14 Things that Actually Help Severe Anxiety

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Today I talk with my friend, Rachael, about her experience with a severe anxiety disorder. Rachael struggled with anxiety and depression, insomnia and appetite changes for years. But she continued to learn and grow, to try various treatments until she finally found some things that worked for her anxiety. I'm so grateful that Rachael was willing to come on my channel and share her experience with anxiety and I hope that this will help others with their anxiety treatment too.

00:00 All the things she tried
05:10 1. Say Yes to Life
05:20 2. Mantra "Get out of Bed Get out of your Head"
06:21 3. Get Support
07:05 4. Walk outside in the morning
08:31 5. Say Yes to Life- Even if you don't feel like it
09:44 6. Defusion Phrases
13:06 7. Schedule your Worry Time and Write it out
14:23 8. Writing Exercise Wins, Wishes, Whats
15:39 8.2 Gratitude Practice
16:11 9. Use a Notebook to record what you're learning
17:31 10. Mindfulness
19:26 11. Accept that Emotions Come and Go
21:28 12. Trust herself that she can handle the ups and downs
21:38 13. Let go and Let God
22:46 14. Describe instead of Judge Feelings

Check out the transcript below:

Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health.
In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

[YaxelBurone]

Psychedelic mushrooms really healed me years back. Totally got rid of depression, anxiety and illicit pill addiction

[saskhiker]

This woman decided she wanted to get better and it wasn't up to others, therapists and programs. She chose to find her way. Chose to get up in the morning. Amazing what a positive mindset does.

[tessiag]

Hey guys, if you're watching this and relating to my mom's journey, and have kids, remember that they are rooting for you every second! ❤

[ca]

I welcomed my panic attacks...stopped almost immediately
So...when I come across worrying or challenging situations I welcome them..
Bring them on..❤
Much love from Ireland

[perspective]

For me, I find acceptance is the answer. Not that you like it, but you accept where you’re at at that moment.

[ЕкатеринаЕфремова-рч]

What a wonderful woman, so honest and brave to share her experience in Internet.

[Wealthofhealth_CD]

Things I do that have helped me.
1. Having a daily consistent routine
2. Morning walks to take in the sun and reflect on creation.
3. Light strength training
4. Brain retraining & nsrd
5. Meditation & reflection moments
6. Massages & dry brushing
7. Hiking & biking
8. Going to parks & nature trails
9. Watching & listening to podcast about self improvement and growth
10. Prayer & connecting with my creator and learning how to serve him.
11. Bonus: going grain free, cutting out sugar and removing processed foods. Lead me to the carnivore diet and now I am off 6 meds and down 55 pounds. No longer pre-diabetic and no longer bed bound.

[marijkevv]

I believe that waking up from 'i shouldn't be feeling how i am feeling' to: 'this is how i feel, this is how anxiety feels to me' is the most powerfull step into healing❤

[vibin]

I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone talk about anxiety and it didn’t feel hollow. The type of severe anxiety she’s talking about I completely understand. I’m 24 and it’s nice to know that not only is there nothing “wrong” with me but that there’s people who are older than me that actually understand the major physical side effects especially of such severe anxiety. Listening to this helped me come down from dry heaving at least for a few hours. Thank you and I hope everyone does their best today 🫂🧡

[AA-yshh]

It was really helpful for me to see this video today. As a therapist myself, it’s been extremely shameful for me to be struggling so deeply. This is a reminder for me of how important community is to feel that I’m not alone in the struggle. Her story resonates so much.

[fractalofgod]

As a fellow sufferer I have the utmost respect for this beautiful woman. It's not easy. Love from the 🇬🇧

[michelleveloni]

This is a woman who has learned to take responsibility for her mental health. Love this! She is willing to do everything in her power to heal!

[dixielambrecht]

Excercise helps me even though it's hard to get motivated.

[LOVETTYGER]

I pray for all those people who struggle with mental health conditions. I love you all

[kathrynstewart]

This woman has no idea how many people she’s helped. Wow. Her struggles. Her persistence. Her bravery. And HONESTY! ( kind of creepy how this stuff is “ spot-on” on so many issues

[frankducett]

I like that lady, keep her. She is a natural communicator.

[middlemarie]

finally someone is addressing extreme anxiety which I have and have had my whole life and at almost 60, it is still bad. it can worsen with age. thank you for this video

[vegankathy]

Great video. As someone with terrible anxiety, panic disorder, and severe insomnia…. It’s nice to hear…. I’ve tried many things too and battle every day.

[connietenbruggenkate]

I'm so impressed by what this woman has achieved! I suffer from severe anxiety myself and know how hard it is. She is inspiring!

[debraroma]

She gave me a sense of hope and encouragement to keep working on my own coping skills.