Anxiously Ever After

More than one in three UK residents are using AI for mental health support. Nearly half of adults with mental health conditions have used chatbots. 72% of teens have used an AI companion. And we have no idea what we're doing. Today we're talking about AI—the good, the bad, and the genuinely terrifying.Key Topics:AI therapy chatbots—helpful or harmful?AI companions and the loneliness trapAlgorithms that feed your anxietyDeepfakes and the erosion of realityAI-induced job displacement and "AI anxiety"What we can do about itKey Stats:1 in 3 UK residents use AI for mental health48.7% of adults with mental health conditions have used AI chatbots18% of college students have used AI for mental healthAI chatbot efficacy is modest (g=0.30) vs face-to-face CBT (g=0.79)72% of teens have used an AI companionHeavy AI companion use correlates with increased lonelinessAI chatbots may amplify delusional content in vulnerable usersAI implementation in the workplace correlates with anxiety and depressionSupport the Show:☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jen1409m💎 Patreon: patreon.com/AnxiouslyEverAfterResources:The Jed Foundation: https://jedfoundation.orgCommon Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.orgYoungMinds: https://www.youngminds.org.ukMind: https://www.mind.org.ukHelpful Reading:The Anxious Generation by Jonathan HaidtUnmasking AI by Joy Buolamwini

Meta has agreed to pay up to $18 billion to settle claims that it deliberately designed addictive platforms that harmed young people's mental health. But is it enough? Today we're talking about the settlement, the allegations, and why I'm not sure it's going to change anything.Key Topics:What actually happenedThe allegations against MetaWhat Meta has to doWhy this doesn't go far enoughWhat this means for usKey Stats:Meta will pay up to $18 billion (£13.3bn) to 48 states, DC, and 3 US territoriesMeta's 2025 revenue was $201 billionThe settlement is roughly 9% of annual revenue29 states sued Meta in 2023The states were seeking as much as $1.4 trillion in damagesMeta will implement one-hour daily time limits, nighttime blocks, school mode, and other changesSupport the Show:☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jen1409m💎 Patreon: patreon.com/AnxiouslyEverAfterResources:Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.orgYoungMinds: https://www.youngminds.org.ukThe Tech Oversight Project: https://www.techoversightproject.orgHelpful Reading:The Anxious Generation by Jonathan HaidtIrresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology by Adam Alter

Eight in ten teenage boys have seen Andrew Tate content. More young men knew who he was than the Prime Minister at the time. Today we're talking about the manosphere—what it is, why boys are falling for it, and why we should all be worried.Key Topics:What the manosphere actually isThe algorithm problemWhy boys are vulnerableThe mental health impactWhat we can doKey Stats:8 in 10 boys (16-17) have seen Andrew Tate contentMore young men knew Tate than the PM at the time of researchBoys' engagement with the manosphere predicts depressive symptoms in female teachersTwo-thirds of British young men regularly engage with masculinity influencersSupport the Show:☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jen1409m💎 Patreon: patreon.com/AnxiouslyEverAfterResources:Hope Not Hate: https://www.hopenothate.org.ukZero Tolerance: https://www.zerotolerance.org.ukYoungMinds: https://www.youngminds.org.ukEducate Against Hate: https://educateagainsthate.comWhite Ribbon: https://www.whiteribbon.org.ukHelpful Reading:Men Who Hate Women by Laura BatesThe Manosphere: A Guide for Parents (available via White Ribbon)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are returning to the UK. When Meghan said she was suicidal in the Oprah interview, she was accused of lying. I'm worried about what will happen when they come back—and what it says about us.Key Topics:The Oprah interview and the backlashThe media machine and the hate campaignHarry's mental health journeyThe childrenWhat we can doSupport the Show:☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jen1409m💎 Patreon: patreon.com/AnxiouslyEverAfter

TikTok says bed rotting is self-care. I say it's avoidance with a hashtag. Let's talk about the self-care trends that are actually self-sabotage—and what actually helps.Key Topics:Why bed rotting makes anxiety worseDoomscrolling as self-harmThe "treat yourself" consumerism trapSix things that actually workSupport the Show:☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jen1409m💎 Patreon: patreon.com/AnxiouslyEverAfter

Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50. We're talking about why, what's stopping them from getting help, and what we can actually do about it.Key Statistics:75% of suicides are men4,000 men die by suicide in England annuallyMen die at 3x the rate of womenOnly 36% of NHS therapy referrals are menWhat Helps:Shoulder-to-shoulder connectionEarly interventionMeeting men where they areListening without fixingLeading by exampleSupport the Show:☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jen1409m💎 Patreon: patreon.com/AnxiouslyEverAfter

According to the internet, every ex is a psychopath, every boss is a narcissist, and half the population is "toxic" and needs to be "cut off" immediately.But what do these terms actually mean?In this episode, we're cutting through the TikTok bullshit with science, sarcasm, and a surprising discovery about a diagnosed psychopath who became a life coach.We break down:What Cluster B personality disorders actually areThe real difference between psychopaths and sociopathsWhy Narcissistic Personality Disorder isn't what the internet thinksWhy you probably haven't dated a narcissist (statistically speaking)And the diagnosed psychopath who completely changed my understanding of the conditionPlus, a plea: please, for the love of all that is holy, stop diagnosing your ex.Support the Show☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jen1409m💎 Join the Inner Circle on Patreon: patreon.com/AnxiouslyEverAfter

Stared into the fridge for twenty minutes. Full fridge. Plenty of options. Couldn't choose. Ate nothing. This is what decision paralysis looks like.Key Topics:The paradox of choiceThe twelve steps to eatingThe shame of itWhat actually helpedAccepting the realitySupport the Show:☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jen1409m💎 Patreon: patreon.com/AnxiouslyEverAfter

Back to School Anxiety - The Sensory Nightmare ReturnsDescription: Schools are going back in a couple of weeks. And I'm having flashbacks. The dread. The anxiety. The uniform made of angry bees. The fluorescent lights that hum at a frequency only I can hear. This is what back-to-school feels like for kids whose brains weren't designed for it—and what parents can do about it.Key Topics:The chaos of the school environment (sensory war crime edition)The numbers (persistent absence at 18.1%)What back-to-school anxiety actually looks likeHow parents can help (without losing their minds)What I wish someone had said to meIf your child is struggling with anxiety, school avoidance, or other mental health challenges, CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) is the NHS service that can help.What is CAMHS?CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. It's an NHS service that offers support and treatment to children and young people up to 18 years old who are experiencing challenges with their mental health and wellbeing. They also support parents, carers, and families .How to get a referral:To get help from your local CAMHS, your child will usually need to be referred by a professional. Self-referrals are also accepted in some areas .The following professionals can make a referral for you:Your GPSchool SENCO or teacherHealth visitor or community paediatricianSocial workerSimply ask them: "Could you help us get a CAMHS referral?" What happens next:CAMHS receives the referral and reviews it (triage)If accepted, they'll contact you for an initial assessmentThe assessment explores your child's behaviour, mood, relationships, and impact on daily life Helpful resources before your appointment:📋 YoungMinds Parents' Guide to CAMHS: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-a-z-mental-health-guide/parents-guide-to-camhs/A comprehensive guide for parents on what to expect, how to prepare, and how to work with CAMHS 👤 YoungMinds Young Person's Guide to CAMHS: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/your-guide-to-support/guide-to-camhs/A guide written for young people to help them understand what CAMHS is and what to expect Tips for supporting your child before the appointment :Share information about what's happening—briefly explain why the appointment is happening and what to expectReassure them—listen to any worries and focus on listening rather than trying to 'fix' it straightawayMinimise stress on the day—plan ahead, leave plenty of time, and agree in advance whether they want you in the appointment with themWhat to do while waiting:If you're on a waiting list, you can use self-care strategies and access online support. Contact your GP or CAMHS team if your child's condition worsens while waiting .If you need urgent help:Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. Available 24/7—you'll speak to a mental health professional who will listen and help you find the right support .☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jen1409m💎 Patreon: patreon.com/AnxiouslyEverAfterIf you're new here, please subscribe. It helps more than you know.This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. I am not a mental health professional. If you're struggling with your mental health or your child's mental health, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider.UK Crisis Support:NHS 111 (select mental health option)Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)YoungMinds Crisis Messenger: Text YM to 85258 (free, 24/7)

I was watching Bake Off, wrapped in a blanket, feeling safe. Then my brain decided I was dying. This is what a panic attack actually feels like—and why they're absurdly, darkly hilarious.Key Topics:What a panic attack actually feels likeThe Bake Off panic attack timelineWhy they happen (the science bit)What actually helped meWhy it's okay to laughSupport the Show:☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jen1409m💎 Patreon: patreon.com/AnxiouslyEverAfter

I've been seeing videos of Elon Musk being called "weird" and "cringe" for the way he speaks and moves. He has Asperger's. He's autistic. He told the world himself on SNL. And yet, every time a clip goes viral, the comments are full of people mocking his autistic traits.This is not a defence of Elon Musk. This is a defence of autistic people everywhere. Because when you mock one autistic person's flat affect, stims, and body language, you're mocking all of us.In this episode, I'm breaking down:🧠 The specific behaviours being mocked—and why they're textbook autistic traits⚖️ The double standard (neurotypical = eccentric, autistic = weird)💔 What this does to autistic people watching—and why it reinforces masking💚 Why this is exactly why awareness mattersThis one's passionate, personal, and probably a bit sweary. You've been warned.☕ Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jen1409m💎 Join the Inner Circle on Patreon: patreon.com/AnxiouslyEverAfter

I was scrolling through my phone, minding my own business, when I saw it. The trailer. The new HBO Max Harry Potter series trailer. And I—a 52-year-old woman who has seen some things—sat on my bed, in my rented room, door locked, and I cried. Not a delicate, single-tear-down-the-cheek cry. A full, ugly, gasping, "where are the tissues, my face is leaking" cry.Goosebumps. Actual, physical goosebumps. The music. The castle. The little first-year students looking terrified and hopeful. The glimpse of the Great Hall. The whisper of Hedwig's Theme.In this episode, I'm sharing my raw, unfiltered, slightly damp reaction:⚡ A shot-by-shot emotional breakdown of the trailer (Hogwarts! The first-years! The trio!)🏰 Why Harry Potter means so much to me as a neurodivergent adult (it's not just a story—it's a sanctuary)👶 What this means for my grandson Archie, and for a new generation of fans🎄 My very specific, very detailed Christmas Day premiere plan (door locked, phone off, magic on)This one's a joyful, sweary, deeply personal love letter to the Wizarding World. If you also cried, you're in very good company.I'm Jennie. 52. Lifelong anxiety. Waiting for ADHD and autism assessments. Living in a shared house, door locked, weighted blanket on, comfort franchise queued up.☕ Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jen1409m💎 Join the Inner Circle on Patreon: patreon.com/AnxiouslyEverAfter

"Don't you want something new?"No. No, I do not want something new. Something new requires mental effort. Something new is work. And I am tired.Harry Potter is not work. Harry Potter is a warm blanket for my brain. I know exactly when Hermione punches Malfoy. It hits like dopamine every single time.In this episode, I'm breaking down why neurodivergent people re-watch the same stuff eight billion times:🧠 The science—dopamine, predictability, and reduced cognitive load⚡ Harry Potter—the ultimate neurodivergent comfort franchise (you're not broken, you're a wizard)🍷 Bridget Jones—the undiagnosed ADHD queen we didn't know we needed📺 The Good Place—anxiety, ethics, and existential dread as comfort👻 Twin Paranormal—spooky comfort and the joy of watching other people be scared💚 Why re-watching isn't laziness—it's regulationThis one's a love letter to comfort watches. If you've ever been judged for hitting play on the same thing again, this is for you.I'm Jennie. 52. Lifelong anxiety. Waiting for ADHD and autism assessments. Living in a shared house, figuring it out in real time.☕ Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jen1409m💎 Join the Inner Circle on Patreon: patreon.com/AnxiouslyEverAfter

It's 3am. I'm drenched in sweat. Thirty seconds later, I'm freezing. This continues for forty-five minutes while I contemplate whether spontaneous human combustion is a real thing.Meanwhile, I've discovered a new hair on my chin. It's thick. It's dark. It's got its own postcode. I've named it Keith.And I swear to God, my body smells different. Musky. Sour. Like someone swapped my usual scent without telling me. I keep catching whiffs of myself and thinking "what is that?" before realising with horror that it's me.Welcome to menopause. Or perimenopause. Or whatever the fuck this chaotic hormonal hellscape is called.In this episode, I'm breaking down:🔥 The greatest hits—hot flushes, night sweats, brain fog, mood swings🪒 The weird shit—chin hairs, body odour changes, itchy ears, electric shock sensations🧠 The mental health impact—why anxiety and depression spike during perimenopause🔬 The science bit—what's actually happening to your hormones💊 What actually helps—HRT, CBT, lifestyle stuff, and giving yourself a fucking break👨‍👩‍👧 For everyone else—what partners, family, and colleagues need to understandThis one's for EVERYONE. Women going through it. Partners trying to understand. Anyone who's ever wondered "why is she acting like that?"I'm Jennie. 52. Lifelong anxiety. Waiting for ADHD and autism assessments. Currently navigating perimenopause from a rented room in a shared house. Door locked. Keith the chin hair thriving.☕ Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jen1409m💎 Join the Inner Circle on Patreon: patreon.com/AnxiouslyEverAfter

My brain is not a well-oiled machine. It's a rusty shopping trolley with one wonky wheel, careening down a hill, and the handle is covered in something sticky.On Tuesday I made a reasonable list. Three things. "Reply to email. Move laundry. Drink water." It's now Friday. I have done none of those things. I have, however, learned that octopuses have three hearts, that the longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds, and that the man who invented the Pringles can is buried in one.This is executive dysfunction. It's not laziness. It's a neurological condition where your brain's project manager has quit, walked out, and left a Post-it note saying "good luck lol."In this episode, I'm breaking down:🧠 What executive dysfunction actually is (and why "just do it" is useless)📋 My greatest hits—the Tea Graveyard, the Laundry Standoff, the Bladder Rebellion🔬 The science bit (your prefrontal cortex is underactive, it's not your fault)🛒 The rusty shopping trolley metaphor (it makes sense, I promise)✅ What sometimes helps—body doubling, weaponised spite, and narrating your own life like a nature documentaryIt's the funniest, most chaotic episode I've ever recorded. If your brain also runs on Windows 95 and spite, this one's for you.Links:☕ Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/jen1409m💎 Join the Inner Circle on Patreon: patreon.com/AnxiouslyEverAfter

"Have you tried journaling?" If I had a pound for every time someone asked me that, I'd be writing this from a villa in Tuscany, not a rented room in an HMO.In this episode, I'm breaking down the coping mechanisms I've actually tried:💩 The ones that made everything worse (just think positive! intense exercise! doomscrolling!)😐 The ones that are fine but overhyped (journaling, meditation apps, deep breathing)✅ The ones that actually help (the locked door, the kettle, the weighted blanket, the brain dump, the 3-3-3 method, scheduled worry time)🏠 My weird, HMO-adapted toolkit (including the pre-emptive wipe and the bathroom sink water bottle)💚 And the ones I'm still figuring out (asking for help, rest without guilt, accepting bad days)This isn't a "wellness guru" episode. I'm not fixed. I'm just a 52-year-old woman in a shared house, figuring out what works and sharing it with you.☕ Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/jen1409m💎 Join the Inner Circle on Patreon: patreon.com/AnxiouslyEverAfter

Hello! I'm Jennie. 52. Lifelong anxiety. Waiting for ADHD and autism assessments. Living in a rented room in an HMO, door locked, kettle on standby, figuring it all out in real time.This short trailer tells you everything you need to know about the podcast—who I am, why I started it, and what you can expect. Honest, sweary, slightly chaotic conversations about anxiety, neurodivergence, menopause, executive dysfunction, rejection sensitivity, HMO life, and the general mess of being human.No toxic positivity. No "have you tried yoga?" Just real talk from someone who gets it.If that sounds like your kind of thing, hit subscribe. New episodes coming soon. Grab a cuppa. You'll probably forget to drink it. That's fine. We're all friends here. 💚You can support the podcast here 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/jen1409m