Anxiety disorders affect almost 20 parent of the U.S. population. During midlife, new stressors can come into play and kick up your anxiety, whether or not you’ve ever suffered from it before. On this episode, I chat with Dr. Lori Davis, a clinical psychologist who specializes in anxiety disorders and trauma. We talk about the various types of anxiety that can strike you during midlife, how that anxiety plays out, and how you can get yourself back on track if you’re suffering from it.
Among the topics Dr. Davis and I discuss:
- Why anxiety is often exacerbated in midlife and how it manifests itself
- What anxiety has to do with aging and menopause, and why certain tasks you never thought twice about (like driving, for instance) may seem more daunting as you get older
- The various types of anxiety and how they present physically
- How mental health was a taboo topic when we were growing up, and how that impacted our generation
- How to recognize the symptoms of anxiety and/or depression
- On-the-spot techniques that can help quell your anxiety
- Lifestyle changes that can help you be less susceptible to anxiety
- Why we’re all experiencing more collective stress these days
- When you should seek professional help for your anxiety or another mental-health issue
- How to help someone you know who may be suffering from anxiety and/or depression
- Why you can be symptomatic from time to time, yet still shine and have a terrific life
Dr. Davis also reveals how she suffered silently with her own anxiety for years, and why she’s now putting it out there to help others.
If you’re dealing with anxiety these days, you are not alone. Dr. Davis is going to give you the information you need so you can get to a better place and enjoy a beautiful, fulfilling midlife!
About Our Guest
Dr. Lori Davis is a clinical instructor of psychology in psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College. She also has a private practice in New York City, where she specializes in anxiety disorders and trauma. You can find her at her website and on Instagram, where she shares tips and strategies for managing anxiety and stress. She has anxiety too, and espouses that you can live a meaningful, productive and playful life even with anxiety.
About More Beautiful
Founded by journalist Maryann LoRusso, the More Beautiful Project is a podcast, online magazine and community for women navigating midlife. Join Maryann and her guests on the More Beautiful Podcast as they strive for a life that’s more joyful, more fulfilling and more beautiful than ever before. Because this is not your mama’s midlife.
Check out more episodes of the More Beautiful Podcast.
Additional Show Notes
On this episode, Dr. Davis mentions the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), where you can locate a therapist by zip code.
In this episode we also discuss therapy dough as a tool for relieving mild stress and anxiety, lavender oil for better sleep and stress relief, and magnesium oil spray for sleep and relaxation.
We also talk about cognitive reframing, which can help you cope with stressful situations.
Please note that this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to replace individualized medical advice.
