoholic home.

We dive deep into how that trauma can really mess with your mental health. But the good news is, there's a way out. It's all about understanding where your anxiety comes from and being kind to yourself.

Danielle shares how she healed from panic attacks and agoraphobia by connecting with her inner child and practicing self-compassion.

So if you're dealing with anxiety, this episode is for you. Let's break down those walls and find some healing together.

Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions.

PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

02:08 - Early Signs of Anxiety

04:21 - Dissociation Experiences

05:30 - The Development of Agoraphobia

06:12 - Therapy and Medication Attempts

08:56 - Anxiety Disorder Clinic Experience

09:57 - Television Appearances

11:05 - Genetic Study Participation

12:15 - Recognition of Childhood Trauma

13:05 - Importance of Connection

14:51 - Understanding the Root Causes

18:13 - Safety and Grounding

20:44 - Realization of Stored Trauma

22:11 - Compassion for Self

24:21 - Meditation as a Game Change

25:26 - Being Present in the Moment

26:31 - Traveling with Anxiety

27:35 - Welcoming Emotions

29:55 - Reassuring the Inner Child

32:53 - Transforming Fear into Empowerment

35:32 - The Role of Resilience

41:37 - Honoring Trauma

44:32 - Understanding Avoidance

45:23 - Finding Safety in the Moment

47:10 - Body Intelligence vs. Mental Intelligence

48:13 - Transformative Life Changes

48:43 - Wasting Time in Anxiety

52:00 - Regrets of Living in Alarm

The Intersection of Culture, Religion, and Anxiety: Understanding Our Emotional Landscape

Hey everyone! In this episode I'm joined by Amy Green Smith, a personal development coach from North Carolina.

We're diving deep into the world of anxiety, and Amy shares her own personal journey. She talks about growing up in a conservative religious household and the impact of her father's passing.

We discuss how these experiences led to people-pleasing behaviors and affected her self-worth.

Together, we explore the effects of cultural conditioning, the power of emotional intelligence, and practical strategies for self-advocacy and setting healthy boundaries.

It's a conversation that's both relatable and inspiring.

Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions.

PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

01:13 - Amy Green Smith's Journey

02:13 - Father's Death Impact

03:32 - Family Dynamics and Expectations

04:42 - Learning to Advocate for Oneself

06:50 - Litigating for Rightness

09:43 - Complexity of Childhood Emotions

11:57 - Roots of People-Pleasing

13:08 - Misconceptions about People-Pleasing

14:10 - Self-Worth and People-Pleasing

15:29 - Pain of Breaking the Cycle

16:45 - Understanding Motivations for People-Pleasing

18:24 - Oxytocin and Gender Dynamics

19:22 - Cultural Conditioning of Women 

20:23 - Primitive Defense Mechanisms

22:07 - Cultural Reinforcement of Gender Roles

23:40 - The Impact of Religious Upbringing

25:09 - Cultural Shifts Post-WWII 

25:59 - The Role of Medication in Women's Mental Health

26:17 - Pain and Change in Society

26:45 - Political Figures as Cult Leaders

27:45 - Religious Trauma and Identity

29:49 - The Search for Validation

30:11 - The Concept of the 'Magical Other'

31:36 - Critique of Religious Narratives

33:20 - Order vs. Chaos in Society

34:33 - The Feminine Perspective in Religion

40:48 - The Pressure of Social Media on Identity

42:09 - The Nuance of Societal Order

44:03 - Political Divisions and Identity

47:23 - Media Influence and Extremism

49:42 - Emotional Intelligence as a Solution

51:26 - Cultural Messaging of Emotions

52:36 - The Role of Emotions in Decision Making

53:35 - Order and Uncertainty

01:00:01 - Creating Emotional Intelligence in Women 

The Hidden Costs of Resilience: Insights from a War Survivor

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Helen Sairany, a war survivor from Iraq. We dive deep into the world of trauma and how it can shape our lives.

Helen shares her incredibly brave story of surviving war as a Kurdish child. Together, we talk about the psychological effects of trauma, the importance of feeling safe, and why we need a world that understands and supports people who've been through tough times.

It's a powerful conversation about community, connection, and learning to be kind to ourselves.

Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions.

PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 3800+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

01:10 - Dr. Sairany's Background

01:24 - The Impact of War

03:34 - Connection vs. Protection

04:53 - Trauma and Sensitivity

07:23 - Struggles with Safety

09:44 - Coping Mechanisms

11:19 - Understanding Emotional Responses

13:15 - Healing as a Process

17:23 - The Importance of the Present

18:21 - The Healing Journey

20:22 - Feeling Like an Outsider

21:20 - Subconscious Identity Struggles

22:05 - The Price of Authenticity

24:09 - Importance of Safe Communities

25:04 - Quality Over Quantity in Friendships

26:29 - The Power of Friendship

27:09 - The Role of Professionals in Healing

29:03 - Understanding Trauma Beyond War

30:16 - The ACE Study's Importance

32:51 - Burnout in Medical Professionals

35:23 - Trauma's Overwhelming Nature

40:14 - Moral Injury in Healthcare

43:43 - The Cost of Change

45:06 - Delayed Action in Mental Health

45:53 - Awareness of Trauma in Society

49:17 - Moving from Head to Body

50:29 - Compassionate Connection

56:18 - Wisdom from a Trauma Survivor

The Connection Between Anxiety, Grief, and Parenting: Embracing the Journey of Letting Go

Hey there! I'm Dr. Russ, and in this episode of The AnxietyRX Podcast, we're diving deep into some real, raw emotions.

Molly Carroll, a psychotherapist, joins me to talk about anxiety, grief, and the rollercoaster of parenting. I'll share my personal journey with anxiety, and Molly opens up about the emotional turmoil of sending her kid off to college—it's a wild ride, trust me.

We'll chat about self-compassion, the power of community, and how to find balance between thinking and feeling.

It's a heartfelt conversation that'll help you navigate life's ups and downs with more ease.

Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions.

PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 3700+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

01:49 - The Wounded Healer

02:54 - The Somatic Experience of Grief

05:15- Community and Connection

09:05 - Coping Strategies and Shadow Work

10:55 - Feeling and Processing Grief

14:50 - The Sensation of Grief

17:20 - Reflecting on Separation at 18

19:47 - Healing the Wounded Child

20:38 - Coping Mechanisms and Cognitive Explanations

22:14 - Acclimatizing to Anxiety

23:04 - Cognition and Emotional Healing

25:53 - Survival Physiology and Healing

26:47 - Breath and Body Connection

31:48 - Compassion in Relationships

33:04 - Presence, Awareness, Compassion

37:45 - Integrating Trauma and Self

40:34 - Present Moment Awareness

41:12 - Tears of Joy vs. Tears of Sorrow

42:36 - Vulnerability and Coping Mechanisms in Men

44:05 - Raising Emotionally Aware Children

46:06 - The Role of Trauma in Healing

48:47 - Authenticity vs. Reactivity

49:52 - Addressing Root Causes of Anxiety

53:05 - Faith and Trust in Healing

56:54 - Daily Healing Practices

01:00:17 - Creating Chaos

01:01:12 - Contractions of Creation

Conquering the Ego Dragon of Anxiety and Eating Disorders

Hey there, it's Dr. Russ!

*Unfortunately, there’s no video for this podcast episode - audio only!

On this episode of The AnxietyRX Podcast, we're tackling a big one: the tangled web of anxiety, eating disorders, and childhood trauma.

I'm sharing my own story about growing up with a dad who struggled with mental health, and how that shaped my own anxiety.

We’ll also be joined by Meg Doll, an eating disorder recovery expert, who’ll talk about her own journey and why focusing just on food isn't enough.

Together, we'll explore how unresolved childhood trauma can fuel both anxiety and eating disorders, and offer practical strategies for healing and breaking free from these cycles.

Tune in for a raw and honest conversation about real recovery and lasting well-being.

Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions.

PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 3700+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

02:29 - The State of Alarm

03:28 - Negative Self-Talk

04:29 - Traditional Recovery Approaches

05:15 - Trauma and Suppression

07:29 - Predispositions to Disorders

08:28 - Emotional Overreactions

10:29 - Childhood Trauma Impact

12:59 - Dissociation and Control

14:39 - Addiction and Reward Mechanisms

15:43 - Awareness and Choice

17:29 - Spiritual Aspects of Healing

22:37 - Understanding Childhood Trauma

23:34 - Coping vs. Healing

24:29 - Medication and Emotional Flatness

26:28 - Mind-Body Connection Practices

27:27 - Sensation Without Explanation

28:18 - Acclimatizing to Alarm

30:11 - Old Patterns and Security

35:42 - Multidisciplinary Approach to Healing

39:14 - Tending to Sensations

42:27 - Building a Foundation for Change

43:37 - The Ego's Resistance

45:18 - Preparing for Loss

46:10 - Meg's Book Introduction

48:12 - Upcoming Book Release

Breathwork Detox: Clearing Emotional Blockages for a Healthier Mind

Hey there, it's Dr. Russ. On today's episode, I'm stoked to have Kurtis Lee Thomas on the podcast. He's a breathwork expert and the brains behind Breathwork Detox.

We're diving deep into the world of anxiety and stress, and how simple breathing exercises can be a game-changer.

Kurtis shares his personal journey and how he unlocked the power of breath to heal and transform lives.

Get ready to learn practical tips to calm your mind and body. Let's explore together how breathwork can be your secret weapon against anxiety.

Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions.

PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 3700+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

03:39 - Meeting People Where They're At

06:02 - Mindfulness and Living in the Moment

08:55 - The Role of the Mind in Fear

10:51 - Separation of Mind and Body

12:18 - Healing Through Sensation

14:15 - Breathwork as a Tool

23:53 - Understanding Shallow Breathing

25:58 - Breathwork vs. Medication

26:10 - The Importance of Consistency

31:55 - The Role of Mouth Breathing

35:41 - Anxiety as a Superpower

41:22 - The Power of Breathwork

46:39 - Detoxification and Weight Loss

48:46 - Energetic Blockages and Healing

49:46 - Breathwork vs. Traditional Therapies

55:05 - Finding Safe Spaces for Sharing

Why Did My Parents Make Me This Way? (And Can I Blame Them?)

In this episode I open up about how parenting can deeply affect our mental health, especially when it comes to toxic versus non-toxic styles. 

I'll share some personal stories about my own battles with feelings of abandonment and engulfment, and why it's so crucial to understand the trauma that can be passed down through generations. 

I'll also talk about how reconnecting with our inner child and practicing self-care can help us avoid falling into a victim mentality. 

Plus, we'll get into the tough but necessary topic of setting boundaries with our parents while still keeping those important connections strong. 

My hope is that these insights will help you break free from cycles of trauma and build healthier relationships with yourself and your parents.

Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions.

PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 3700+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
01:12 - Parenting Styles: Abandonment vs. Engulfment
02:22 - Intergenerational Trauma
03:27 - The Responsibility of Parents
04:35 - Understanding Parent-Child Dynamics
05:44 - The Role of the Inner Child
08:40 - Childhood Needs vs. Parent Expectations
09:59 - The Impact of Parental Relationships on Self-Care
14:09 - Breaking the Victim Mentality
16:19 - Love and Fear in Relationships
18:15 - Finding Authenticity Beyond Trauma
19:21 - Understanding Reactive Behavior
20:27 - Setting Boundaries with Parents
22:40 -The Importance of Parental Connection