Why do we have anxiety?

Summary

Summary of "But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids" Episode: "Why Do We Have Anxiety?"

Release Date: November 1, 2024

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of "But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids," hosted by Jane Lindholm from Vermont Public, the focus shifts to a universally experienced emotion: anxiety. Designed to address questions posed by curious children from around the globe, the show brings in expert insights to help young listeners understand complex feelings. Today, Jane welcomes Dr. Eileen Kennedy Moore, affectionately known as Dr. Friendtastic, a clinical psychologist specializing in children's mental health.

Defining Anxiety

Jane Lindholm opens the discussion by presenting questions from children around the world seeking to understand anxiety. Dr. Friendtastic defines anxiety at [02:42] as:

"Anxiety is that feeling of worry or tension or fear as we anticipate what is coming ahead of us in the future."

She elaborates that anxiety isn't just a mental state but also has physical manifestations. At [03:14], she explains:

"You might notice that your heart is beating quickly, or you might just feel tense in all your muscles. Sometimes kids get a headache or a stomach ache. That is really their body's way of saying, 'I'm feeling tense, I'm feeling worried, I'm feeling overwhelmed in this situation.'"

The Evolutionary Purpose of Anxiety

Addressing a fundamental question about the origins of anxiety, Dr. Friendtastic discusses its evolutionary benefits at [04:14]:

"It makes sense that we should be on alert if we are facing a dangerous situation. So maybe we need to run away from it, or maybe we need to go hide somewhere, or maybe we need to freeze like a bunny."

She highlights how these responses—fight, flight, or freeze—are essential for survival, ensuring that anxiety plays a crucial role in detecting and responding to threats.

Recognizing Anxiety in Ourselves

Understanding and identifying anxiety is a key step in managing it. Jane and Dr. Friendtastic discuss how anxiety presents itself both mentally and physically. At [06:40], Dr. Friendtastic advises:

"We want to think of them kind of like smells. We don't have to be afraid of a smell. They can be mild or they can be strong. They can be pleasant or unpleasant, just like a smell. But just try to say, 'Hmm, what is going on here? What is my body and brain trying to tell me?'"

This analogy helps children perceive anxiety as a natural signal rather than a threat, encouraging them to explore and understand their feelings.

Managing Anxiety Effectively

Dr. Friendtastic introduces the concept of optimal anxiety levels using a baseball player analogy at [07:21]:

"Very low levels of anxiety... don't help us perform at our best. But the middle baseball player, this guy is not relaxed. He's crouched over the plate... is ready to knock it out of the park."

She emphasizes that a moderate level of anxiety can enhance focus and energy, aiding performance in various situations like tests, parties, or sports events. This balance ensures that anxiety remains a helpful tool rather than a hindrance.

When to Seek Help

Recognizing when anxiety becomes overwhelming is crucial. At [09:21], Dr. Friendtastic outlines clear indicators:

"If it's happening a lot, if it's making you really upset, if you find that it's getting in the way of doing things that you want or need to do, definitely talk to your grownup."

She underscores the importance of not trying to eliminate anxiety entirely but managing it so that it doesn't impede daily activities. Seeking support from trusted adults can provide new perspectives and coping strategies.

Building Bravery and Confidence

To help children bolster their courage, Dr. Friendtastic suggests keeping a "bravery notebook" at [15:28]:

"Keep a little notebook of things that you do that are brave... you come to have a different view of themselves as someone who is able to do things even though they're scared."

This practice reinforces self-confidence and encourages children to continue facing their fears, gradually reducing anxiety through repeated positive experiences.

Final Thoughts: Avoidance Amplifies Anxiety

Concluding the episode, Dr. Friendtastic delivers a powerful message about the dangers of avoidance at [17:59]:

"Avoidance makes anxiety grow. So the more you avoid a situation, the more you stay away from it, the scarier it's going to feel and the harder it is for you to face it next time."

She uses the analogy of getting used to cold water in a pool to illustrate how staying engaged with challenging situations can diminish anxiety over time:

"If you want to go in toe by toe, that's fine... You can tolerate it, you can put up with it, you can get through it."

This approach encourages perseverance and gradual exposure as effective means to manage and reduce anxiety.

Conclusion

Jane Lindholm wraps up the episode by reinforcing the key takeaways:

Anxiety is Natural: It's a common emotion designed to help us navigate challenges.
Recognize the Signs: Both mental and physical indicators signal when we're feeling anxious.
Manage, Don't Eliminate: Use anxiety as a tool to prepare and focus, but seek help when it becomes overwhelming.
Build Confidence: Embrace bravery and record your courageous acts to boost self-esteem.
Face, Don't Avoid: Confronting fears helps reduce anxiety and fosters personal growth.

Jane encourages listeners to discuss their feelings with trusted adults and reminds them that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. The episode concludes with an invitation for children to send in their questions, fostering an ongoing dialogue about mental health and emotional well-being.

Notable Quotes

Dr. Eileen Kennedy Moore [02:42]: "Anxiety is that feeling of worry or tension or fear as we anticipate what is coming ahead of us in the future."
Dr. Friendtastic [04:14]: "It makes sense that we should be on alert if we are facing a dangerous situation."
Dr. Friendtastic [07:21]: "Very low levels of anxiety... don't help us perform at our best."
Dr. Friendtastic [09:21]: "If it's happening a lot, if it's making you really upset, if you find that it's getting in the way of doing things that you want or need to do, definitely talk to your grownup."
Dr. Friendtastic [15:28]: "Keep a little notebook of things that you do that are brave."
Dr. Friendtastic [17:59]: "Avoidance makes anxiety grow."

This episode of "But Why" serves as a comprehensive guide for children to understand, recognize, and manage anxiety, empowering them to navigate their emotions with confidence and resilience.

Summary

Summary of "But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids" Episode: "Why Do We Have Anxiety?"

Release Date: November 1, 2024

Introduction

Defining Anxiety

Jane Lindholm opens the discussion by presenting questions from children around the world seeking to understand anxiety. Dr. Friendtastic defines anxiety at [02:42] as:

"Anxiety is that feeling of worry or tension or fear as we anticipate what is coming ahead of us in the future."

She elaborates that anxiety isn't just a mental state but also has physical manifestations. At [03:14], she explains:

"You might notice that your heart is beating quickly, or you might just feel tense in all your muscles. Sometimes kids get a headache or a stomach ache. That is really their body's way of saying, 'I'm feeling tense, I'm feeling worried, I'm feeling overwhelmed in this situation.'"

The Evolutionary Purpose of Anxiety

Addressing a fundamental question about the origins of anxiety, Dr. Friendtastic discusses its evolutionary benefits at [04:14]:

"It makes sense that we should be on alert if we are facing a dangerous situation. So maybe we need to run away from it, or maybe we need to go hide somewhere, or maybe we need to freeze like a bunny."

She highlights how these responses—fight, flight, or freeze—are essential for survival, ensuring that anxiety plays a crucial role in detecting and responding to threats.

Recognizing Anxiety in Ourselves

Understanding and identifying anxiety is a key step in managing it. Jane and Dr. Friendtastic discuss how anxiety presents itself both mentally and physically. At [06:40], Dr. Friendtastic advises:

"We want to think of them kind of like smells. We don't have to be afraid of a smell. They can be mild or they can be strong. They can be pleasant or unpleasant, just like a smell. But just try to say, 'Hmm, what is going on here? What is my body and brain trying to tell me?'"

This analogy helps children perceive anxiety as a natural signal rather than a threat, encouraging them to explore and understand their feelings.

Managing Anxiety Effectively

Dr. Friendtastic introduces the concept of optimal anxiety levels using a baseball player analogy at [07:21]:

"Very low levels of anxiety... don't help us perform at our best. But the middle baseball player, this guy is not relaxed. He's crouched over the plate... is ready to knock it out of the park."

When to Seek Help

Recognizing when anxiety becomes overwhelming is crucial. At [09:21], Dr. Friendtastic outlines clear indicators:

"If it's happening a lot, if it's making you really upset, if you find that it's getting in the way of doing things that you want or need to do, definitely talk to your grownup."

Building Bravery and Confidence

To help children bolster their courage, Dr. Friendtastic suggests keeping a "bravery notebook" at [15:28]:

"Keep a little notebook of things that you do that are brave... you come to have a different view of themselves as someone who is able to do things even though they're scared."

This practice reinforces self-confidence and encourages children to continue facing their fears, gradually reducing anxiety through repeated positive experiences.

Final Thoughts: Avoidance Amplifies Anxiety

Concluding the episode, Dr. Friendtastic delivers a powerful message about the dangers of avoidance at [17:59]:

"Avoidance makes anxiety grow. So the more you avoid a situation, the more you stay away from it, the scarier it's going to feel and the harder it is for you to face it next time."

She uses the analogy of getting used to cold water in a pool to illustrate how staying engaged with challenging situations can diminish anxiety over time:

"If you want to go in toe by toe, that's fine... You can tolerate it, you can put up with it, you can get through it."

This approach encourages perseverance and gradual exposure as effective means to manage and reduce anxiety.

Conclusion

Jane Lindholm wraps up the episode by reinforcing the key takeaways:

Anxiety is Natural: It's a common emotion designed to help us navigate challenges.
Recognize the Signs: Both mental and physical indicators signal when we're feeling anxious.
Manage, Don't Eliminate: Use anxiety as a tool to prepare and focus, but seek help when it becomes overwhelming.
Build Confidence: Embrace bravery and record your courageous acts to boost self-esteem.
Face, Don't Avoid: Confronting fears helps reduce anxiety and fosters personal growth.

Notable Quotes

Dr. Eileen Kennedy Moore [02:42]: "Anxiety is that feeling of worry or tension or fear as we anticipate what is coming ahead of us in the future."
Dr. Friendtastic [04:14]: "It makes sense that we should be on alert if we are facing a dangerous situation."
Dr. Friendtastic [07:21]: "Very low levels of anxiety... don't help us perform at our best."
Dr. Friendtastic [09:21]: "If it's happening a lot, if it's making you really upset, if you find that it's getting in the way of doing things that you want or need to do, definitely talk to your grownup."
Dr. Friendtastic [15:28]: "Keep a little notebook of things that you do that are brave."
Dr. Friendtastic [17:59]: "Avoidance makes anxiety grow."

This episode of "But Why" serves as a comprehensive guide for children to understand, recognize, and manage anxiety, empowering them to navigate their emotions with confidence and resilience.

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Summary

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