Navigating Life Transitions: Managing Anxiety with Ease

Beyond Empty Nest

Based on a recent article in Forbes Health, young adults 18 to 25 in the U. S. experience the highest rates of mental illness at 36. 2%, followed by those ages 26 to 49 at 29. 4%. Adults ages 50 and over are at almost 14%. That's us. Anxiety isn't just reserved for just the young or the old, it does not discriminate.

I want to further surprise you to learn that anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and panic disorder are some of the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions in the U. S. affecting 42.5 million adults.

My guest today is known as The Anxiety Healer and has found the sweet spot on how to use social media to connect with those suffering with anxiety so that they feel seen, heard, and most importantly, understood. Alison Cepenaro, licensed therapist, author, podcast host, and holistic healer specializes in cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness based positive psychology for adolescents and adults with anxiety disorders. She is a CEO and founder of the Anxiety Healer Community, boasting over 550, 000 members on Instagram and TikTok.

Alison also spreads awareness and holistic healing methods for anxiety. Her book, “The Anxiety Healer's Guide”, offers a comprehensive toolkit for overcoming anxiety. And through her podcast, “The Anxiety Chicks”, Allison destigmatizes mental health and shares her journey to recovery, providing a judgment free community globally.

If you’re experiencing anxiety, whether it be smaller moments or through the lens of anxiety disorder, Alison will help guide us toward healing today.

In this episode

• [4:13] Jodi shares her experiences with anxiety attacks and not knowing what was going on at the time.
• [5:26] Alison also shares her experiences with anxiety and how she became known as The Anxiety Healer.
• [6:44] “We're not born just knowing how to talk about feelings we have. We were guided, you know, by our caregivers and people.” - Alison Seponara
• [9:32] There is a stigma about anxiety and it is not talked about enough. Alison speaks on this as being a major motivator for here to break the stigma and have those conversations through the lens of Instagram.
• [11:42] Vulnerability of your experience as being incredibly healing.
• [13:07] What anxiety can look like - and it looks different for everybody!
• [14:48] Physical manifestations of anxiety.
• [16:24] “Everything about healing yourself and coming up with your toolkits starts with being aware of who you are and what makes you tick.” - Jodi Silverman
• [16:59] The power of doing breathwork properly, followed by a quick tutorial by Alison.
• [19:50] Practical steps you can take to create your own healing toolkit.
• [23:59] The 5 Senses Breathing Technique as a way to manage anxiety.
• [29:35] “You're not supposed to be dependent on just one thing. These are all self regulation, self soothing tools, which is great, but, but part of this process is to learn how to reorganize and reprocess your brain. When and then also incorporate these tools into it.” - Alison Seponara
• [30:28] Jodi talks about the importance of supporting your kids as they leave the next and the anxiety both you and your children may experience.
• [31:42] Alison shares her dare for this week.
• [32:54] Jodi challenges us to a double dare!

❤️Your Dare for this week is a DOUBLE DARE!

• Dare #1: Drink one glass of water every morning for the next week. Take note of the changes you experience.
• Dare #2: Figure out one tool for your toolkit to start with to help you heal.

About Alison Seponara

Alison Seponara is a licensed therapist, author, podcast host, anxiety educator, and holistic healer. Alison owns a private practice outside of Philad