084. The Anxiety Sisters: a safe space to talk about anxiety

Anxiety can happen to anyone, regardless of age.

However, it can show up in different ways, in different intensities, at different times, among different genders. The conversation around anxiety has also become much more open in newer generations than in the past.

Still, anxiety isn’t discussed often enough – particularly in senior circles. That’s why Senior Living Expert Lori Williams invites ‘The Anxiety Sisters’ Abbe Greenberg and Maggie Sarachek to share their experiences. Authors of The Anxiety Sisters Survival Guide, they’re trained counselors, mental health advocates and anxiety sufferers themselves, with an online community of more than 220,000 in 200+ countries.

Together they discuss:

· Their journey with anxiety and how they became ‘The Anxiety Sisters’

· The anxiety spectrum and different ways it manifests

· Causes of anxiety

· Anxiety management techniques

And more.

Topics discussed:

- Anxiety / Generalized Anxiety Disorder

- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

- Medication and SSRIs

- Panic attack tips

- Hoarding

- Anxiety causes

- Anxiety and aging

Takeaways from this episode:

- The stress ‘fight, flight, or freeze’ response is the biological cause of anxiety. Hormones, medications, dementia, isolation and genetics can also impact anxiety levels.

- Though women are supposedly 2x as likely to suffer from anxiety, men may not report (or understand) their anxiety, or they redirect their anxiety as anger / rage since it’s more socially accepted.

- Instead of trying to avoid anxiety altogether, it’s helpful to prepare for it. Carry a bag with different items inside to calm your senses, like lavender fabric, photos, or medication. That way you're ready if a panic attack strikes.

- Be aware of how antidepressants or SSRIs can interact with any drugs you’re taking, and discuss health concerns and effects with your doctor.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Anxiety Sisters' Survival Guide:

https://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Sisters-Survival-Guide-Connected/dp/B08ZJT2PMZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=O43LG9Y2O1FE&keywords=anxiety+sisters+survival+guide&qid=1651087146&sprefix=anxiety+sisters%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-1

The Spin Cycle with The Anxiety Sisters Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spin-cycle/id1223800972

The Anxiety Sisters' Website:

https://anxietysisters.com/

https://www.facebook.com/anxietysisters

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast, please email Lori@Loriwilliams-seniorservices.com

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/