Podcast Summary: "Confident, Comfortable, Strong" Dr. Laura Call of the Day with Dr. Laura Schlessinger & SiriusXM Release Date: May 28, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of "Dr. Laura Call of the Day," Dr. Laura Schlessinger addresses a listener named Julie who is grappling with recurring panic attacks triggered by difficult work relationships. The discussion delves into the root causes of Julie's anxiety and provides actionable strategies to overcome these challenges, promoting confidence, comfort, and strength.

Listener's Concern: Recurring Panic Attacks at Work

[00:35] Julie: "About two years ago I had a high-level job and I had kind of a... what I would call a mean boss. He's from Eastern Europe and he's got this harsh voice and he came at me and berated me for a solid 45 minutes. After that, I started having some panic attacks in the morning, especially if I knew I was going to have a call with him. I thought I was going to be fired. I had all this crazy stuff in my head, and it went away."

Julie recounts her experience of dealing with a tyrannical boss who subjected her to prolonged verbal abuse, leading to severe anxiety and panic attacks. Despite addressing the issue with Human Resources (HR), the underlying problem resurfaced two years later with a demanding client, reigniting her panic attacks.

Dr. Laura's Initial Analysis: Identifying the Root Cause

[01:39] Dr. Laura: "You know what's not true? You could have been fired and it was just. Okay, may I just interject for a moment?"

Dr. Laura challenges Julie's perception of vulnerability, suggesting that her panic attacks are a manifestation of her own weakness rather than external threats. She emphasizes personal accountability, indicating that Julie's inability to effectively handle the situation contributed to her ongoing anxiety.

Advice on Seeking Support and Taking Action

[03:23] Dr. Laura: "Your weakness kept you from finding out the follow through. Now, let me describe a kitty cat... And you went to HR and didn't follow through. You didn't take care of yourself like a kitty cat would."

Using the metaphor of a "kitty cat," Dr. Laura underscores the importance of self-protection and assertiveness. She criticizes Julie for not fully leveraging HR's support and not taking decisive action to safeguard her well-being.

[06:56] Dr. Laura: "And don't tell them in advance what the meeting's about. Just call the meeting. And then at the meeting, say we're meeting today because I must... Confident, comfortable, strong."

Dr. Laura provides a concrete strategy for Julie to address her issues directly with her boss and the difficult client. She advises Julie to hold a meeting without prior notice, assertively communicate her dissatisfaction with the client's behavior, and request a reassignment. The mantra "Confident, comfortable, strong" serves as a focal point for Julie to embody the necessary demeanor during this confrontation.

Listener's Response and Commitment to Action

[07:33] Julie: "Okay, I wrote that down. Confident, comfortable, strong. Love that."

[08:03] Julie: "With that, I like that. You said I'm attacking myself instead of them, right? Okay, I know what I need to do now. That's what I'm going to do."

Julie expresses immediate appreciation for Dr. Laura's advice, recognizing the shift from internalizing her stress to actively addressing the external sources of her anxiety. She commits to implementing the suggested approach, signaling a proactive step toward overcoming her panic attacks.

Conclusion: Embracing Confidence and Strength

Dr. Laura reinforces the importance of maintaining composure and confidence throughout the process. By adopting a strong and assertive stance, Julie can effectively manage her interactions with difficult individuals, thereby eliminating the triggers for her panic attacks.

[08:18] Dr. Laura: "Excellent. With a smile the whole time. And that'll be the end of your panic attacks right there."

Dr. Laura concludes the session with encouragement, affirming that Julie's empowered approach will lead to the cessation of her anxiety episodes.

Key Takeaways

• Personal Accountability: Recognize and address personal weaknesses that contribute to anxiety.
• Assertive Communication: Directly confront problematic behavior in the workplace with confidence.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: Take decisive action rather than relying solely on institutional support like HR.
• Empowerment Mantra: Adopt affirmations like "Confident, comfortable, strong" to bolster self-assurance.

This episode underscores the significance of self-empowerment and assertiveness in overcoming workplace-induced anxiety, providing listeners with practical tools to foster resilience and personal strength.