In this heartfelt episode of the Anxiety Society podcast, host Cali Werner dives into the complexities of grief with guest Megan Jarvis, a trauma-trained psychotherapist, podcast host and author. They discuss the interplay between grief and anxiety, the importance of learning to "live with loss," and practical tools for managing grief during the holiday season. Megan shares her personal journey with grief and explains how understanding the body's response to trauma can help us navigate profound loss.

Key Points:

[0:06] - Welcome to The Anxiety Society Podcast

The mission of the podcast and welcoming Megan Jarvis for an important discussion about grief.

[0:57] - Anxious Moments of the Week

Cali and Megan reflect on their anxiety triggers, from holiday chaos to public speaking mishaps, highlighting the universal challenges of managing mental health.

[8:27] - Megan's Journey into Grief Therapy

Megan shares her personal story of childhood trauma, how it shaped her anxiety, and her eventual path to becoming a trauma therapist.

[15:00] - The Intersection of Grief and Anxiety

Insightful conversation on how grief triggers anxiety, why we react as we do, and tools like EMDR that help regulate our responses.

[34:22] - Tips for Grieving During the Holidays

Megan introduces strategies like the "Triangle of Trust" and mindfulness techniques to stay present and manage grief in emotionally charged situations.

[47:06] - Redefining the New Normal

Megan challenges cultural norms around grief and shares her vision for a more educated, compassionate approach to handling loss.

Quotable Moments:

[4:57] "If you want to know the answer to anxiety, it’s being okay with good enough." — Megan Jarvis

[34:29] "Instead of avoiding pain, ask: how can I be present for whatever comes up?" — Megan Jarvis

[47:43] "Grief isn’t about letting go; it’s learning to live with the loss." — Megan Jarvis

Links Mentioned:

- Megan Jarvis’s Website: https://meghanriordanjarvis.com/

- Grief is My Side Hustle Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grief-is-my-side-hustle/id1568936089

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tKoHpy88JWZEhPz0gREkY

- Book: Can Anyone Tell Me? Essential Questions About Grief and Loss by Megan Jarvis

https://meghanriordanjarvis.com/

Grief is a universal experience that often intersects with anxiety, and this episode provides practical tools and validation for those navigating loss. As you listen, remember that there's no "right way" to grieve—it’s about showing up for yourself and others with compassion and understanding.

Stay connected with us: Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on Instagram @TheAnxietySocietyPod. Together, we can transform the conversation around anxiety and grief.

Mentioned in this episode:

World Class Treatment For A Worldwide Need

The OCD Institute of Texas provides compassionate individualized treatment for anxiety, OCD and related disorders with a diverse team of dedicated specialists.

In this episode of The Anxiety Society Podcast, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner share their personal journeys with anxiety and how it has shaped their professional paths. The duo dive into the roots of anxiety, societal impacts, and transformative strategies to regain control over our lives. This raw, unfiltered conversation aims to empower listeners to challenge their perceptions of anxiety and take steps toward freedom and self-discovery.

Key Points:

[0:00] - Welcome to The Anxiety Society Podcast

Dr. McConville and Carly Werner talk about the podcast, sharing their mission to explore anxiety in all its facets and offer fresh perspectives on overcoming it.

[0:06] - The Anxiety Epidemic

A discussion on how anxiety became such a defining part of modern society and how it continues to grow.

[0:33] - Real, Raw, and Unfiltered

The hosts outline their vision for a podcast that pushes boundaries, embraces discomfort, and sparks meaningful change in how we view anxiety.

[5:15] - The Personal Side of Anxiety

Both hosts share their personal journeys with anxiety, offering relatable and heartfelt stories to connect with listeners.

[10:45] - Anxiety’s Role in Society

An exploration of how societal pressures, social media, and cultural norms contribute to heightened anxiety levels.

[15:30] - Redefining the Conversation

The importance of shifting the narrative around anxiety from shame and stigma to one of empowerment and understanding.

[19:50] - Practical Tools for Managing Anxiety

Actionable tips and strategies to help listeners reduce anxiety in their everyday lives.

[22:10] - The Power of Community

How building a supportive network can create a safe space for open dialogue and shared healing.

[25:45] - Breaking the Cycle

A deep dive into how individuals and society as a whole can stop perpetuating anxiety and start creating change.

[29:57] - Stay Connected

Resources and ways to engage with The Anxiety Society Podcast community are shared, including their website and Instagram.

Quotable Moments:

[10:45] “Anxiety thrives in silence. The more we talk about it, the less power it has over us.” - Cali Werner

[19:50] “Managing anxiety isn’t about eliminating it; it’s about learning to live with it and thrive despite it.” - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

[25:45] “Breaking the cycle of anxiety begins with challenging the stories we tell ourselves.” - Cali Werner

Links Mentioned:

- The Anxiety Society Podcast Website: https://www.anxietysocietypodcast.com

- Instagram: @theanxietysocietypod: https://www.instagram.com/theanxietysocietypod

Follow us at anxietysocietypodcast.com for continued insights, resources, and support. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and follow them on social media to stay connected and part of this journey to redefine the conversation around anxiety.

In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner tackle the ways loved ones can unintentionally fuel anxiety by accommodating it. They delve into practical, evidence-based strategies for reducing anxiety-supportive behaviors, enabling both individuals and their families to regain control and live more fully. The hosts share personal stories and expert advice on navigating common struggles like reassurance-seeking, understanding anxiety's ego-dystonic nature, and how to communicate boundaries. Whether you’re managing anxiety or supporting someone who is, this episode offers invaluable insight into creating a balanced and empowered life.

 Key Points:

- [0:06] - Introduction and Purpose of The Anxiety Society

Dr. Elizabeth and Cali introduce the show, focusing on anxiety’s societal impact and the journey to change our relationship with it.

- [9:30] - Debunking the “Understanding” Myth

They explain why it’s unnecessary—and even unhelpful—for loved ones to fully understand anxiety in order to support someone effectively.

- [11:59] - Accommodating Behaviors: Help or Harm?

Insight on how accommodating someone’s anxiety can reinforce it, often sending unintended messages of fragility and incapacity.

- [18:19] - Setting Supportive Boundaries

Discussion on setting healthy, pre-planned boundaries, and how to communicate these changes in a calm, supportive way.

- [27:15] - Goal-Oriented Accommodations

Examples of how to use temporary, goal-oriented accommodations to gradually build resilience without reinforcing anxious behaviors.

- [35:45] - Living by Values, Not Anxiety

Advice on aligning daily actions with personal values instead of anxiety-driven responses to create meaningful change.

Quotable Moments:

- [9:00] - "The goal isn’t for loved ones to ‘get’ your anxiety—it’s for you to trust that you can handle it." — Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

- [18:55] - "When we support without enabling, we show anxiety who’s really in charge." — Cali Werner

- [27:10] - "Accommodations are stepping stones, not permanent crutches." — Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

Links Mentioned:

• Anxiety Society Podcast Website: https://AnxietySocietyPodcast.com
• Anxiety Disorders Association of America:https://adaa.org
• Anxiety in the Classroom: https://anxietyintheclassroom.org

If anxiety—or accommodating someone else’s—is taking a toll on your life, it’s time to build a new approach. Challenge yourself or support a loved one in reducing accommodations and reclaiming control over daily life. For more tools and insights, check out the links provided and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform. Don’t forget to leave a review to help us reach others on this journey toward anxiety-free living.

Mentioned in this episode:

World Class Treatment For A Worldwide Need

The OCD Institute of Texas provides compassionate individualized treatment for anxiety, OCD and related disorders with a diverse team of dedicated specialists.