Anxiety Deep Dive with Nancy Sokarno

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges facing both adults and children today — and if you’re a parent, chances are you’ve seen it show up at home.In this episode of Let’s Reconnect, I sit down with psychologist and mum Nancy Sokarno to have an honest, practical conversation about anxiety. Together, we unpack what anxiety actually is, why it shows up, and how parents can better support both themselves and their children through it.With anxiety affecting around 17% of Australians each year, this is a conversation that so many families need .We also answer listener questions and share simple, evidence-based strategies you can start using straight away.What you'll hear about;What anxiety actually is and why it’s a normal human experienceWhy no one is immune to anxiety — including parents and psychologistsThe difference between helpful anxiety and when it becomes overwhelmingHow anxiety can show up differently in children, teens, and adultsWhy understanding your child’s anxiety is more powerful than trying to “fix” itHow generational patterns can shape how we respond to anxietyWhat to say (and not say) when your child is anxiousPractical ways to support your child without reinforcing anxietyKey Takeaways; Anxiety is common and part of being human — it’s not something to eliminate, but something to understandYour child’s anxiety may not look the same as yoursCuriosity builds connection — asking “what does this feel like for you?” can open powerful conversationsParents often carry their own anxiety, which can influence how they respond to their childSupport starts with connection, not controlWe answer listener questions including;“I’ve always been an anxious person — how do I stop passing this onto my children?”“What do I do when my child’s anxiety seems to be getting worse?”“How can I support my child when I don’t fully understand what they’re feeling?”We discussed practical strategies including;Using open, non-judgmental questions to understand your child’s experienceSupporting your child without immediately trying to remove discomfortRecognising your own anxiety triggers as a parentBuilding emotional safety so your child feels comfortable opening upSmall ways to respond in the moment when anxiety shows upIf this conversation helped you better understand anxiety, either in yourself or your child please share it with someone who might need it too.And if you haven’t already, make sure you follow Let’s Reconnect so you don’t miss future episodes. You can also follow Nancy on Instagram @psychwithsokzLet's Reconnect next episode. In the meantime, subscribe and follow our podcast and socials @breanna.jayne_psych @letsreconnect_pod. If you or your child would like to write in with a question or story, or you’d like to be a guest advocating for the needs of children and young people, please reach out.Disclaimer:The information in this podcast is general and not a substitute for individual clinical advice or treatment. While I am a registered psychologist, I am not providing personalised guidance here. Every child and family is different, and what’s discussed may not suit your situation.If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency.Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.