In this episode of Off the Cuff with Danny LoPriore, I sit down with licensed therapist and clinical social worker, Haley Ostrow. She specializes in working with people of all ages that are suffering from anxiety, overthinking, and panic attacks. Having suffered from anxiety herself, Haley talks about dealing with anxiety growing up and how she ventured into the field of therapy.

“I didn’t really know that I wanted to be a therapist. I think I just knew that I wanted to help people in some way. Growing up, I considered myself being 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 me that I was a good listener and that I helped them figure stuff out.” – Haley (04:34)

During the conversation, Haley offers 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 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 at 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 is super important. If you need to go to the bathroom and just have a breather, do that. If you can physically walk outside your office for a minute, do that.” – Haley (12:21)

We are lucky to be living in a time where people are 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 life.

“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 don't 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 is very stigmatized. You don’t talk about it.” Haley (27:50)