Episode 31: Anxiety and Coping

Lebert & Paul: Happy Sunday everybody! You are currently tuned into another episode of Thoughts From A Counselor. We are your hosts Lebert Lester III and Paul Singleton II. As is usual for this show, we have reinvited an amazing guest to help us have a great conversation. Now, we’ll let our guests introduce themself to you. Paul: Who are we? (2 min) Two Black counselors in training who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Paul pass to Lebert to introduce the topic Episode topic: Anxiety and Coping Segment 1: Intro to Anxiety (Lebert) Intro: To introduce our topic as always, we went to dictionary.com to pull a definition of anxiety for you. Today, we will be utilizing the first definition which defines anxiety as a noun characterized by distress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune. In addition to that, anxiety is also a psychological condition that is most readily diagnosed via utilizing the diagnostic statistical manual-5. (Paul) Question 1: Now that we have previewed anxiety, how would you define anxiety? (Lebert) Question 2: On par with our definitions, let’s now discuss our first encounters with anxiety. At what age did you first experience anxiety? Do you remember what you were doing? Segment 2: Anxiety As We Grow (Paul) Question 1: Anxiety is manifested in many areas of our lives such as in academia, in relationships, and more. Can you detail some ways the way anxiety is expressed can differ? (Lebert) Question 2: As we explore ourselves and more of our identities, we see that anxiety is also present here. What are some ways in which societal pressures have contributed to any anxiousness you feel? Segment 3: Anxiety In Society (Paul) Question 1: We are currently facing a pandemic that of course is collaborating with systemic pressures, and compounding the anxiety many people already faced. What are some ways you have seen or experienced anxiety lately due to these factors? (Lebert) Question 2: Our society tends to not supply tips that do not further induce anxiety, so as we wrap up we’d love to hear some tips from all of you about how to manage anxiety. What are some that you utilize? (Paul) Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work (Lebert) Listener question of the day idea: What conversations have you had about anxiety? Key Takeaways!!!