In this episode of Let's Get Emotional, hosts Tatiana Rojas and Dr. Jennifer Martin Schantz explore one of the most common yet misunderstood human emotions: anxiety. While anxiety is often viewed as something to eliminate, this episode explains how anxiety is actually a normal protective response designed to keep us safe and what happens when that system becomes overactive or dysregulated.

If you've ever struggled with chronic worry, racing thoughts, panic, overthinking, or feeling constantly on edge, this conversation provides practical, research-backed insights into what's happening inside your brain and body. Tatiana and Jennifer explain the psychology and neuroscience of anxiety, including how the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, sympathetic nervous system, cortisol, and adrenaline influence the way anxiety feels and why it can be so difficult to "just relax."

You'll learn the important difference between anxiety and fear, why anxiety is future-oriented, how catastrophic thinking and "what if" loops keep anxiety alive, and how cognitive distortions can make everyday situations feel overwhelming. The hosts also discuss how anxiety presents differently across toddlers, children, teenagers, and adults, helping listeners recognize the emotional, cognitive, and physical signs of anxiety throughout every stage of life.

Drawing from neuroscience, psychological research, and clinical experience, Tatiana and Jennifer share evidence-based approaches for managing anxiety, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, EMDR, mindfulness, grounding exercises, and nervous system regulation. They also introduce simple but powerful tools you can use immediately, including the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique and the WAIT framework to interrupt anxious thought patterns and reconnect with the present moment.

Whether you're navigating generalized anxiety, panic attacks, health anxiety, social anxiety, trauma recovery, ADHD, chronic stress, burnout, or persistent overthinking, this episode offers compassionate guidance and practical strategies to help you regulate your nervous system, build emotional resilience, and respond to anxiety with greater confidence and self-awareness.

In This Episode:

• What anxiety really is and why it's a normal human emotion
• The difference between anxiety and fear
• How anxiety affects the brain, nervous system, and body
• The role of the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, cortisol, and adrenaline
• Why catastrophic thinking and "what if" loops fuel anxiety
• Common cognitive distortions that increase anxious thinking
• How anxiety presents differently in children, teens, and adults
• Physical symptoms of anxiety including racing heart, muscle tension, nausea, and insomnia
• When anxiety becomes a clinical concern and when to seek professional help
• Understanding generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, health anxiety, and social anxiety
• Evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, and EMDR
• The 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique for calming the nervous system
• The WAIT method for responding to anxious thoughts with greater clarity
• Practical strategies for emotional regulation, mindfulness, and reducing overthinking

Links & Resources:
Tatiana Rojas - https://getherapyservices.com/

Let's Get Emotional is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not therapy and does not replace mental health care. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.