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Overcoming Alcohol Addiction and Anxiety with This Hour has 22 Minutes’ Mary Walsh
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About the episode
In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories Mary reflects on her mental health journey, sharing that for 25 years she abused alcohol to “escape”. Mary shares that despite her successful career, she often felt like she was on the outside. It was only after seeing a counsellor that Mary learned about healthier coping strategies. Looking back, Mary recognizes that stigma as well as a lack of resources and information posed significant barriers to support. Today, Mary shares that she is 29 years sober, and although she still experiences anxiety, she continues to learn new coping skills in her life-long recovery.
If you, or someone you know is struggling with substance use, The Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (CISUR) has created several informative workbooks to help those who use substances. Workbooks covering topics such as substance use and young people, helping people who use substances, and safer use, can be found on www.heretohelp.bc.ca.
About the guest
Mary Walsh is a Newfoundland actor, writer and comedian, best known for CODCO and This Hour has 22 Minutes. Throughout her career, Mary has received many awards and honorary doctorates, including the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award (GGPAA) for Lifetime Artistic Achievement.. Mary is an outspoken advocate for mental health and addiction awareness.
"What I really like about being in recovery is there’s so many things to learn all the time."
This podcast is brought to you by Anxiety Canada™, a leader in developing free, online self-help and evidence-based anxiety resources. For more information and resources, please visit our website and download our app, MindShift™ CBT.