“I felt like death was right on the horizon for me. And I didn’t have any health issues at the time. So, it wasn’t like I was dealing with some sort of health issue or medical issue. And later on in life, I realized that it was a combination of health anxiety and death anxiety. So I was constantly thinking about it and worried about it happening at any point in time.”
On this episode of Off the Cuff, I sit down with licensed therapist and clinical social worker, Haley Ostrow. Together they discuss Haley’s own struggles with anxiety growing up, what are some of the challenges people face today and what are some of the steps they can take, including the most important one of seeking help immediately, to put themselves on the path to healing. Haley offers a fascinating tale of how she got into the field of therapy. Turns out, she was a natural at it, being a good listener.
“I didn’t really know that I wanted to be therapist. I think I just knew that I wanted to help people in some way. Growing up, I considered myself being like a good listener. I was a good listener to my friends. They would come to me. They would talk to me about the things that were going on and they would tell that I was a good listener and that I helped them figure stuff out.” – Haley (04:34)
As our conversation progresses, Haley offers very useful insights that people can use in their daily lives to successfully tackle anxiety and panic attacks on the go. No doubt, the first and best course of action according to her is to seek help and see a therapist immediately. But Haley provides some very useful tips on how to one can temporarily rectify the situation when they are otherwise occupied such as at work.
“People get anxiety at work or maybe they even have panic attacks are work. That can definitely happen. It’s just overwhelming. You are trying to get through the day. So, I think being able to take a break when you can be super important. If you need to go in the bathroom and just have a breather, do that. If can physically walk outside your office for a minute, do that.” – Haley (12:21)
People today are more open to seek help and look for solutions to better their lives. We are lucky to be living in a time where people more open minded and informed to make better decisions and seek solutions to their problems; something that was not present for Haley. That’s why her advice to anyone suffering from anxiety is to seek help immediately and take charge of your live.
“I wish I had gone to therapy when I was younger. I wish it was suggested to me when I was younger. But back then nobody really talked about it. So, I don’t think they were against it. I just done think they knew about therapy. I think the older generation, they just didn’t really go to therapy. That wasn’t a thing so when they had kids, they were like what is that we don’t do that. It like very stigmatized. You don’t talk about it.” Haley (27:50)
Listen in on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and check out our Off the Cuff with Danny LoPriore Instagram to stay up-to-date on our podcast news! Off The Cuff with Danny LoPriore is presented by 1AND1. Become 1% Better, together at www.1and1life.com.
