Anxiety Connection

Wendy Leeds

Our Anxiety Connection is where anxious people can come together for a sense of connection, understanding, and to get information on what causes anxiety and how to manage it. Host Wendy Leeds, a three-time cancer survivor and psychotherapist, shares her personal story of life-long anxiety, how she’s dealt with cancer, and found her way through her fear. As an experienced therapist, she shares the latest research, explores ways anxiety impacts our lives and offers simple, effective tools and techniques that you can use to ease your anxiety. read less
Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness

Episodes

Our Anxiety Connection: Past, Present, and Future | Ep #65
Aug 13 2024
Our Anxiety Connection: Past, Present, and Future | Ep #65
For 4 years we’ve come together at our Anxiety Connection to talk about what causes our anxiety, how anxiety affects our lives, and what we can do to feel better. We’ve explored practical things we can do to ease our fears. We’ve shared our common experience of dealing with our negative thoughts. And we’ve united in community of caring and support. While this episode will be the last for a while, I’m hoping we can keep in touch. SHOW NOTES: Links from the episode: BLOG: https://wendyleeds.com/blogEMAIL: https://wendyleeds.com/subscribe Highlighted episodes: Getting through tough times: “An Unexpected Miracle” (Episode 38) and “Choose to Bloom” (Episode 49) Getting started: “Procrastination: 4 Simple Steps to Reduce Its Power Over You” (Episode 51)How to keep going: “Walking into the Fire” (Episode 46)How to get a good night’s sleep: A New Perspective on Insomnia" (Episode 28) and “4 Techniques to Help You Fall Asleep” (Episode 40)  MORE WAYS TO CONNECT: FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wendyleedskeepingcalmYOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@wendyleedskeepingcalmINSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/wendyleedskeepingcalmTHREADS: https://threads.net/@wendyleedskeepingcalm MORE RESOURCES FROM WENDY: BOOK: Calm & Sense: A Woman's Guide to Living Anxiety-Free https://wendyleeds.com/bookQUIZ: Find Out the Cost of Your Anxiety https://wendyleeds.com/quizMINI-COURSE: Why You're Anxious & What to Do About It https://wendyleeds.com/mini-coursePODCAST: Anxiety Connection, hosted by Wendy Leeds https://wendyleeds.com/podcast © 2020 - 2024 Wendy Leeds
Why Therapy is Worth the Effort: Interview with Lucille Fisher | Ep #64
Jul 16 2024
Why Therapy is Worth the Effort: Interview with Lucille Fisher | Ep #64
Have you ever considered going to therapy but hesitated because you didn’t know what to expect? Join us as Lucille Fisher and I explore what it’s really like to go to therapy. We discuss why it’s important to find the right therapist and what you can expect from the therapeutic process – the challenges, the changes, and the potential life-changing benefits. SHOW NOTES  My Friend Lucille Fisher is a wife, mother, grandmother, and business owner. Her company, Sage and Savvy Marketing, specializes in helping businesses and non-profits grow through savvy social media marketing and customer-focused website development. Contact: lucille@sageandsavvymarketing.com LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/lucillefisher/ WENDY’S RESOURCES RELATED TO EPISODE 64: WATCH: I have a module in my mini-course about how to decide whether or not professional help is right for you: How to Know if Therapy Is Right for You (Module 9 of 10)  https://youtu.be/npworQAah2o  DOWNLOAD: I’ve prepared a checklist of criteria to help you in your decision along with a set of questions to ask in order to assess a therapist: When and How to Get Help.pdf https://d875ac62-c9ec-4647-9e46-6e3985079b73.usrfiles.com/ugd/d875ac_752655ac8df94673a30b079172193c4a.pdf   READ: Chapter 10 of my book is about how to assess a therapist to make sure they are a good fit – including the questions to ask a therapist. The book is: Calm & Sense: A Woman's Guide to Living Anxiety-Free  https://wendyleeds.com/book  LISTEN: Episode 53 of Anxiety Connection breaks down the stigma of seeking help for our mental health in today’s culture: Should I Go to Therapy? 8 Reasons to See a Therapist https:// wendyleeds.com/podcast/episode/1edba46d    OTHER RESOURCES RELATED TO EPISODE 64: 1. What is Dysregulation?  According to the Cleveland Clinic, “emotional dysregulation is a mental health symptom that involves trouble controlling your emotions and how you act on those feelings. To those around you, your emotions and reactions will seem out of proportion compared to what you’re reacting to… You can think about emotional regulation like volume control for your feelings. When you use the volume control for a device, you can keep it from being too loud. With emotional dysregulation, your brain can’t regulate emotion signals. In effect, your volume control doesn’t work like it should, making your emotions “louder” and harder to manage.” Cleveland Clinic, Emotional Dysregulation. Last reviewed. June 6, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/25065-emotional-dysregulation 2. To read more about how trauma affects the body I recommend: The Body Keeps Score by Bessel van der Kolk. Look up: van der Kolk, Bessel. (2015). The Body Keeps Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin Books. New York, New York. 3. To learn more about the vagus nerve and how it affects anxiety here are two resources The Polyvagal Theory by Stephen W. Porges. Look up: Porges, Stephen. W. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. W W Norton & Co. New York, New York. And  Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve by Stanley Rosenberg. Look up: Rosenberg, Stanley.2017)  Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve: Self-Help Exercises for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Autism. North Atlantic Books. Berkely, California.  4. My favorite book on the therapeutic process is:  The Gift of Therapy by Irvin D. Yalom. Look up: Yalom, Irvin, D. (2009) The Gift of Therapy: Reflections on being a Therapist. Harper Perennial. New York, New York. MORE RESOURCES FROM WENDY:  PODCAST: Anxiety Connection, hosted by Wendy Leeds https://wendyleeds.com/podcast QUIZ: Find Out the Cost of Your Anxiety  https://wendyleeds.com/quiz MINI-COURSE: Why You're Anxious & What to Do About It  https://wendyleeds.com/mini-course  BOOK: Calm & Sense: A Woman's Guide to Living Anxiety-Free  https://wendyleeds.com/book WAYS TO CONNECT: I respond to every message I get, so please do reach out.   I send infrequent emails and I love to get replies from the community: EMAIL: https://wendyleeds.com/subscribe My Facebook page is active; Instagram less so: FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wendyleedskeepingcalm  INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/wendyleedskeepingcalm I have a lot of anxiety and panic-related videos on my YouTube page: YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@wendyleedskeepingcalm © 2020 - 2024 Wendy Leeds
Change Your Focus to Change Your Future | Ep #62
May 7 2024
Change Your Focus to Change Your Future | Ep #62
Maybe you feel like your anxiety has you trapped and there’s nothing you can do about it. Or maybe you’d like to make a change, but fear is holding you back. In this episode, we discuss how a simple shift of focus can get you past that fear and get you started on the road to feeling better. LINKS AND RESOURCES FROM EPISODE 62: Taking action means listening to your body and mind. READ: Calm & Sense: A Woman's Guide to Living Anxiety-Free by Wendy Leeds https://wendyleeds.com/book. All of Part 3 (Chapters 11-25) is devoted to the concept of Reframing Your Anxiety. DOWNLOAD: Techniques to Ease Anxiety.pdf https://d875ac62-c9ec-4647-9e46-6e3985079b73.usrfiles.com/ugd/d875ac_7cb34c17860b4ea9be78965ac2f080e9.pdf MORE RESOURCES FROM WENDY:  PODCAST: Anxiety Connection, hosted by Wendy Leeds https://wendyleeds.com/podcast QUIZ: Find Out the Cost of Your Anxiety  https://wendyleeds.com/quiz READ: How to Listen to Your Body and Give it What it Needs by Wendy Leeds, published by TinyBuddha https://tinybuddha.com/blog/how-listen-to-your-body-and-give-it-what-it-needs/ LISTEN: Just Breathe: Controlling Anxiety from the Inside Out (Episode 12 of Anxiety Connection) https://wendyleeds.com/podcast/episode/1d18487c/ READ: A Guide to EFT Tapping by Jayne Leonard in MedicalNewsToday to learn more about Tapping or Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326434#how-to-do-eft-tapping WAYS TO CONNECT: I respond to every message I get, so please do reach out. I send infrequent emails and I love to get replies from the community: EMAIL: https://wendyleeds.com/subscribe My Facebook page is active; Instagram less so: FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wendyleedskeepingcalm  INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/wendyleedskeepingcalm I have a lot of anxiety and panic-related videos on my YouTube page: YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@wendyleedskeepingcalm   Citations from Episode 62: Berg, Allen. (March 2023) The Basics of Driving a Race Car Fast. Allenbergracingschools https://www.allenbergracingschools.com/expert-advice/the-basics-of-driving-a-race-car-fast-2/ McCall, Timothy, MD. 2007. Yoga as Medicine. New York: Bantam Dell. Page 35. © 2020 - 2024 Wendy Leeds
The Cost of Anxiety: The Price We Pay for Being Anxious | Ep #61
Apr 2 2024
The Cost of Anxiety: The Price We Pay for Being Anxious | Ep #61
Anxiety shows up differently for all of us. Your anxiety is uniquely yours. Identifying the specific pieces of your anxiety puzzle is an important step in the healing process. Together, let’s take a look at exactly how anxiety is affecting your thoughts, your beliefs, your body, and the steep price you may be paying for all the time spent worrying. LINKS AND RESOURCES FROM EPISODE 61:  DOWNLOAD: Anxiety Symptoms Physical Emotional Cognitive.pdf https://d875ac62-c9ec-4647-9e46-6e3985079b73.usrfiles.com/ugd/d875ac_8670508b4237496d9d202fca8c17f44c.pdf DOWNLOAD: Checklist of Anxiety Symptoms Mind vs Body.pdf https://d875ac62-c9ec-4647-9e46-6e3985079b73.usrfiles.com/ugd/d875ac_ac89f406534a42d1b157ea43f74919cd.pdf READ: To learn more about Gephrophobia (a fear of crossing bridges) in this summary article: https://psychtimes.com/gephyrophobia-fear-of-crossing-bridges/ MORE RESOURCES FROM WENDY:  BOOK: Calm & Sense: A Woman's Guide to Living Anxiety-Free  https://wendyleeds.com/book  QUIZ: Find Out the Cost of Your Anxiety  https://wendyleeds.com/quiz  MINI-COURSE: Why You're Anxious & What to Do About It https://wendyleeds.com/mini-course LISTEN: Change Your Self-Talk, Change Your Life (Episode 9 of Anxiety Connection) to learn more about your mind and anxiety. https://wendyleeds.com/podcast/episode/3ba67649/ LISTEN: Anxiety: What’s Your Body Got to Do with It? (Episode 13 of Anxiety Connection) to learn more about your body and anxiety. https://wendyleeds.com/podcast/episode/229df522/ LISTEN: Easing Anxiety: Interview with Martha Henry MacDonald (Episode 29 of Anxiety Connection) to learn more about how to connect the body and mind. https://wendyleeds.com/podcast/episode/256bb9b5/ READ: The Power of Your Posture by Wendy Leeds. https://wendyleeds.com/post/the-power-of-your-posture LISTEN: 7 Steps to Living A Courageous Life (Episode 23 of Anxiety Connection) for the motivation to get started. https://wendyleeds.com/podcast/episode/2a3a0cb8/ WAYS TO CONNECT: I respond to every message I get, so please do reach out. I send infrequent emails and I love to get replies from the community: EMAIL: https://wendyleeds.com/subscribe My Facebook page is active; Instagram less so: FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wendyleedskeepingcalm  INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/wendyleedskeepingcalm I have a lot of anxiety and panic-related videos on my YouTube page: YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@wendyleedskeepingcalm © 2020 - 2024 Wendy Leeds
Anxiety Is an Inside Job | Ep #60
Mar 5 2024
Anxiety Is an Inside Job | Ep #60
If it feels like anxiety is keeping you a prisoner in your own life, please join me as we explore the internal causes of that anxiety, how those fears may be keeping you trapped in a prison of your thoughts and fears, how those fears affect your life, and the key to finally setting yourself free.   LINKS AND RESOURCES FROM EPISODE 60:  DOWNLOAD: What Is the Impact of Your Anxiety.pdf LISTEN: Feeling Anxious? Trust Yourself (Episode 17 of Anxiety Connection) https://www.wendyleeds.com/podcast/episode/32bb48bd/feeling-anxious-trust-yourself-or-ep-17   MORE RESOURCES FROM WENDY:  BOOK: Calm & Sense: A Woman's Guide to Living Anxiety-Free  https://wendyleeds.com/book  QUIZ: Find Out the Cost of Your Anxiety  https://wendyleeds.com/quiz  MINI-COURSE: Why You're Anxious & What to Do About It https://wendyleeds.com/mini-course   WAYS TO CONNECT: I respond to every message I get, so please do reach out.  I send infrequent emails and I love to get replies from the community: EMAIL: https://wendyleeds.com/subscribe My Facebook page is active; Instagram less so: FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wendyleedskeepingcalm  INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/wendyleedskeepingcalm I have a lot of anxiety and panic-related videos on my YouTube page: YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@wendyleedskeepingcalm   SOURCES: Mellan, Olivia, and Piskaldo, Katrina. Reviewed June 9, 2016. “Men, Women and Money.” Psychology Today.  Andrews, Linda, Wasmer. June 9, 2015. “Why Women Need More Me-Time – and How They Can Claim It.” Psychology Today. Edited by Real Simple. April 4, 2012 “How Do Women Spend Their Time?” Real Simple.   © 2020 - 2024 Wendy Leeds
Looking Up When Things Get You Down | Ep #59
Feb 6 2024
Looking Up When Things Get You Down | Ep #59
In the U.S., women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety, and the reasons might surprise you. While there are all sorts of things that can make us anxious, some of those things are specific to women. In this episode we explore those causes, and I also share one of the best techniques I know to calm anxiety instantly. LINKS AND RESOURCES FROM EPISODE 59:  DOWNLOAD: What Is Making You Anxious.pdf https://d875ac62-c9ec-4647-9e46-6e3985079b73.usrfiles.com/ugd/d875ac_f5db810b315646b0a446332bb55178d4.pdf  LISTEN: Feeling Anxious? Trust Yourself (Episode 17 of Anxiety Connection) https://wendyleeds.com/podcast/episode/32bb48bd/feeling-anxious-trust-yourself-or-ep-17  LISTEN: How to Get Unstuck (Episode 6 of Anxiety Connection) https://wendyleeds.com/podcast/episode/2d5fd2eb/how-to-get-unstuck-or-ep-6  FOR REFERENCE: The 6 different categories of external causes of anxiety: Physical CaffeineGeneticHormonalTraumaMedia   MORE RESOURCES FROM WENDY:  BOOK: Calm & Sense: A Woman's Guide to Living Anxiety-Free  https://wendyleeds.com/book  QUIZ: Find Out the Cost of Your Anxiety  https://wendyleeds.com/quiz  MINI-COURSE: Why You're Anxious & What to Do About It https://wendyleeds.com/mini-course   WAYS TO CONNECT: I respond to every message I get, so please do reach out.  I send infrequent emails and I love to get replies from the community: EMAIL: https://wendyleeds.com/subscribe My Facebook page is active; Instagram less so: FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wendyleedskeepingcalm  INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/wendyleedskeepingcalm I have a lot of anxiety and panic-related videos on my YouTube page: YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@wendyleedskeepingcalm   SOURCES: Young, Joel, MD. April 22, 2015 “Women and Mental Illness” Psychology Today Mufson, Michael, J. MD. 2017 “Can a Traumatic Event Cause Anxiety Disorders?” Sharecare © 2020 - 2024 Wendy Leeds
No Two Brains Are the Same (Your Anxiety Is Unique) | Ep #58
Jan 9 2024
No Two Brains Are the Same (Your Anxiety Is Unique) | Ep #58
While we all share important similarities, we’re also uniquely different. And it’s the same with our brains. Just the way no two of us are alike, no two brains are alike as well. Understanding these similarities and differences can offer us a new way to look at our relationship with ourselves, the people around us, and can deepen our understanding of how we respond to our anxiety.   MORE RESOURCES:  READ: If you are interested in reading more about the differences in our brains, I highly recommend this book The Female Brain by Louann Brizendine MD https://amzn.to/41IBlod LISTEN: "What Fuels My Mission" (Episode 5 of Anxiety Connection)  https://wendyleeds.com/podcast/episode/e1c84252/ LISTEN: "How Does Anxiety Affect Your Relationship?" (Episode 8 of Anxiety Connection)  https://www.wendyleeds.com/podcast/episode/30609b38 BOOK: Calm & Sense: A Woman's Guide to Living Anxiety-Free  https://wendyleeds.com/book  QUIZ: Find Out the Cost of Your Anxiety  https://wendyleeds.com/quiz  MINI-COURSE: Why You're Anxious & What to Do About It https://wendyleeds.com/mini-course   WAYS TO CONNECT: I respond to every message I get, so please do reach out. I send infrequent emails and I love to get replies from the community.  EMAIL: https://wendyleeds.com/subscribe My Facebook page is active; Instagram less so.  FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wendyleedskeepingcalmINSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/wendyleedskeepingcalm I have a lot of anxiety and panic-related videos on my YouTube page: YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@wendyleedskeepingcalm © 2020 - 2024 Wendy Leeds
The Holidays Don't Have to Be Stressful: 6 Gifts for the Season of Giving | Ep #57
Dec 12 2023
The Holidays Don't Have to Be Stressful: 6 Gifts for the Season of Giving | Ep #57
The holidays can be a tough time of year for those of us with anxiety. But there’s a way we can remove some of the stress and worry. Simply by changing the way we think about the holidays, we can lower our stress level and help us keep our calm through the holiday season. The 6 Gifts: Filling Your Cup First So You Can Give to Others 1. The gift of lower expectations  2. The gift of saying no  3. The gift of healthy habits  4. The gift of positive self-talk  5. The gift of honoring your needs  6. The gift of GIVING TO OTHERS  LINKS FROM THE EPISODE: Calm & Sense by Wendy Leeds https://wendyleeds.com/book  Prioritization Worksheet in Chapter 29DIY Affirmations in Chapter 21 Take the Time for Your Life by Cheryl Richardson https://amzn.to/484Lnlt MORE RESOURCES: QUIZ: Find Out the Cost of Your Anxiety https://wendyleeds.com/quiz DOWNLOAD: Four Techniques to "Panic-Proof" Your Life https://wendyleeds.com/techniques MINI-COURSE: Why You're Anxious & What to Do About It https://wendyleeds.com/mini-course WAYS TO CONNECT: I respond to every message I get, so please do reach out. I send infrequent emails and I love to get replies from the community.  EMAIL: https://wendyleeds.com/subscribe My Facebook page is active; Instagram less so.  FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wendyleedskeepingcalmINSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/wendyleedskeepingcalm I have a lot of anxiety and panic-related videos on my YouTube page: YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@wendyleedskeepingcalm © 2023 Wendy Leeds. All rights reserved.
Should I Go to Therapy? 8 Reasons to See a Therapist | Ep #53
May 9 2023
Should I Go to Therapy? 8 Reasons to See a Therapist | Ep #53
Have you ever thought about seeing a therapist? Or maybe there’s someone in your life you think might benefit from talking to a mental health professional? In this episode I tackle the stigma of seeking help for our mental health in today’s culture. And I share the 8 reasons for talking to a therapist and how it can make a real difference in how we think and feel. LINKS FROM THE EPISODE: If you are having suicidal thoughts or plans, please take this seriously: Call a trusted friendCall or text 988, the Crisis LifelineGo to the nearest emergency roomCall the suicide prevention number 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Chapter 10 of my book is about how to assess a therapist to make sure they are a good fit – including the questions to ask a therapist. The book is: Calm & Sense: A Woman's Guide to Living Anxiety-Free  https://wendyleeds.com/book MORE RESOURCES: QUIZ: Find Out the Cost of Your Anxiety https://wendyleeds.com/quiz DOWNLOAD: Four Techniques to "Panic-Proof" Your Life https://wendyleeds.com/techniques MINI-COURSE: Why You're Anxious & What to Do About It https://wendyleeds.com/course Click here or use the coupon code “SUBSCRIBER” to get 40% off the mini-course. And if the cost is a burden to you in any way, just ask – I’ll grant you lifetime access for free. No catch. I just want to be helpful to anyone who’s struggling.   WAYS TO CONNECT: I respond to every message I get, so please do reach out. I send infrequent emails and I love to get replies from the community. My Facebook page is active; Instagram less so. EMAIL: https://wendyleeds.com/subscribe FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/wendyleedskeepingcalm/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wendyleedskeepingcalm/ CITATIONS: 1.    Robinson, Byran, Ph.D. Bebruary 4, 2021. 47% of Americans Believe Seeking Therapy is a sign of weakness. Forbes.com https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2021/02/04/47-of-americans-believe-seeking-therapy-is-a-sign-of-weakness/?sh=72c00e884413 2.    What is EMDR? Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing. https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/ 3.    Sack, David, MD. March 18, 2013. 5 Signs It’s Time to Seek Therapy. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/where-science-meets-the-steps/201303/5-signs-its-time-seek-therapy © 2020 - 2023 Wendy Leeds
The Power of Planning: The 4 Steps to Getting Unstuck | Ep #52
Apr 11 2023
The Power of Planning: The 4 Steps to Getting Unstuck | Ep #52
Fear can keep us feeling stuck, alone, and helpless. But having an effective plan of action can take us past those fears to get what we really want out of life. Please join me as I share my simple 4-step process for creating that action plan and then putting it to work. LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:  In my last episode, I covered procrastination – which is also fueled by fear: Procrastination: 4 Simple Steps to Reduce Its Power Over You (Episode 51) https://www.wendyleeds.com/podcast/episode/2cb1a84a/ Yes, you can safely get your tongue unstuck from a frozen pole! Here’s where I learned how: Grande, Laura. Feb. 23, 2015. How to Unstick a Tongue From a Metal Pole. Todaysparent.com https://www.todaysparent.com/kids/how-to-unstick-your-tongue-from-a-metal-pole/ See below for ways to connect with me. I look forward to hearing from you! MORE RESOURCES:  BOOK: Calm & Sense: A Woman's Guide to Living Anxiety-Free https://wendyleeds.com/book QUIZ: Find Out the Cost of Your Anxiety  https://wendyleeds.com/quiz DOWNLOAD: Four Techniques to "Panic-Proof" Your Life https://wendyleeds.com/techniques MINI-COURSE: Why You're Anxious & What to Do About It https://wendyleeds.com/course Click here or use the coupon code “SUBSCRIBER” to get 40% off the mini-course. And if the cost is a burden to you in any way, just ask – I’ll grant you lifetime access for free. No catch. I just want to be helpful to anyone who’s struggling.    WAYS TO CONNECT: I respond to every message I get, so please do reach out. I send infrequent emails and I love to get replies from the community. My Facebook page is active; Instagram less so. EMAIL: https://wendyleeds.com/subscribe FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/wendyleedskeepingcalm/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wendyleedskeepingcalm/ © 2020 - 2023 Wendy Leeds
Choose to Bloom: Even on Winter's Darkest Days | Ep #49
Dec 13 2022
Choose to Bloom: Even on Winter's Darkest Days | Ep #49
Do the short, cold days of winter leave you feeling exhausted and “blah?” Are you feeling paralyzed with sadness? If so, you may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder or S.A.D.  Please join me as I share my story of how a tiny surprise reminded me how to find light and color on even the “blah” days.   LINKS FROM THE EPISODE: Episode 24 “10 Ways to Beat the Winter Doldrums” Episode 48: “Dealing with Holiday Stress and Anxiety” Subscribe to follow my progress on the new book: https://wendyleeds.com/subscribe   SPECIAL NOTE FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON: If you’re suffering or feeling overwhelmed by your fears, one of the most powerful things you can do is to reach out to a qualified, licensed mental health professional. Getting help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength. And working with a good therapist can help you feel better almost immediately. According to a study by David Sack, MD, published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology “88 percent of therapy goers reported improvements after just one session.” If you’re not sure where to start, please talk to your health care provider. Also, here are three reputable websites that you can use to connect with a therapist in your area: American Psychological Association: https://locator.apa.orgPsychology Today: https://psychologytoday.com/us/therapistsAnxiety and Depression Association of America: https://members.adaa.org/page/FATMain ​ IMPORTANT: If you’re in crisis, especially if you are thinking of harming yourself or anyone else – please call for help NOW! CALL or TEXT 988 The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a U.S.-based suicide prevention network of over 200+ crisis centers that provides 24/7 service via a toll-free hotline with the number 9-8-8. It is available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. It is founded and run by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. ONLINE: https://988lifeline.org OR CALL: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.   MORE ANXIETY-RELATED RESOURCES: BOOK: Calm & Sense: A Woman's Guide to Living Anxiety-Free https://wendyleeds.com/book QUIZ: Find Out the Cost of Your Anxiety https://wendyleeds.com/quiz DOWNLOAD: Four Techniques to "Panic-Proof" Your Life https://wendyleeds.com/techniques MINI-COURSE: Why You're Anxious & What to Do About It https://wendyleeds.com/course Click here or use the coupon code “SUBSCRIBER” to get 40% off the mini-course. And if the cost is a burden to you in any way, just ask – I’ll grant you lifetime access for free. No catch. I just want to be helpful to anyone who’s struggling.   WAYS TO CONNECT: I respond to every message I get, so please do reach out. I send infrequent emails and I love to get replies from the community. My Facebook page is active; Instagram less so. EMAIL: https://wendyleeds.com/subscribe FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/wendyleedskeepingcalm/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wendyleedskeepingcalm/   © 2022 Wendy Leeds
Dealing with Holiday Stress and Anxiety | Ep #48
Nov 15 2022
Dealing with Holiday Stress and Anxiety | Ep #48
If you’re dreading the holiday season this year, you’re not alone. The holidays are tough for so many of us. If you’re already feeling anxious and worried about how you’re going to get through the next few weeks, please join me in making 5 powerful commitments to help you meet the challenges ahead with a sense of peace and calm.   LINKS FROM THE EPISODE: Chapter 51 of my book is about how to manage difficult relationships that bring you stress & anxiety: Calm & Sense: A Woman's Guide to Living Anxiety-Free. More info here: https://wendyleeds.com/book   SPECIAL NOTE FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON: If you’re suffering or feeling overwhelmed by your fears, one of the most powerful things you can do is to reach out to a qualified, licensed mental health professional. Getting help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength. And working with a good therapist can help you feel better almost immediately. According to a study by David Sack, MD, published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology “88 percent of therapy goers reported improvements after just one session.” If you’re not sure where to start, please talk to your health care provider. Also, here are three reputable websites that you can use to connect with a therapist in your area: American Psychological Association: https://locator.apa.orgPsychology Today: https://psychologytoday.com/us/therapistsAnxiety and Depression Association of America: https://members.adaa.org/page/FATMain ​ IMPORTANT: If you’re thinking of harming yourself or anyone else please call for help NOW! Call 911 or the Suicide prevention hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Visit: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org   MORE ANXIETY-RELATED RESOURCES: QUIZ: Find Out the Cost of Your Anxiety https://wendyleeds.com/quiz DOWNLOAD: Four Techniques to "Panic-Proof" Your Life https://wendyleeds.com/techniques MINI-COURSE: Why You're Anxious & What to Do About It https://wendyleeds.com/course Click here or use the coupon code “SUBSCRIBER” to get 40% off the mini-course. And if the cost is a burden to you in any way, just ask – I’ll grant you lifetime access for free. No catch. I just want to be helpful to anyone who’s struggling.   WAYS TO CONNECT: I respond to every message I get, so please do reach out. I send infrequent emails and I love to get replies from the community. My Facebook page is active; Instagram less so. EMAIL: https://wendyleeds.com/subscribe FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/wendyleedskeepingcalm/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wendyleedskeepingcalm/
Walking into the Fire | Ep #46
Sep 13 2022
Walking into the Fire | Ep #46
Firefighters have an iron-clad rule about how to walk into a fire, which can be applied to those of us who suffer from anxiety: Never go in alone. As a cancer survivor, I know the power of community for getting through some very dark days. I know what it’s like to struggle with the loneliness and fear of anxiety’s flame. Join me in this episode as we apply the lesson, together. Having a community here in OUR Anxiety Connection means we never have to walk into the fire alone. WAYS TO CONNECT: I respond to every message I get, so please do reach out. I send infrequent emails and I love to get replies from the community. My Facebook page is active; Instagram less so. EMAIL: https://wendyleeds.com/subscribe FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/wendyleedskeepingcalm/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wendyleedskeepingcalm/ MORE ANXIETY-RELATED RESOURCES: BOOK: Calm & Sense: A Woman's Guide to Living Anxiety-Free https://wendyleeds.com/book QUIZ: Find Out the Cost of Your Anxiety https://wendyleeds.com/quiz DOWNLOAD: Four Techniques to "Panic-Proof" Your Life https://wendyleeds.com/techniques MINI-COURSE: Why You're Anxious & What to Do About It https://wendyleeds.com/course Click here or use the coupon code “SUBSCRIBER” to get 40% off the mini-course. And if the cost is a burden to you in any way, just ask – I’ll grant you lifetime access for free. No catch. I just want to be helpful to anyone who’s struggling. © 2022 Wendy Leeds