Wondering about why we’re here, how planet Earth exists and how much of a miracle life is are normal thoughts for us to have from time to time. However, if you have existential anxiety, these thoughts can trigger an anxious response; sweaty palms, shallow breathing, tunnel vision, tinnitus, and other anxious behaviours. For people with conventional anxiety, leaning into hard feelings is easier. When you’re in the midst of an anxiety disorder, you have to have a different approach. Being confident in the ability to mindfully detach from anxiety isn’t always available for people with GAD (generalised anxiety disorder). You have to be confident ruminating on those thoughts and know it won’t lead to a panic attack. For some, the answer may be dismissing these intrusive thoughts with, “This is not the time to think about this. This is not the time to go down that hole.” Picking the time and place to have existential conversations can help to dive into heavy topics as an anxious person. Welcoming those thoughts in versus feeling them as intrusive thoughts are very different experiences. We hope this episode helps you understand existential anxiety more!  Reach out to us at [email protected] Check out Josh's new book Untangle Your Anxiety. Follow us on instagram @thepanicpod

In this episode, Joshua and Ella discuss when panic disorder is centred around the fear of developing a serious mental health problem. This is referred to as Mental Health Anxiety. The pattern of mental health anxiety is the disorder of mental health anxiety. Seeing thoughts for what they are (mere, passing thoughts) and remembering that “What If”s can’t lead you towards further anxiety or depression are important things to note when one feels they are in a pattern of mental health anxiety (the fear of developing mental health problems). Ella has a realisation when she says that the pattern that we fall into with mental health anxiety is doing something to compensate for the feeling of control that we desire. Sometimes we fabricate control which eventually drives us towards disorder. Things we talked about: Josh’s New Book! Untangling Your Anxiety by Joshua Fletcher and Dean Stott Brene Brown - Daring Greatly (book) Krista Tippett - On Being Podcast Episode “What’s Happening in Our Nervous Systems?” We appreciate you leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast. Thanks for listening to the Panic Pod! Reach out to us: [email protected] or @thepanicpod on facebook and instagram.

In this bonus episode, Josh is joined by Hannah Strickland, a teacher trainer and lecturer from The University of Manchester. Hannah asks Josh about anxiety in both students and teachers, with particular reference to trainee teachers.

OCD is a widely recognised name but fairly misunderstood disorder. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can present itself in a variety of different ways including but not limited to; an anxiety about germs and bacteria, an attempt to align symmetry or order, a tendency to hoard belongings, a repetitive checking for safety from harm, or intrusive thoughts that cause unique physical behaviours. These are just some of the ways OCD can present itself. Unfortunately, in media and the way it's used in offhand language, many people will use the term "OCD" when they mean they are being meticulous or organised. These folks don’t know what it’s like living with the disorder. People who suffer from OCD often fear, “If I don’t complete this task or ritual, then something bad will/may happen”. This could be superstition about an external event, or an anxiety about how they’ll feel afterwards. In this episode, Josh and Ella discuss how this is related to anxiety using the Martin Seif and Sally Winston model of our “wise mind vs. false comfort” which we introduced in Episode 8. If you want to learn more about Martin Seif and Sally Winston’s work, check out: "Needing to Know for Sure: A CBT-Based Guide to Overcoming Compulsive Checking and Reassurance Seeking" by Martin Seif (PhD) & Sally Winston (PsyD) https://www.amazon.com/Needing-Know-Sure-Overcoming-Reassurance-ebook/dp/B07MMQ7HRK We are so grateful for your kind words, follows, and feedback! Keep in touch with us to know when we upload new episodes! @thepanicpod on Instagram and Facebook Email [email protected] with a question or feedback.

In this episode, Josh and Ella discuss the difference between feelings of anxiety and when anxiety becomes a disorder. Comparing it to a sleep disorder or an eating disorder, an anxiety disorder is something uncomfortable that keeps happening, but can be overcome. An anxiety disorder occurs when one finds themselves in a downward spiral of anxious behaviour, so much so that a tactic they are using to comfort themselves may be causing more harm to their recovery. Using examples drawn from his professional practice, Josh quizzes Ella on how to identify one or the other. Ella shares her experience of feeling anxious before a gig compared to unexpected anxiety while making dinner. Please reach out to us! We are on instagram as @thepanicpod Email us a question or comment at [email protected]

In this episode of The Panic Pod, we’re joined by Dr. Radha. She is a doctor, broadcaster, and author. In an inspiring conversation between Joshua and Dr. Radha, they break down one of the most common used buzzwords in self-help podcasting: “wellbeing”. Wellbeing encompasses all things that make a person comfortable, happy, and healthy, so therefore regards both physical and mental health. As Dr. Radha is a practicing GP, she provides insights as to where the health system plays a role in signposting anxiety sufferers to the right resources, as well as how important those same resources are for front line workers. Using examples of how language has shaped our culture, Joshua and Dr. Radha dive into where the intersection between mental and and physical health are, how emotional health can be improved, and the reality of how emotions can affect our physical health. Find Dr. Radha on instagram as @dr_radha and on twitter as @drradhamodgil or visit her website http://drradha.co.uk/ Find us on instagram as @thepanicpod Would you like to send in a question to be read on the podcast? Email [email protected]

Avoidance in the context of panic can prevent us from growing out of our overthinking habits. Ella has a fear of word documents and isn’t afraid to share. Josh and Ella discuss what their anxiety-coping ‘patronus charm’ might be. Please send us questions at [email protected] or connect with us on social @ellaofthenet and @joshuafletcher.author

Content Warning: We do discuss the moment-to-moment sensations of a panic attack in this episode, so if this is sensitive for you please make an educated decision before you listen. “What If…?” is a common intrusive thought for those experiencing chronic anxiety. It is frequently experienced alongside a sense of dread or doom. In this episode, Josh provides us with tools to recognise when one’s fears are irrational, and how to remind yourself that panic is not danger. Do you want to get in touch with us? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected] On instagram? Follow us @joshuafletcher.author & @ellaofthenet

If you’re about to have a panic attack on a train, who would you rather be travelling with? The friend who calmly observes what’s happening and reassures you that the outcome will be okay? Or the friend who is embarrassed by you and tries to stop you so you don’t cause a scene? In this episode, Ella’s voice doubles up as a sat nav, Josh explains the term “exposure” and how it applies to overcoming the body’s response to anxiety triggers, and generational perspectives on anxiety still demonstrate why it’s never too late to seek help for your anxiety.  Do you want to get in touch with us? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected]