146. The Antidote for Anxiety and Panic Attacks with Andrea Petersen

Andrea Petersen is here to explore the world of anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Imagine being fine one moment and completely disoriented the next. Picture having difficulty breathing and intense vision distortions. Your heart is pounding, you’re covered in sweat, and you’re terrified that you’re literally dying. When those of us who don’t suffer from anxiety or panic attacks hear about others having them, it’s easy to minimize the experience. Regardless of whether you have anxiety yourself or just know someone else who does, this insightful episode will be very helpful. Find Out More About Andrea Here: Andrea Petersen@andreaapetersen on TwitterAndrea Petersen at the Wall Street Journal In This Episode: [01:33] - Why did Andrea write her new book and bare her soul in this way? She answers, then discusses whether anxiety disorders are a growing epidemic. [05:08] - Andrea talks about whether some people might have anxiety disorders without even being aware of it. [07:08] - For listeners who may not understand what a panic attack feels like, Andrea describes the experience. [10:48] - Andrea shares what it felt like to go through the process of trying to figure out what was wrong with her. [13:40] - Treatment involves amassing new learning that overrides the fears that you have, Andrea explains. She and Stephan then discuss other treatment strategies. [17:34] - Andrea talks more about meditation and yoga, and the tools that she uses to practice both. [23:01] - Stephan points out that there are three fear responses: fight, flight, or freeze. [26:06] - Andrea explores some of the exciting developments happening in terms of treatments for underlying brain dysfunctions. [29:39] - Has Andrea tried any apps for synchronizing her breathing to her heart rate variability? [32:05] - We hear about Stephan’s experience working with Dr. Daniel Amen. [34:09] - Andrea talks about whether she has tried eye tracking. [36:39] - It’s good to start with evidence-based, peer-reviewed, research-tested methodologies, and then branch out from there. [38:07] - Andrea explores relapses, which can be caused by different things depending on the person, she explains. [41:10] - We learn about whether girls are more likely to suffer trauma while growing up than boys. [45:04] - Stephan talks about the dangers of overly accommodating your kids as they’re growing up in terms of a Kabbalistic concept. [47:44] - Andrea describes what ACEs is and how it potentially plays a role in a child’s development of an anxiety disorder over their lifetime. [52:33] - Andrea lists some places where listeners can find her or buy her book. Links and Resources: Andrea Petersen @andreaapetersen on Twitter Andrea Petersen at the Wall Street Journal On Edge: A Journey Through Anxiety by Andrea Petersen Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Todd Herman 10% Happier YogaGlo Dr. Daniel Amen on the Optimized Geek What Is Kabbalah? The Bread of Shame ACEs ACE Questionnaire