The Fear of Change Podcast

How to Recognize Chronic Anxiety

27 min · 20. maj 2026
episode How to Recognize Chronic Anxiety cover

Description

What if your anxiety isn't "all in your head," but a nervous system that's been stuck in survival mode for too long? How often do you pause long enough to notice what your body is trying to communicate? Could something as simple as your breath become the key to feeling safe, grounded, and regulated again? In this episode, I explore what chronic anxiety really is and how it often reflects a nervous system that has been stuck in survival mode for too long. I explain the basics of the autonomic nervous system and how polyvagal theory helps us understand the body's shifting states of fight, flight, freeze, and shutdown. I also discuss why breathwork can be such a powerful tool for nervous system regulation. We talk about heart rate variability (HRV), how intentional breathing signals safety to the body, and why practicing these techniques consistently helps us distinguish between real danger and perceived stress. Throughout the conversation, I share practical grounding exercises listeners can use daily to reconnect with themselves, slow down, and create a greater sense of calm and safety in their bodies. Thanks for listening, I'd love to connect with you over on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/innovativecounselingpartners/]. SHOW NOTES AND RESOURCES: Click here [https://thefearofchange.com/episode72-anxiety]

Comments

0

Be the first to comment

Sign up now and become a member of the The Fear of Change Podcast community!

Get Started

1 month for 9 kr.

Then 99 kr. / month · Cancel anytime.

  • Podcasts kun på Podimo
  • 20 lydbogstimer pr. måned
  • Gratis podcasts

All episodes

79 episodes

episode The Invisible Woman: How Did She Become Invisible? artwork

The Invisible Woman: How Did She Become Invisible?

When did being "nice" become more important than being yourself? What if your feeling of invisibility comes from learned behavior that you can unlearn? How can authenticity break the mold of invisibility? For many women, invisibility doesn't happen overnight—it develops through thousands of small moments where belonging is rewarded more than authenticity. From a young age, we're often taught to be agreeable, accommodating, and self-sacrificing, which can lead us to disconnect from our own needs and voices in the pursuit of acceptance. When we repeatedly suppress our emotions and authentic impulses, our bodies often carry the burden. Stress, tension, headaches, digestive issues, and other physical symptoms can become signs that we're ignoring what we're truly feeling. Our bodies are constantly communicating with us, and learning to listen is an essential part of reclaiming ourselves. The encouraging truth is that invisibility is learned, which means it can also be unlearned. While choosing authenticity over people-pleasing may feel uncomfortable at first, it ultimately leads to a more fulfilling and aligned life. By tuning into our bodies, honoring our emotions, and showing up as who we genuinely are, we can move beyond the "good girl" expectations and become fully visible in our lives and leadership. Thanks for listening, I'd love to connect with you over on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/innovativecounselingpartners/]. SHOW NOTES AND RESOURCES: Click here [https://thefearofchange.com/episode78-invisible]

1. juli 202627 min
episode You Are Not Your Diagnosis with Diana Rice artwork

You Are Not Your Diagnosis with Diana Rice

Are you treating yourself like a diagnosis, or like a whole person? What becomes possible when you create safety before trying to create change? Could the way you begin your morning shape the way you experience the rest of your day? In this episode, I sit down with Diana Rice, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional, and founder of Through the Valley Therapy. Diana shares her holistic approach to helping people move through fear, regulate their nervous systems, and remember that they are more than any diagnosis they may carry. We explore why creating safety is often the first step toward meaningful change and how fear can keep us stuck when our minds and bodies are dysregulated. Diana explains how she combines approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and unconditional positive regard to help clients build resilience and healing. We also discuss the importance of separating your identity from a diagnosis. Diana shares why labels can be useful for accessing support and treatment, but should never define who you are as a person. Finally, she offers practical strategies for supporting your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being, including the simple but powerful practice of protecting your morning routine. Whether you're navigating anxiety, fear, or a season of personal growth, this conversation offers encouragement and practical tools to help you move forward with greater confidence and self-compassion. Thanks for listening, I'd love to connect with you over on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/innovativecounselingpartners/]. SHOW NOTES AND RESOURCES: Click here [https://thefearofchange.com/episode77-diagnosis]

24. juni 202630 min
episode Embracing Change with Dr. Colleen Cira artwork

Embracing Change with Dr. Colleen Cira

What if your triggers weren't problems to avoid, but invitations to deeper healing? Could understanding the different parts of yourself be the key to lasting transformation? What would change if you approached yourself with more compassion, honesty, and healthy boundaries? In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Colleen Cira to explore how we can move through change with less fear, develop a meaningful meditation practice, and reframe life's challenges as opportunities for growth. One of the key insights Colleen shared was the importance of intentionality. Rather than simply reacting to change and hoping for the best, she encourages us to consciously choose how we respond. She explained that practices like meditation, observing our thoughts without becoming consumed by them, and developing compassionate self-awareness can help us navigate uncertainty with greater confidence and resilience. We also discussed the transformative impact meditation has had on her life. Colleen shared how a consistent meditation practice has made her a more patient parent, a stronger leader, and a more mindful partner. She emphasized that meditation doesn't need to be complicated or rigid—simply committing to 5–10 minutes each day can create meaningful shifts over time. Perhaps my favorite takeaway from our conversation was Colleen's perspective on problems. Rather than viewing challenges as obstacles, she sees them as invitations to become the person she wants to be. Every difficult moment presents a choice: continue responding in familiar ways or embrace the opportunity to grow into a new version of yourself. It's a powerful reminder that personal transformation often begins in the moments we would rather avoid. Thanks for listening, I'd love to connect with you over on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/innovativecounselingpartners/]. SHOW NOTES AND RESOURCES: Click here [https://thefearofchange.com/episode76-change]

17. juni 202637 min
episode Healing People through The Adult Chair method with Michelle Chalfant artwork

Healing People through The Adult Chair method with Michelle Chalfant

What if your triggers weren't problems to avoid, but invitations to deeper healing? Could understanding the different parts of yourself be the key to lasting transformation? What would change if you approached yourself with more compassion, honesty, and healthy boundaries? In this episode, I sit down with Michelle Chalfant, therapist, author, and creator of the Adult Chair Method, to explore how understanding the different parts of ourselves can lead to deeper healing and personal growth. Michelle shares the origins of her model, explains how childhood and adolescent experiences shape our adult lives, and discusses why triggers can be powerful opportunities for self-discovery. We also talk about self-compassion, emotional processing, healthy boundaries, and the five pillars of living from your "Adult Chair." If you're looking for practical tools to better understand yourself and create lasting change, this episode is for you. Thanks for listening, I'd love to connect with you over on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/innovativecounselingpartners/]. SHOW NOTES AND RESOURCES: Click here [https://thefearofchange.com/episode75-healing]

10. juni 202639 min
episode Invisible Woman Syndrome: Take Control of Your Professional Narrative artwork

Invisible Woman Syndrome: Take Control of Your Professional Narrative

Are you waiting for your work to speak for itself, while others are making sure their voices are heard? What would change if you stopped shrinking and started taking up space professionally? Could the story you tell about your work be the key to being seen, known, and valued? In this episode, I learn how to overcome the "invisible woman syndrome" by taking control of my professional narrative. Jennifer Froemel explains that working hard alone is not enough—I need to be intentional about making my contributions visible and understood. I discover practical strategies such as using the SOARR framework to communicate my achievements, speaking with confidence, structuring my ideas clearly, and using strong body language. The episode also highlights the importance of challenging self-limiting beliefs that encourage me to shrink or stay silent. The key message is that visibility is not bragging; it is about advocating for myself, taking up space, and ensuring my work is recognized and valued. Thanks for listening, I'd love to connect with you over on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/innovativecounselingpartners/]. SHOW NOTES AND RESOURCES: Click here [https://thefearofchange.com/episode74-woman]

3. juni 202626 min