Dear Anxiety

Latest Episodes:

Happiness, Optimism, and other Skills Mar 29, 2019

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We're obsessed with happiness. Our greetings and wishes for others frequently include the word happy: Happy New Year; Happy Birthday; Happy Friday. Among the founding principles of the United States is the right to pursue happiness. Parents want their kids to grow up happy, and I’m sure that doesn’t sound like a terrible plan to the kids, either. So where do we get some of this happiness, and once we have it, how do we keep it? That's the tricky part. In this episode, we explore happiness, optimism, and positivity, and learn skills for cultivating those very feelings.

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Social Media, Screen Time, and Families Mar 22, 2019

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92% of teens go online daily. Of those, 52% are online several times per day, and 26% are online almost constantly. Are parents' statistics any better? Not really. Yes, mobile devices certainly have our attention, but why do we spend so much precious time staring at screens? What value do we get from social media and technology? Can we use these tools in more constructive ways? In this episode, we learn that when it comes to technology, sometimes it's not about getting the right answers, but about asking ourselves the right questions. Join Ed and Renee in their conversation about making more mindful use of our devices.

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Meditation: The Art and Science Mar 15, 2019

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Most people know what meditation is: cross your legs uncomfortably; get rid off all your thoughts; enter a trance-like state. Right? Um, no. In this calming episode, Ed and Renee debunk some widespread myths about what meditation is and is not. They describe the real science of the practice, how it affects our bodies and our minds, and how we can easily incorporate it into our daily lives. If that wasn't enough, they guide us through some simple meditations right in the episode, leaving us all in a better, more peaceful place.

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Climbing out of Depression Mar 08, 2019

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Rates of diagnosed depression are on the rise for people of all ages, especially teens. How bad is it? According to a report by Blue Cross Blue Shield, in the last six years cases have increased nearly 50% for millennials, and more than 60% for teens. Could anything make those numbers worse? Try imagining the number of cases that go unreported because children, teens, and adults alike feel they have nobody to talk to about their suffering. Ed and Renee have experience battling their own depression, and they’re here to say that even if you haven’t yet found the ability to talk to another person, you can always talk back to the voice of depression itself.

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Anxiety, Stress, and the Way We Think About Them Mar 01, 2019

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Anxiety is debilitating. Worry robs you of happiness. Stress is a killer.

I can’t imagine anyone reading this would disagree with those statements, and that’s exactly why we’re so lucky to have Ed and Renee! In this episode, they propose that one of the best ways to manage our anxiety and stress is to, well, change the way we think about our anxiety and stress. Of course, that sounds a little too good to be true. Like, seriously? I’m just going to think something and it’s going to change my life? Yes, that’s the idea, and it’s backed up with real science!

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Ending Negative Thought Parades Feb 22, 2019

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It feels like negative thoughts have a living, physical presence. They travel in groups, often gaining speed and momentum, following one after the other. They can surround us, cage us, keep us up at night like obnoxious neighbors. We spend a lot of energy fighting them off, like an infestation of pests. Luckily, Ed and Renee know these feelings well, and they’re here with strategies for … wait a second … allowing them? How can that be right? Listen and find out!

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Leaving Procrastination Station Feb 15, 2019

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If you asked your child if they'd like to do homework right now, or wait until tomorrow, can you predict their answer? What if I said you could skip work today, then make up the time next week? Not one of us is immune to procrastination, even when we're motivated to do something. We know we should go to the gym, but we're sure we'll have more energy later. We need to write that report, but it'll only take a few minutes and we can do that on the bus in the morning. In this episode, Renee and Ed get "sciencey" and tell us why we all procrastinate, why it has nothing to do with being disorganized, and what we can all do to get things done without delay.

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Defending Against Panic Attacks Feb 08, 2019

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Your heart is beating out of your chest. The air is gone from your lungs. Your body is rigid and you're sweating through your clothes. The first of your racing thoughts: you're having a heart attack. But that's not it. It's a panic attack, and when it's over, there is relief in the fact that you're okay, that you'll live, but that relief is quickly replaced with more dread. Because... now what? What's wrong with me? What if it happens again? Is there anything I can do to prevent it? In this special episode, Renee shares her personal experience with panic attacks and, together with Ed, discusses the science of these very real, very painful events that affect millions.

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Befriending Your Body Image Feb 01, 2019

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Wait, why are we discussing our bodies on a show about mental wellness? A person's view of their own body is often tied directly to their self-esteem, and their self-acceptance. Now consider these facts: 53% of 13 year-old American girls are unhappy with their bodies; 50% of teen girls and 30% of teen boys have used unhealthy weight control techniques; 95% of people with eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25. Yikes! This is a must-listen episode, in which hosts Ed and Renee address how we all think about our bodies, and how we can improve those thoughts.

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Battling Self-Criticism using Self-Compassion Jan 25, 2019

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We've all had those horrible thoughts: I'm not good enough; nobody likes me; I'm so stupid sometimes. That's the harsh voice of self-criticism. It's hard enough to hear it in our own heads, but when we know that voice is in our children's heads, it hurts even more. So how do we fight it? Enter self-compassion! Listen in as Ed and Renee unlock secrets to turning thoughts from foe to best friend.

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