Esma - Clinical Psychologist on the mammoth topic that is anxiety

(TW: anxiety) - Hello sparkle podders. In today's episode clinical psychologist and Move it Mama pal Esma discusses the massive topic of anxiety. Given how big the topic of anxiety is, what Esma and I discuss today really is just the tip of the iceberg. First off, we cover a bit about what Esma does for work, how Esma helps people with severe anxiety disorders, and what kind of therapy and strategies may be used to help people with anxiety. Esma discusses different types of anxiety (generalised, social, PTSD, OCD, etc.), and how people might present, as well as the rigmarole that is social media and phones. We discuss what we could do about our anxiety other than exercise and breathing - what are our steps? Esma has some useful tools in response to this question, including talking about exposure versus avoidance and if you're a massive worrier, useful concepts such as 'worry time' and the worry decision tree (resources below). There are some great takeaways in here, including how we might be able to help care for our loved ones with anxiety. I'm sure many of you will find the conversation useful. Towards the end of the podcast we attempt to answer some of your questions - but admittedly don't get to too many with the time we have. Please note: the information discussed contains general information rather than specific or individualised advice. Tips for managing anxiety can be a good starting point for someone looking to add some tools into their anxiety management toolbox. A reminder that if you believe you need help, or are experiencing significant distress, please in the first instance book in with your GP. Some additional resources are linked below. Finally, a big thanks to Esma for her time, and a note to our listeners that Esma was being a proper multi-tasking boss with her daughter and so you will hear her a bit throughout the second half of the pod! Thank you! Love to all, thanks for listening. Recommendations discussed in the episode - Book: The Anxious Generation - by Jonathan Haidt (covering the four foundational harms) Worry time and the worry tree - https://www.uh.edu/caps/resources/covid-19/manage-anxiety/ For an overview on Te Whare Tapa Wha: https://mentalhealth.org.nz/te-whare-tapa-wha For free online CBT course for anxiety or depression, as well as other great resources on a number of things that we discussed: https://www.justathought.co.nz If you need to talk to someone after listening to this podcast (NZ): - Free call or text 1737 for support from a trained counsellor - Lifeline 0800 543 354, free text 4357 - Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234 - Samaritans 0800 726 666