Season 3 opens with this episode featuring Claire Bidwell Smith, author, grief counselor and Anxiety Sister. Join us as we discuss grief, anxiety, motherhood, daughterhood, great books and techniques for managing both anxiety and grief. We highly recommend Claire’s latest book, Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief, as well as her memoir, The Rules of Inheritance, for anyone who has ever lost someone they loved.
Hi there. This is Abs, and I am going to sit with you for a bit while we get this anxiety under control. If it helps, you can close your eyes and hear my voice, or, if youâd prefer, you can read along on your screen.
Before we begin, let me just say that I know how uncomfortable you are right now. Itâs really awful to be taken over by anxiety but, I promise you, I have been there many times, and I am 100% confident that you will get through this episode.  I am going to help you. You are not alone.
First, take a breath in through your nose as deeply as you can; then release it through your mouth with a whooshing sound. This is a calming breathâthe intake of oxygen signals your brain that it needs to send out some âfeel goodâ chemicals. Letâs see if we can get those to kick in.
Take another breath.
Now, this is going to sound weird, but try not to resist the panicâdon’t try to cut it off or stop it in any way. Panic operates in a cycle: the more time you spend trying to stop it, the more intense it gets. You know how they say you have to ride the wave instead of fight it? Well here is your wave…just go with it. You will not drown.
Take another breath.
Next, start talking to yourselfâout loud works best. Tell yourself, âthis too shall passâ or âI am okay.â Keep saying the words over and over again.
Another breath.
Are you still talking? Good. Now try to make yourself more comfortable. Loosen anything constraining you, like a bra or tight jeans or even a hair scrunchie. Naked, if possible, is good.
Breathe.
Okay, last step: cool down. Panic tends to produce heat so grab a cold washcloth or icepack. Splash cold water on your face and neck. Blast the a/c. If it is cool out, you may want to take a walk.
Keep repeating your mantra and stay cool (literally) until your body starts to regulate.
bambi
Thank you both for your warm email greeting. I followed your advice and listened to this great podcast and am reading the book.
Abs
We are so glad we could help–what you are experiencing is so hard. You are not alone!
Hugs,
Abs & Mags
Teresa
Thank you đ, i sure need this podcast, i lost my Mom in oc of 2020, still Grieving.thank you Again