The Untangling Anxiety Podcast

On today’s podcast I have the special opportunity to interview my husband Mark. It’s been a long time coming and I’m super excited to share him with you. Mark Russell has had OCD his whole life. He just didn’t know. He also has struggled with depression most of his adult life. The two finally converged and brought him to his knees about 7 years ago with the passing of his mother. Since then, he has gone to hours of therapy, tried dozens of medications, and found healing and come to peace with his mental illness. Today we talk about his journey. He takes us into his life and mind and what it’s like to be tormented by OCD. He shares helpful advice with specific things we can look for in ourselves and loved ones who may be silently suffering. This episode is a wonderful intro into OCD and how it can stay hidden within us, quietly eating away at us. Mark offers hope and redemption from this tormentor. I hope you’ll join us. To find more support message me on IG or FB: Instagram @untanglinganxiety Facebook Untangling Anxiety Join The Untangling Anxiety Facebook Group Here Learn about anxiety and how to face your worry with: Quiet Your Worry Monster - A Children's Anxiety Workbook

On today's podcast we talk about the 5 stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. All stages have purpose. We can find healing in them all. They can all be rather uncomfortable places as well. Radically accepting loss and healing and pain and suffering and happiness and elation are part of the wonderful privilege of being human. Thank you for listening today. Thank you for joining me. I hope you find acceptance in your life. I hope you find your beautiful within your terrifying and ugly. And I hope you always remember that it will come back again. There will be contrast – good times and hard times. Surrendering and finding gratitude in all places will help us ride the waves and find our shore of happiness every time. Some statistics and facts were found here: https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/grief/grief-statistics/ Join me on social media: @untanglinganxiety on Instagram Untangling Anxiety on Facebook Quiet Your Worry Monster - A Children's Anxiety Workbook- Available on Amazon CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

On todays podcast I welcome Karen Beacock of Just One Simple Hope and Andrea McGrath from Out of Darkness Candle Company. Karen and Andrea host a fabulous podcast called The Mental Roadmap Podcast that takes you on a transformative journey. You can dive deep into the intricacies of mental health, navigate the twists, turns, and all the feelings in between. They are so great at sharing stories, insights, and laughter as they guide you through the highs, lows, and detours of life. You can find a link to their podcast, social media links, and amazing websites. Karen website Just One Simple Hope has plethora of gifts that are so unique and full of hope – from jewelry to candles, to mugs, to stickers. Andreas website Out of Darkness Candle Co has the most wonderful all natural soy candles. Her products are clean and toxin free. Her candles are great for gifts, and you’ll find yourself finding excuses to buy some for your own too. Both companies have a very strong mental health awareness component that as you know really resonates with me. Check them out!! The Mental Roadmap Podcast On Instagram Connect with Karen On Instagram Just One Simple Hope Website Connect With Andrea On Instagram Out of Darkness Candle Co Website Betsy's Anxiety Workbook Quiet Your Worry Monster - A Children's Anxiety Workbook - on Amazon

Quiet Your Worry Monster - A Children's Anxiety Workbook is now AVAILABLE on Amazon. CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR COPY This episode takes you through the creative process and inspiration behind the workbook. It is a labor of love and passion and I'm so excited to have it in a place where is it so accessible. Share this episode with those you love. Let's put an end to silent suffering and bring knowledge, awareness, strength, and compassion to the mental illness world. Quiet Your Worry Monster - A Children's Anxiety Workbook

On todays podcast I welcome Stephanie Parsons. Stephanie is a licensed clinical social worker with a Masters Degree from the University of Chicago and has experience in clinical capacities in multiple countries, including Canada, Slovakia, and Thailand. At her core, she is most passionate about treating OCD and anxiety-related disorders having spent the last few years of her career becoming an expert in exposure response prevention therapy. Stephanie firmly believes that all humans are capable of doing hard things, and she recognizes that for many, therapy can feel overwhelming and intimidating. That’s why it’s important to her to offer a space of non-judgement, support, and humor while walking through challenges with her clients.​ Today we talk about the levels of therapy and deciding which is best for each set of circumstances and needs. Steph informs when to reach out to a therapist and not needing to know what’s wrong before you go. She clarifies that meeting with a therapist isn’t a binding contract, it is a step in a journey towards finding the right care. She walks us through some of the common subsets of OCD that she sees in her practice and how her clients face their fears and what support people can do to ensure proper healing for those they love that are suffering. Some pieces we didn’t get to but I would love to visit about in future episodes: Stephanie has also spent significant time treating PANS/PANDAS disorders and has a special place in her heart for these clients and their families. Additionally, she has worked with clients who need support with family therapy, attachment therapy, and play therapy.​ When not at work, Stephanie is usually in the mountains with her puppy Samson, dunking in ice baths, or traveling the world. It is a jam-packed interview filled with wonderful advice and so much validation and empathy. Connect with Steph: Psychology Today Bio Ellie Mental Health RESOURCES: The OCD and Anxiety Treatment Centers The IOCDF Website Follow Betsy on Social Media: @untanglinganxiety - IG Untangling Anxiety - FB Buy Quiet Your Worry Monster - A Children's Anxiety Workbook HERE

On today’s podcast I welcome Kasen Garrett, a family friend and fellow mental health advocate. Kasen has OCD and graciously shares his story and some of the personal details his life with OCD. We talk about how it started. The devastation it created. And how he found knowledge and help to now live a full life that isn’t controlled by OCD. Kasen’s OCD didn’t show up in his life until he was serving a mission for his church in Ghana. He struggled to understand what was going on and what his disturbing, intrusive thoughts meant for him as the good, decent human he always thought he was. Things settled down for bit post-mission, but came roaring back when the pandemic hit in 2020. Kasen has found hope through the knowledge he received at the OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center. It literally saved his life. Today he lives with hope, compassion, and a lot of humor in his sometimes unpredictable life with OCD. His story will leave you more informed, empowered, and inspired. Find more of Kasen: @battle__tested Kase in Point Podcast Buy Quiet Your Worry Monster - A Children's Anxiety Workbook HERE

On today’s podcast I give you several mindfulness practices you can start today. Pick and choose. Find what works for you. And start reconnecting with yourself and finding more joy and peace in your life. Some mindfulness practices I discuss: 🌀Breathing 🌀Mindful Walking 🌀Meditation 🌀Dragon Breathing 🌀Mindful Eating 🌀Toes in the Grass or Grounding And More! Resources for YOU! ALL 24 Mindfulness Cards Click Here to access Meditation Apps: For Adults and Teens- 🌟Insight Timer (for kids too) 🌟Three Good Things 🌟Headspace (for kids too) 🌟Calm (for kids too) 🌟Happy Not Perfect For Kids- 🌟Mightier 🌟Moshi 🌟Cosmic Kids – YouTube 🌟GoZen.com 🌟Childmind.org Buy Quiet Your Worry Monster - A Children's Anxiety Workbook HERE

Struggling to figure out how to help your child or loved one with their anxiety? On today’s podcast I explain step by step what your loved one needs in order to live a life that isn’t controlled or held back by anxiety. The Anxiety Relief Technique is a three part method that identifies, untangles, and manages anxiety. Download the 12 page PDF workbook that accompanies this podcast episode. Send $5 to venmo @Betsy-Russell-6. Once you’ve paid, I’ll send you the link to download. Part One – Knowledge: This helps those with anxiety put a name to their anxiety. This helps with validation and separation from the anxiety. Part Two- Mindfulness Skills: Like I always say – “Don’t face your fears alone.” Mindfulness is like a wet suit in cold water. Learning to manage anxiety is futile without mindfulness skills. Part Three- Mental Strength Training: Practice, practice, practice. Just like we lift weights to build our physical muscles, repetition, resistance, and practice help build mind muscles. This strength will help those with anxiety to withstand any fear that comes their way. I am not a therapist. I am a mother and wife of those with OCD and other anxiety disorders. I live this everyday. This is my life. This is my reality. This stuff WORKS!! Please seek professional help if you feel you’re in over your head. Find a therapist that specializes in ERP therapy. Talk therapy will not fully heal anxiety. It needs to by ERP. As always, reach out via social media with any questions. Follow Betsy on Instagram @untanglinganxiety Buy Quiet Your Worry Monster - A Children's Anxiety Workbook HERE

Today we’re talking about acknowledging the hard in our lives, recognizing our own strength, and celebrating every day as a win. We’ll learn about toxic positivity and how some kinds of love can only be felt through sadness. Disney Pixar’s movie Inside Out is gonna help us with that. I talk about shutting down my Hello Wednesdays website and all the feels that came with that and what I learned about self-compassion. Also in today’s episode, I’ll discuss how comparison, judgement, and anxiety veil our ability to see our true strength. We’re doing so much better than we think and those days where we feel like we simply survived the day should be celebrated! I’ll challenge us all to try three things in the coming week that may just help us to see our fears in a new light, recognize our true strength, and celebrate every day as a victory. Join me! Follow Betsy on Instagram @untanglinganxiety Buy Quiet Your Worry Monster - A Children's Anxiety Workbook HERE

Today I talk more about depression. Not from an overly clinical or scientific perspective, but from the perspective of someone that continues to support loved ones with depression. How can we help and support? What kind of boundaries need to be set? When to push and when to offer space? I recognize that this is not a fullness of the care and treatment that is needed for mental illness. I am not a therapist of doctor. If you or someone you love or care about is suffering from anxiety, depression, or suicidal ideation please reach out to a medical professional. To all those that suffer please know I see you. You are not alone and you are valued and needed. Ernest Hemmingway said "We are all broken, that’s how the light gets in." I hope that we can all reach out to each other. That through our cracks we can share light and love. Follow Betsy on Instagram @untanglinganxiety Buy Quiet Your Worry Monster - A Children's Anxiety Workbook HERE

On today's podcast, I’m sharing with you a portion of my new DIY Anxiety Relief Technique Course. Emotional Digestion and Mindfulness. Do you ever find yourself judging your emotions and thoughts. Thinking things like "That's so unfair!" "I feel so stupid!" "Why can't I just be better?" So do I! Learning about emotional digestion has been a game-changer. Did you know that just because we think this things or feel this way its doesn't make us a "bad" person. Our emotions don't need to have our judgement. Emotions are just emotions and we get to choose how to respond to them. By learning how to "digest" our emotions rather than run away, hide, or push them away, we can find more peace and happiness in EVERY SITUATION. The DIY ART Course has 8 videos plus a 30+ page downloadable workbook for you to work through as you move through each video. Each video tackles a unique part of finding relief from anxiety. When put all together this technique will free you from anxiety’s prison and torment. This technique can be used over and over again. Anxiety never fully disappears from our life. With the tools I teach you, you will be able to build a life that can withstand the surprises and tricks anxiety can throw at you. You will never feel hopeless, helpless, and powerless again. Along with what I cover today the course also covers: psychoeducation mindfulness practice emotion regulation distress tolerance interpersonal effectiveness mind/body connection self compassion & relapse prevention I will be holding a webinar next week on Nov 28. This will be about 30-45 minutes and will show you how to find hope, help, and power in the midst of anxiety. I hope you will join me. Follow this link to sign up!! The Anxiety Relief Technique FREE WEBINAR SIGN UP Follow Betsy on Instagram @untanglinganxiety Buy Quiet Your Worry Monster - A Children's Anxiety Workbook

How to have a tough convo with someone. (3-10:58 mins) A teen fears change and has stomach and head aches but isn't sick. (10:58-18:25 mins) Holiday overwhelm and doing all the things and keeping it all together. (18:25 mins) I answer these questions in order. So jump around as needed. Anxiety is constantly seeking control and certainty. Two things that we can never have. Letting go of control is the answer. I tell you how. I'm holding a FREE WORKSHOP on Dec 8th. I will show you how to let go and gain more peace and joy. Are you overwhelmed with life and this holiday season? Are you terrified your child will have a meltdown during all the hustle and bustle? I can help. I can teach you how to find peace. Follow Betsy on Instagram @untanglinganxiety Buy Quiet Your Worry Monster - A Children's Anxiety Workbook

Claudia Noriega-Bernstein is an artist, writer,  philanthropist, abundance coach, mentor, mother, and wife. During her career as a journalist, she has worked for magazines and television in South America and the US, touching subjects from parenting, forgiveness, and growth to political issues.  Today on the podcast she talks about her “children’s books for adults”, showing up authentically, shifty our self-talk, and living up to our birthright by making ourselves, our development, and our mental health a priority. Claudia started her career on television at 17 years old as an actor, appearing in one the most popular Telenovelas  (Soap-opera) called Carmin, airing in over 37 counties as well as mini-series and important advertising campaigns in South America, like Levi's. Soon after, she moved to behind the camera and, at 21, became one of the youngest producers in her country, where she wrote a manual that was later used to train other young producers. "Helping others achieve self-confidence, good relationships, their life purpose and becoming authentic leaders, brings so much joy to my life; especially when I help them stand in their own power and have clarity about who they are and where they want to be, so they can ultimately become the best version of themselves." Born in Peru, she comes from a culture of taboos and beliefs that had not always empowered her to become what she believed was her calling. In the process of self-discovering, she fell in love with herself again and found her passion for helping others. Claudia’s published works (Available on Amazon – English and Spanish): 88 Most Important Lessons Learned in Life for Women that Want to Increase their Confidence, Resilience and Courage: Brighter Days "I Am" My Gratitude Journal : A journal to teach children to practice gratitude, mindfulness, and empathy. With prompts, questions, short stories, exercises and positive affirmations. THE ABUNDANCE JOURNAL | FOR MEN | MIND SET GO  I DON'T SHRINK TO FIT: Abundance Journal for Women Children’s Book Series All Families Are Not the Same: How to Talk to Your Kids about Divorce (Valentina and her White Elephant) Where Did Grandma Go?: How to talk to kids about grief and loosing someone special (Valentina and her White Elephant Book 2) Secrets Don't Include Mom: How to Talk to Your Kids About "Good" and "Bad" Secrets (Valentina and her White Elephant Book 3)

Today we’re gonna talk about a form of OCD called Scrupulosity. Disclaimer: I am not a therapist. I am not a counselor. I do not have any sort of official documentation of training in the mental health field. I am a mother and wife of OCD sufferers. I have been to 100+ hours of therapy and support meetings. I have put in and daily put in hours of work studying and practicing proven tools I have received first hand from professionals. From The International OCD Foundation: "What is Scrupulosity? A form of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) involving religious or moral obsessions. People with scrupulosity are overly concerned that something they thought or did might be a sin or other violation of religious or moral doctrine." This episode is personally important to me and the knowledge I will share was absolutely life changing. This knowledge was the first step in my husband receiving an OCD diagnosis. He has scrupulosity. If someone you know came to mind while you’ve been listening and you feel comfortable – send them the link. Remember, my mom took a risk and sent me the article linked below. That information has changed mine and my family’s course forever. That article was the catalyst that literally saved my husband’s life. It may be a risk. It may also be one that changes your life or the life of someone you love. CORRECTION: I refer to episode #8 in this podcast as a reference. It is actually episode #7- What's Going On Inside Your Brain. Whitney's experience with Scrupulosity The OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center Find out more about Scrupulosity How to Connect with Betsy:⁠ Follow Betsy on Instagram @untanglinganxiety Buy Quiet Your Worry Monster - A Children's Anxiety Workbook

On today’s podcast we learn about how we can find greater joy and calm in our relationships by learning more about our role and the freedom that can come when we choose to face our fears, doubts, and emotions and see our relationships though a much broader lens. My guest, Megan Whitesides, is a life coach specializing in parenting teens. While that may be her specialty her tools and coaching can help any relationship transform into one that you dream of. She is the mother of 4 boys ranging in age from 16-8. She also teaches preschool. Megan’s offers vary. Follow her Instagram handle below and check out the links in her bio. You’ll find 1:1 coaching, a Relationship Mini-Course, A FREE Relationship Audit, and the Embracing Calm Course we discuss in this episode.   Follow Megan on Instagram: @meganwhitesidescoaching

Today I talk about the life changing information that my family has learned that EVERY. SINGLE. HUMAN. should know. Our brain is made to warn us when there is danger, but sometimes our brain gets it wrong. When we continually listen to these false alarm signals our brain creates a pattern or loop that will then warn us every time that false threat comes up. I teach you how to break that loop today on the podcast and give you two other practical tips that will guide you towards a life that no longer is controlled by anxiety. Knowledge is power. Knowledge is freedom. Knowledge is joy. Take this knowledge and run with it! Find your power, freedom, and joy! Click here to access the FREE PDF downloads that go right along with this podcast! Follow Betsy on Instagram @untanglinganxiety Buy Quiet Your Worry Monster - A Children's Anxiety Workbook

Marcelle Waldman is a certified K-5 elementary educator, having the opportunity to teach some of our youngest learners in kindergarten and preschool, she also served as preschool director. Marcelle is Youth Mental Health First Aid certified, and continues with her extensive coursework in psychology and child development. Marcelle utilized her experiences as a mother and teacher, in founding FeelLinks. FeelLinks mission is to create a kinder, more compassionate, and inclusive world through resources that nurture and strengthen each individual child's social-emotional connections and confidence. Marcelle has created hands-on tools for children, including: emotion plush dolls, feelings journal and a children’s book co-authored with her daughter, titled, Feel Trip: A journey through ordinary emotions. Marcelle educates and supports parents, teachers and community members in nurturing lifelong skills in children - focusing on social-emotional skills development, how our emotions influence the brain, building emotional intelligence, emotional resilience, and overall emotional health and well-being of all children. Today, on the podcast, Marcelle shares with us her journey and how she was inspired to create these amazing tools to teach children and adults social and emotional awareness. She gives us tactical tools that can aide us in finding our own emotional awareness to then be able to teach others and enhance our relationships and everyday lives. Connect with Marcelle: Website: myfeellinks.com On Instagram and Facebook: @myfeelinks We also discussed: Boxed Up Project website @boxed_up_project Connect with Betsy: Follow Betsy on Instagram @untanglinganxiety Buy Quiet Your Worry Monster - A Children's Anxiety Workbook

Have you ever tried to contain a laugh, hold back tears, or keep yourself from yelling at someone you love?? On today's podcast I'm talking about all things EMOTIONS.  The past few years have been an emotional journey for me. Mental illness is a doozy and I have not been immune to it's effects.  I feel mad, sad, grateful, disappointed, lonely, frustrated, elated, and so many more. And sometimes I feel then at the same time! And sometimes, in the process of feeling all the feels, fireworks go off when everyone else is around. I literally yelled at my husband in front of my kids...and surprisingly felt zero guilt afterwards. It's a story you've got to hear. I think you might be surprised and relieved.  I'm not condoning yelling or being rude - I promise. I'm talking about using our emotions in constructive, healthy ways.  It takes practice. It can be messy. And it takes a whole bunch of vulnerability.  The benefits are priceless. Hop on over to the podcast and get all the good, the bad, and the ugly 😆 Here's the FEELINGS WHEEL link FollowBetsy on Instagram @untanglinganxiety Buy Quiet Your Worry Monster - A Children's Anxiety Workbook

Katy Willis lives in Northern Utah. She has been married for almost 19 years and has four kids ages: 16, 15, 13, and 9. About 11 years ago her journey to find deeper mental wellness began. Finding healing from Betrayal Trauma and PTSD brought her to literally travel from coast to coast to learn from world-renowned yoga and meditation trainers. She has completed over 1200 hours of certifications as a yoga teacher, and she is inches away from completing her yoga teacher TRAINER certification. She has taught more than 500 hours of yoga and meditation to kids, teens, and adults. Her top specialties are trauma-sensitive yoga and Kundalini Yoga & Meditation. She is also a life-coach and will graduate spring 2024 from an advanced coaching program for relationship trauma based on neuroscience and somatic movement. She is looking forward to opening up her calendar again next February for live group yoga and private coaching clients. Today she talks to us about her family’s unique circumstances and genetic disposition that lead her to sit in a doctor’s office and receive 11 diagnoses spread amongst 3 children ranging from anxiety disorders to developmental delays to learning disabilities. Katy answers questions such as “Why should I get my child diagnosed?”, “What are the first steps I can take to find help?”, and “Why breaking generational patterns have become so important to her?” I can’t wait for you to dive in and find valuable information to help you move forward in your own power and with your own unique intuition. Where to find Katy: Instagram: http://instagram.com/gracefilledpathways Facebook: https://Facebook.com/gracefilledpathways Website: http://gracefilledpathways.freshlearn.com Where to find Betsy: Follow Betsy on Instagram @untanglinganxiety Buy Quiet Your Worry Monster - A Children's Anxiety Workbook Additional links: The OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center National Alliance on Mental Illness - NAMI What is EMDR Therapy? What is Neurofeedback Therapy?

Do you find yourself reacting to situations or stress more than you'd like to?    Do you find yourself waking up in a bad mood and not being able to shake it all day?   Do you sometimes get to the end of the day and think "Well, that went poorly! I wish I didn't get so mad about it!"   You're definitely not alone!   Check out this week's podcast and learn how to manage the stress and anxiety that creep into your life every day.  I'll share relatable experiences and a daily practice that literally takes seconds that can launch you forward on your way to finding more peace and contentment. Click to access a FREE PDF of The Mind, Heart, Body Practice Follow Betsy on Instagram @untanglinganxiety Buy Quiet Your Worry Monster - A Children's Anxiety Workbook

Olivia Russell shares valuable insights into what’s it’s like to be a child and teen with anxiety and depression in this vulnerable and insightful episode. Olivia Russell is Host, Betsy Russell’s daughter. At the age of 19 she is currently attending college and professional nail school. Most of Olivia’s life she remembers feeling anxious and depressed. She learned early how to mask her feelings and live a seemingly productive and normal life. Things began to change during junior high and high school. Oliva shares her perspective, what she’s learned, what she hopes other will be able to do differently, and valuable insights into how we can help the teens we love navigate mental illness. This episode will leave you will a greater understanding of OCD and other anxiety disorders and how to successfully navigate your way through the trenches of mental illness. Links referenced in podcast: The OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center Find out how to get a DNA match to reference medications Connect with Betsy: Follow Betsy on Instagram @untanglinganxiety Buy Quiet Your Worry Monster - A Children's Anxiety Workbook

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by anxiety, holding you back from the life you want to lead? Are you tired of missing out on opportunities and experiences because of your worries? Imagine a life where anxiety no longer controls you, where you have the tools to face your fears and embrace each day with confidence and joy. I felt overwhelmed. I imagined and dreamed of a life free from anxiety. And I discovered it! I fought hard to get where I am today and I feel compelled to invite you to take your own journey. In this episode I'll introduce you to the 3 Step Formula that will take you to the next level in your mental health. It is mind blowing and life changing. Follow Betsy on Instagram @untanglinganxiety Buy Quiet Your Worry Monster - A Children's Anxiety Workbook

This is the Untangling Anxiety Podcast. I’m your host Betsy Russell. . Join me for compassionate conversations with people that walk the anxiety road ever day as well as experts that will expose the realities of anxiety and share life changing tools and practices to build your confidence, unleash your power, and fill you with hope. Learn to let go of worry and find your power to live with ease and joy. Now, take a deep breath – It’s time to start Untangling Anxiety.