"Anxiety is that feeling that we get when our body is gearing up for action." — Dr. Julie Smith
"When you notice yourself focusing on how am I appearing to other people, think about what is it I want to find out from the people that I'm gonna see?" — Dr. Julie Smith
"The anxiety will hold you back, essentially. So it's a misconception that you can, you can be driven by that threat response but that essentially will lead to anxiety and depression where you can be driven by a sense of self-worth and a sense of passion, which is a very different experience." — Dr. Julie Smith
This episode of Call Her Daddy features clinical psychologist Dr. Julie Smith discussing the nature and management of anxiety. Dr. Smith defines anxiety as the body's stress response geared towards survival, manifesting in physical symptoms like a pounding heart and trembling, designed to prepare individuals for fight, flight, or freeze. The discussion differentiates social anxiety, characterized by a fear of social interactions and self-judgment, from introversion, a personality trait of needing alone time for energy replenishment.
The conversation delves into practical strategies for managing anxiety in social situations. Dr. Smith advises shifting focus from inward self-criticism to outward curiosity about others, and leveraging the awareness of the "spotlight effect"—our tendency to overestimate how much others are scrutinizing us. She also addresses reliance on substances like alcohol or a partner for social confidence, cautioning that these are poor coping mechanisms that hinder long-term confidence building and can strain relationships.
The episode further explores "high-functioning anxiety," clarifying it's not a clinical diagnosis but a descriptor for those managing high anxiety while maintaining daily functioning, often through overworking, which is ultimately detrimental. Dr. Smith offers actionable techniques for immediate anxiety relief, including deep breathing exercises and reframing anxious thoughts into challenges, alongside strategies for managing nighttime worries through a "worry journal." Finally, she emphasizes that seeking professional help is advisable whenever mental health concerns arise, comparing it to seeking medical advice for physical health issues.