Welcome back to Blended! It’s episode 35, I’m joined by another new panel of powerhouse professionals, and today, we’re talking about anxiety.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the US, affecting 40 million adults – that’s nearly 20% of the population! – every single year. And it’s common for someone with an anxiety disorder to also suffer from depression. But, despite such huge numbers, only 36% of those suffering actually receive treatment.
That is a shocking figure. Millions of people are suffering in silence every day and the potential impact, on individuals and communities, is massive – leading many to say that the current mental health crisis is a ticking time bomb.
So, with the likelihood that multiple people around you at work and at home are suffering – perhaps you’re even suffering yourself – it’s important that we talk about it, and learn how to better support anyone that needs help.
Today, our guests will be talking all about what anxiety means to them; sharing their physical and mental triggers and symptoms; reflecting on how we can support others, personally and in the workplace; and revealing all the resources and techniques that worked for them.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
[01.04] Introductions to our Blended panelists.
- Suuchi – Founder and CEO of Suuchi Inc
- Isabella – Global Product Marketer at IBM Power
- Angela – Industry Lead for Manufacturing, Distribution, Logistics, and Retail at Hartman Executive Advisors
[05.55] The guests discuss what anxiety means to them; the disconnect between what people think it is vs what it actually is; and their many and varied mental and physical symptoms and triggers.
“There are so many misconceptions around what anxiety really is.” Angela
- Fear
- Worst case scenarios
- Good and bad anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Full-body experiences
- Stigma
- Generational trauma
- Opening up conversations
- Weakness
- Cortisol levels and fight or flight mode
- Physical and mental triggers and symptoms
- Highly sensitive people
- Research and self-awareness
- Control
- Sleep
- Trying to “fix things”
- Acknowledging anxiety to ourselves and others
“For me, it’s the mental runaway train!” Angela
[30.55] The panel discusses the importance of communication and mindset when it comes to the journey of anxiety.
“It’s easy to push it away… we have so much compassion for each other sharing stories, but not when we’re sharing our own.” Isabella
- Knowing what we need and asking for it
- Vulnerability
- Honesty
- Responsibility to hold it together
- Authenticity
- Helping others
- Differing comfort levels when it comes to being open
“For me, it’s been mostly mental – realising I’m starting to think more negative thoughts than positive ones, especially when I have something coming up that I haven’t done before or I’m getting out of my comfort zone.” Isabella
[43.43] The group reflects on supporting others; and the role, and responsibility, of the workplace.
- Honest leaders
- Creating opportunities to talk and listen
- Reassurance
- Cultivating safe spaces
- Compassion and empathy
- Normalizing emotions
- Mental health teams and days
- Building a variety of voices in the C Suite
- Training and workshops
- Creating opportunities for access to help
- Flexibility
- The journey
[01.04.09] The panel discusses the resources and techniques that have been personally useful to them.
“If there’s one resource I can leave the audience with, it’s ‘How to Stop Worrying and Start Living’ by Dale Carnegie… it’s been on my bookshelf for years, and it’s a classic.” Suuchi
- Yoga
- Books
- Breathing exercises
- Self-reflection
- Understanding imposter syndrome
- Trying different techniques
- Mindfulness
- Being present in the moment
[01.17.41] The group sums up their thoughts from today’s discussion.
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:
You can connect with Suuchi, Isabella, and Angela over on LinkedIn.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more inspirational conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion why not check out 242: Blended – OCD: Uncovering the Truth or 345: Blended – Emotional Recovery: The Unspoken Journey.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
