Podcast Therapy: How Audio Content Aids High-Functioning Anxiety

“There is nothing more reassuring than knowing that there’s other people that are out there just trying to get through their day or their weeks or their months in the best way that they can.” ~Dr. Lisa Hartwell

Aloha and welcome,

Imagine you’re not alone, and there’s a community just an earbud away where experiences resonate, coping strategies are swapped, and validation pours like rain on a parched soul.

If you’re grappling with anxiety, particularly high-functioning anxiety, this episode of Anxiety Ease is a treasure trove of support and inspiration. Dive in with me as we unwrap the impactful role of podcasts in managing anxiety.

Feeling overwhelmed? Sometimes, just tuning into a podcast can nudge your mindset from isolation to inspiration.

Mahalo & Keep Listening to Connect with Others!

Episode Links:

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Get your copy of Dr. Hartwell's new book, Cultivating Professional Success: Even When High Functioning Anxiety Drives You To The Edge at www.drlisahartwell.com

Enroll in my FREE Hartwell Anxiety Assessment: www.hartwellanxietyassessment.com

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Transcript

Well, aloha. This is Dr. Lisa Hartwell from Anxiety e's podcast. And today I thought it would be kind of fun to talk about something that we all do. It seems like today, which is really, do podcasts help with anxiety, especially high functioning anxiety. I did a little search and wow, there's a lot of podcasts on anxiety, isn't there? So, you know, just thinking about how do we separate fact from fiction, from what everyone is listening to out there? And, you know, it's interesting is when I decided to start my podcast, which has been about a year and a half now, it was really as part of one of my business planning days, I always sit down every year and think about, okay, what do I want to do this year for my business and and help grow and, you know, feed my soul as far as my creative passions go. And one of those things that came up was, I think it would be fun to start a podcast. And one of those reasons is because, to be honest with you, it fits into my life. It fits in with batching content and coming in here I am on a Saturday and recording four episodes for you folks.


And, you know, it just works and it's fun. It's just fun to kind of talk about what is going out on in the world, especially with high functioning anxiety and how I can help in maybe small little ways and just really be a light of encouragement if this is something that, you know, that you struggle with. But then I got to thinking, I kind of want to talk about that. I'm going to go dive in a little bit and see what's out there and see if people are really, are they getting help? Are they getting help from me? All these podcasts about anxiety, and even though mine specifically about high functioning anxiety, for the most part, especially with those professionals out there like myself, who have this anxiety that kind of comes and goes and times in our life when life just gets overwhelming and kind of tough sometimes, and then it goes away and you just kind of go back to being your chill self. That's, that describes most of us. Right. But one of the things I was thinking was, so if podcasts really help with anxiety, how do they help? And it's really no secret that anxiety, especially high functioning anxiety, because that's the quiet one that's secretly working behind the scenes, really affects millions of people all over the world, of course, and just manifesting in various forms and intensities. And that can, you know, that can range anywhere from generalized anxiety to specific phobias, even, and, you know, even like kind of the obsessive compulsive stuff that folks have.


And those are more the clients that I see in my therapy practice. But for those of us, for the most part, that are just going about our day, you know, quite successfully, and, you know, we just have cycles of overwhelm and cycles of overthinking and times when all we want to do is just really sit and veg and stir at the wall and avoid things. But, you know, what does it feel like sometimes you think, hey, if I'm going to sit here and stare at the wall, how about if I just pop in a podcast and number one, see if it is something that will help me just shift, kind of shake me or shift me out of my current state of mind. You know, one of the reasons that it's become such a big tool for folks is because it really offers that sense of connection and community. You know, listening to others share about their experiences and coping strategies really offers validation and reassurance, frankly, that we're not alone and you're not alone in your struggle. And there is nothing more reassuring than knowing that there's other people that are out there just trying to get through their day or their weeks or their months, you know, in the best way that they can, you know, and additionally podcast, I think they often also, you know, there's quite a few of us experts out there having this conversation about, you know, what really works for anxiety and those evidence based techniques and practices that helps manage anxiety. And that can range anywhere from mindfulness practices to very specific evidence based cognitive behavioral strategies, which is really looking at how your thinking and your behavior and your emotions all fit together and how they impact each other and all of those type of insights. And, you know, tools and techniques really equip you with practical tools to navigate your anxiety more effectively and possibly quicker than if you were just essentially trying to.

To feel good, you know, to just kind of relax and feel good. But it kind of really, really begs the question, does it really alleviate anxiety symptoms to listen to a podcast, or does it really just provide temporary relief? In other words, well, I'm sitting there staring at the wall and might as well pop in a podcast and just see if I can just get myself to relax a bit. And so you feel relaxed and then what? Until the next time? That's pretty short term, right? But you know, while podcasts can certainly offer valuable information and support, they're really no substitute for professional treatment and for folks with severe or persistent anxiety. In other words, it comes back every single day, or, you know, more times than not during the week. It's really essential to seek guidance from somebody who's a qualified mental health professional and somebody who's trained in this, because otherwise you're going to get some short term relief, but it's going to constantly come back. And if you have been a listener for my podcast at any time, you know that I'm all about the neuroplasticity and the rewiring that happens from actual treatment of anxiety. So that's really what it's at if you're interested in something more long term. But having said that, podcasts can complement existing therapeutic interventions that you would be using, other than therapy, of course, or even coaching for that matter.


And really that's by providing ongoing support and encouragement. Support and encouragement should never, ever be underrated. It really serves as a source of inspiration, motivation and education on your journey towards better mental health, so to speak. Because really, anytime you can get support and encouragement, that is what's going to shift and turn that needle. That's what's going to help you show up and do the work that requires for better mental health. So the answer is kind of nuanced, actually. So while podcasts can offer valuable insights and support, there really should be thought of as just one piece of the puzzle. You know, ultimately managing your high functioning anxiety especially requires really a holistic approach.


And that could, that can be a whole host of things, which is taking good care of your physical health, self care practices. If you have to take medication, you have to take medication, possibly get your vitamin intake checked out, all those sorts of things. And yes, even podcasts. So I think that's just an interesting idea and hopefully you are enjoying some of the podcasts that are out there. There are so many really wonderful folks out there, and we're all just contributing to this idea of how can we help support you in ways that, you know, helps to reduce your anxiety for not coming back as often as it wants to. Sometimes it isn't ever about getting rid of it. It's never about just managing. It is about learning how to use it in a way that serves you and serves your life, because that's what it's there for, really right at the end of the day, tapping you on the shoulder and say hello, it's time to pay attention to this thing.


And once you can do that and learn that you are on the road to a more calm and peaceful life. So hopefully you having a great week and I look forward to speaking with you again at the next episode. For now, ahui ho and take care. Aloha.


Okay, that's a wrap for this week. The Anxiety Ease podcast is produced by myself and the music is provided by Pixabay. For more episodes or to get in touch anytime, you can visit my website, drlisahartwell.com. And if you do like the show, please leave us a review on iTunes. It really helps us out a lot. Also, if you want to see where you fall in the continuum of your high functioning anxiety, head on over to the the link that's found in the show notes heartwellanxietyassessment.com.