Did you know that anxiety and other mental health conditions, like schizophrenia and depression, can drastically impact the trajectory of a person’s life? 

In this episode of #OurAnxietystories, Lise Laforge reflects on her childhood and how it’s connected to her anxiety journey. At age 8, Lise was told she was adopted, which eventually led her to search for her birth mother. At 21, Lise received a call from Children’s Aid to say that they’d found her mother, but the news of her identity sparked an anxiety attack: Lise learned that her biological mother was a homeless woman she’d encountered before. She also learned that her mother had schizophrenia that went untreated for decades and had been a victim of domestic violence. Through learning about her mother, Lise gained a new understanding of homeless communities and some of the root causes of homelessness. Additionally, through therapy and speaking openly about the past, she’s learned to accept her situation and that she is “meant to be on this earth.” 

The post Adoption, Anxiety and Finding the Truth with Lise Laforge appeared first on Anxiety Canada.

Hannah Stone is an artist who began painting and designing clothes in 2002. Inspired by the nostalgia of childhood visits to the seaside arcade, Hannah claims her work “has a way of transporting the viewer to a sweeter and simpler time”.   

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories Hannah dives into her journey with anxiety and bipolar disorder, sharing that she didn’t realize she had anxiety her entire life until recently receiving a diagnosis. Hannah shares that in the past, she was able to hide how she was feeling, and put up a front for the outside world.

As a recovered substance user, Hannah mentions that for a long time she coped by self-medicating with drugs and alcohol. Today, Hannah is eagerly exploring the various coping tools and strategies available and learning to cope with her anxiety day by day. To see Hannah’s art visit www.gohannahstone.com.  

The post How Anxiety and Bipolar Disorder Can Overlap with Hannah Stone appeared first on Anxiety Canada.

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories Mark dives into his personal journey with anxiety and panic, as well as his professional experience as a mental health professional. As someone with both lived and professional experience on the topic, Mark emphasizes how important it is for those with anxiety to overcome avoidance and face their fears.  Mark also discusses his work at Anxiety Canada, touching on resources offered including MindShift CBT, a free anxiety-management app, and MindShift CBT Groups, an online group therapy program. 

The post Anxiety from a Clinical Lens with Mark Antczak appeared first on Anxiety Canada.

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories Joanna touches on her work at Jessie’s Legacy and discusses the resources available for those in need of support. Growing up as a dancer and gymnast, Joanna recognized that anxiety around body image was common among her peers. This led to her interest in learning more and becoming a clinical counsellor.

Joanna notes that symptoms of anxiety tend to occur before disordered eating, and that oftentimes eating disorders are used as a way to cope with anxiety, as they can provide a sense of control. To learn more about how anxiety and eating disorders can overlap visit www.heretohelp.bc.ca.

The post Anxiety and Eating Disorders with Joanna Zelichowska appeared first on Anxiety Canada.

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories Stephanie discusses her experiences with health anxiety and panic as a university student. Having studied psychology, Stephanie understood what she was experiencing, but she had trouble sharing her story with others, as mental health was not openly talked about at that time. Hoping to decrease stigma around mental health and provide the general public with helpful tools and information, Stephanie founded the self-care spotlight initiative, where she shares infographics, helpful tips, and positive affirmations.  

The post Stopping the Stigma with Stephanie Zito of Self-Care Spotlight appeared first on Anxiety Canada.

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories TC dives into his journey with anxiety, sharing that it’s something he’s lived with for nearly 35 years. Today, TC strives to educate others on anxiety and mental health, by speaking openly about his experiences and providing Canadian men and their families with resources and support. TC is a firm believer that simple changes can lead to big impacts.  

The post Men’s Mental Health: Anxiety and More with TC Carling appeared first on Anxiety Canada.

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories Malia discusses her evolving journey with anxiety. Malia shares that in the fourth grade her anxiety was at its worst, and she lost mobility in her legs, eventually being diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Today, Malia has regained full mobility, and although she still experiences anxiety, she has learned to manage symptoms thanks to support from her mother, little sister and friends. Follow Malia’s journey on social media: @maliabakermsb.  

The post Anxiety in Youth: Malia Baker’s Recovery and Road to Fame appeared first on Anxiety Canada.

In this episode, Charlie shares how he has navigated obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder, discussing how anxiety has impacted his work as a Comedian. Charlie dives into his experience with cognitive behavioral therapy, highlighting the financial barriers that many face when seeking treatment.

Charlie also touches on his most recent novel, ‘Primary Obsessions’, which was inspired by his psychologist. ‘Primary Obsessions’ follows practicing clinician, Dr. Annick Boudreau, and involves themes of mental health.

The post Charlie Demers appeared first on Anxiety Canada.

In this episode, Judith shares a brief history of the nationalization of Anxiety Canada (formerly AnxietyBC), touching on how a nation-wide need for accessible evidence-based resources on anxiety influenced the organization’s re-brand. Judith discusses the various avenues of treatment available, including MindShift CBT Groups, Anxiety Canada’s heavily subsidized virtual group therapy program. Judith also touches on how Anxiety Canada has responded to the growing demand for resources fueled by COVID-19.

The post Judith Law appeared first on Anxiety Canada.

In this episode, Kathy describes anxiety as a “double-edged sword”, and shares how her experience with anxiety has shifted throughout her lifetime.

The post Kathy Buhler appeared first on Anxiety Canada.

In this episode, Richard shares how Anxiety Canada’s app, MindShift CBT, helps him manage anxiety.

The post Richard Trudel appeared first on Anxiety Canada.