Karma & Chaos with Kail Lowry & Becky Hayter

Episode: FOR THE HAYTERS S2E8 - Taking Control of Your Anxiety

Release Date: March 3, 2025

Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of "Karma & Chaos with Kail Lowry & Becky Hayter," hosts Becky Hayter and Laura welcome their special guest, Christina, to discuss the intricate journey of managing anxiety. This episode, titled "Taking Control of Your Anxiety," delves deep into Christina's personal experiences, the interplay of nature and nurture in mental health, and the profound impact of career choices on one's psychological well-being.

I. Christina's Personal Journey with Anxiety

Christina opens up about her lifelong struggle with anxiety, which she became acutely aware of during her freshman year of college.

• Recognizing Anxiety in College:

  • "[02:15] Christina: Probably my freshman year of college, when I knew or, like, recognized that I had really bad anxiety."

  Moving away from home, coupled with a breakup, exacerbated her anxiety, leading to frequent panic attacks that often mimicked severe physical ailments.

• Onset of Panic Attacks:

  • "[02:15] Christina: I would be up all night, night at One point, I was up in the middle of the night in college, and I literally thought I was having a heart attack."

II. Triggers and Onset of Anxiety

Christina attributes the initial spike in her anxiety to a combination of personal and environmental factors.

• Impact of Personal Relationships:

  • "[03:37] Christina: So at the time, I thought it was just my boyfriend, and that's how I kind of wanted to play it off."

  The end of her relationship left her feeling isolated, intensifying her anxiety levels.

• Environmental Stressors:

  • "[03:37] Christina: I was alone in college. Everybody feels that way when they move away to college. It's uncomfortable."

III. Mother's Influence and Seeking Professional Help

A pivotal moment in Christina's journey was her mother's intervention, which encouraged her to seek professional assistance.

• Mother's Advocacy:

  • "[07:26] Laura: I'm glad that you. You mentioned your mom before I got A chance to actually shout out to Mama. Mama Dixon, if you're listening."
  • "[04:47] Christina: ...my mom was like, you really should go talk to somebody."

• Decision to Seek Therapy:

  • "[05:48] Host: It's crazy that you took such ownership and responsibility so early."
  • "[06:11] Christina: ...I have to move on with whatever it is that's impacting me at the time."

Christina credits her mother not only for recognizing the severity of her anxiety but also for pushing her towards the counseling center, which was a crucial step in her coping mechanism.

IV. Nature vs. Nurture in Anxiety

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the debate of whether anxiety is a product of genetics (nature) or environmental factors (nurture).

• Genetic Predisposition:

  • "[08:14] Christina: I feel like it's a little bit of both. I do think there's a genetic component to it."

  Being exposed to anxiety prenatally and observing her mother's struggles provided Christina with both innate and learned aspects of anxiety.

• Environmental Influences:

  • "[08:14] Christina: ...when you're pregnant and you have anxiety and you have that baby inside of you, that's going to the baby, you know, that stress on the baby."

  Christina discusses how her mother's experiences and her own life events have shaped her understanding and management of anxiety.

V. Impact of Career on Anxiety

Christina's professional life further complicated her anxiety, particularly her tenure working in a skilled nursing facility.

• Exposure to Trauma:

  • "[10:38] Host: ...you're like, I don't understand any of these. Why are all my female friends, like, so devastated?"

  Witnessing patients suffer and succumb to various illnesses deeply affected Christina, leading to heightened anxiety and the development of hypochondria.

• Development of Hypochondria:

  • "[11:05] Christina: ...both huge hypochondriacs. And for everyone who doesn't know, it's like when you have a fear of like, that something is medically or health related wrong to you."

  Her experiences in the medical field, coupled with personal losses, intensified her fears about health and mortality.

• Emotional Toll:

  • "[14:50] Christina: ...seeing people who were like, my grandparents too, that was really hard too."

  The constant exposure to death and disease not only amplified her anxiety but also blurred the lines between professional duty and personal emotional well-being.

VI. Coping Mechanisms and Insights

Through her journey, Christina has adopted various strategies to manage her anxiety effectively.

• Therapeutic Interventions:

  • "[04:47] Christina: ...you really should go talk to somebody."

  Continued therapy sessions have been instrumental in helping Christina navigate her anxieties.

• Personal Resilience:

  • "[06:11] Christina: ...I have to move on with whatever it is that's impacting me at the time."

  Christina emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and resilience in overcoming mental health challenges.

• Support Systems:

  • "[06:02] Host: And for you to recognize that, you know, so young and when it all started happening, you know, really, I'm sure, benefited you in the long run of things."

  The unwavering support from her mother and friends played a crucial role in her ability to take control of her anxiety.

VII. Conclusion

The episode culminates with a reflection on the pervasive nature of anxiety and the significance of early intervention. Christina's story underscores the complexity of mental health, highlighting the intertwined roles of genetics, environment, and personal experiences. Her candid sharing serves as an inspiration for listeners grappling with similar struggles, emphasizing that seeking help and building a support system are pivotal steps toward managing anxiety.

• Final Thoughts:
  • "[15:02] Christina: Thank you."

Notable Quotes

• "College is the best place to do it for some people because the counseling center at most universities are free, so it's like, free help right there."
  — Christina [04:47]

• "My mom was like, this is really impacting you day to day. Like, I wouldn't want to leave my dorm room at times."
  — Christina [04:47]

• "Seeing people who were like, my grandparents too, that was really hard too."
  — Christina [14:50]

• "For everyone who doesn't know, it's like when you have a fear of like, that something is medically or health related wrong to you."
  — Christina [11:05]

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Karma & Chaos" offers a profound exploration of anxiety through Christina's experiences. Her narrative not only sheds light on the personal battles individuals face but also emphasizes the importance of support systems and professional help in overcoming mental health challenges. Whether you're personally affected by anxiety or seeking to understand someone who is, Christina's story provides valuable insights and hope.

Listen to the full episode every Tuesday to stay connected and gain more relatable insights into modern adulthood!