191: You’re Not Weak—Here’s Why You’re Avoiding Your Fears (And What to Do About It)

Avoidance is something we all do, especially when it comes to anxiety, panic, and agoraphobia, but it’s also what keeps us stuck. So I've dedicated an entire conversation to unpacking avoidance: why it happens, how it shows up (even in sneaky ways), and what’s really at the root of it. Because I don't want you to stay stuck!From fear of feeling to perfectionism and a lack of self-trust, I break down the most common reasons people avoid and helps you understand that avoidance isn’t weakness, it's a normal human response. Most importantly, I share what it actually takes to begin facing your fears without white-knuckling your way through.I dive into:Why avoidance feels like relief (but keeps you stuck)The fear of feeling and how it fuels avoidanceHow past experiences with anxiety shape present-day avoidanceThe role of self-trust in recoveryWhy exposure therapy might not have worked for you, and what to do insteadHow perfectionism, shame, and overwhelm contribute to avoidanceSteps to start building real safety and trust with yourself and your nervous systemFEAR TO FREEDOM: FACING PANIC AND AVOIDANCE WITH CONFIDENCE - WITHOUT IT FEELING SO HARD: https://www.ahealthypush.com/fear-to-freedomTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/you-re-not-weak-here-s-why-you-re-avoiding-your-fears-and-what-to-do-about-it

Ever find yourself caught in a loop of anxious thoughts, panic, or overwhelm? You’re not alone. This used to be me every single day!In this episode, I get real about what it looks like to spiral, and more importantly, how to compassionately support yourself through it. From reframing your thoughts to taking gentle, supportive actions, I share practical tools and encouragement to help you navigate these tough moments without making things worse.I dive into:What “spiraling” really looks like (it’s not always dramatic!)The mental, emotional, physical, behavioral, and even existential signs of spiralingWhy trying not to spiral often makes things worseHow to reframe spiraling so it doesn’t feel like a setbackPractical steps to move through a spiral with compassionThe role of stress, life transitions, and perfectionism in fueling anxietyWhy doing less (not more) is often the answerHOW TO RESPOND TO ANXIETY AND PANIC WITHOUT SPIRALING: https://www.ahealthypush.com/symptomsGET ON THE PANIC TO PEACE WAITING LIST HERE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/live-panic-to-peaceTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/what-to-do-when-you-re-spiraling-from-anxiety

So much has been happening behind the scenes, and in this episode, I’m finally sitting down to catch you up! From finalizing my divorce and moving into a new apartment, to changing my name, starting therapy again, and even beginning a new relationship. This season of life has been full of transition, growth, and deep healing.I’m sharing what it’s really looked like to navigate big life changes while still showing up for myself, my daughter, and my community. If you’re in the middle of your own messy chapter, I hope this reminds you that healing doesn’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to have it all figured out to take steps forward.GET ON THE PANIC TO PEACE WAITING LIST HERE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/live-panic-to-peaceTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizCHECK OUT MY MASTERCLASSES HERE AND START EXPERIENCING LOTS MORE PEACE, JOY, & FREEDOM: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/life-lately-divorce-healing-moving-and-a-new-relationship

What happens when the life you built no longer feels like home, and the decision to leave brings not just grief, but deep anxiety and self-doubt?I’m joined by therapist and mom Stacey Sherrell for a raw, honest conversation about the emotional realities of divorce. We talk about what it really looks like to leave a long-term relationship while parenting, navigating anxiety, and trying to rediscover who you are outside of a relationship.From the years of quiet inner conflict, to the overwhelming anxiety that followed her separation, Stacey shares her story with vulnerability, insight, and so much heart. Whether you’re in the thick of a hard decision or learning to trust yourself again after a major life shift, this episode will remind you that healing is messy, and that you’re not alone in it!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why deciding to leave a marriage is often years in the makingHow anxiety can show up even when you’re a mental health professionalThe importance of rebuilding trust in yourself after a relationship endsWays to cope with the shame and self-doubt that follow divorceSimple, powerful self-care habits to help you survive and thrive during hard timesGET ON THE PANIC TO PEACE WAITING LIST HERE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/live-panic-to-peaceTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizCHECK OUT MY MASTERCLASSES HERE AND START EXPERIENCING LOTS MORE PEACE, JOY, & FREEDOM: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/navigating-divorce-anxiety-and-self-trust-a-raw-conversation-with-stacey-sherrell

In this powerful and emotional episode, I sit down with Heather, a former Panic to Peace student, to talk about her journey with panic disorder, agoraphobia, and anxiety spans more than 30 years. From her first panic attack at age 14 to becoming housebound and relying on others for even the most basic daily tasks, Heather has lived through the depths of fear and isolation that many people with anxiety know all too well. But today, her story is one of strength, freedom, and self-trust.Heather opens up about the life-changing moment when she realized she needed more than just coping tools—she needed to build true safety within herself. Through Panic to Peace and intentional daily action, Heather began facing the discomfort she had been avoiding for years. She reveals how she worked through anticipatory anxiety, stopped avoiding being alone, and eventually conquered some of her biggest fears, including driving alone on the freeway.Now completing a master’s program to become a therapist, Heather’s story is not only inspiring—it’s proof that deep healing and transformation are absolutely possible. If you’ve ever doubted your ability to change, this episode will show you just how strong and capable you really are!In This Episode, Heather Shares:How her anxiety first showed up in high school and shaped her early adult lifeWhy traditional therapy and medication didn’t fully address the root of her strugglesWhat finally helped her shift from managing anxiety to building a life of peace and freedomThe moment she realized she could feel anxious and still take meaningful actionHow she overcame her fear of driving alone and started her internship as a future therapistWhy building safety within yourself is the most powerful thing you can doGET ON THE PANIC TO PEACE WAITING LIST HERE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/live-panic-to-peaceSIGN UP FOR MY FREE 60 MINUTE MASTERCLASS - 5 SHIFTS YOU NEED MAKE TO OVERCOME ANXIETY, PANIC DISORDER, & AGORAPHOBIA: https://ahealthypush.myflodesk.com/g2glrk93qlCHECK OUT MY MASTERCLASSES HERE AND START EXPERIENCING LOTS MORE PEACE, JOY, & FREEDOM: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/anxiety-success-stories-two-decades-of-panic-one-big-breakthrough-heather-s-story

In this heartfelt and powerful Q&A episode, I’m joined by Annie—one of my former students and a regular voice on the podcast—to dive into the hardest questions that come up during anxiety recovery. If you've ever wondered, What if I never get better? or felt stuck despite doing all the “right” things, this episode is for you. We talk about the fears, doubts, setbacks, and emotional heaviness that can show up in recovery—and most importantly, what it actually looks like to move through them.We Answer These 10 Common Questions in This Episode:What if I never get better? What if I never feel normal again?What if I’m doing all the right things but still not seeing progress?Is it normal to feel like I’m getting worse before I get better?Is there a point where I should just accept that this is my life now?How do I stop comparing my journey to others who seem further along?How long does recovery actually take?What were the signs that you were truly getting better?Did you ever feel like giving up on recovery? If so, what kept you going?What helped you believe that recovery was possible when you didn’t feel it?Is full recovery really possible or will I always have some anxiety?Whether you’re in the thick of anxiety, panic disorder, or agoraphobia, this episode will offer reassurance, validation, and some gentle encouragement to keep going. You are not alone, and recovery is possible—even if you don’t fully believe it yet.GET ON THE PANIC TO PEACE WAITING LIST HERE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/live-panic-to-peaceSIGN UP FOR MY FREE 60 MINUTE MASTERCLASS - 5 SHIFTS YOU NEED MAKE TO OVERCOME ANXIETY, PANIC DISORDER, & AGORAPHOBIA: https://ahealthypush.myflodesk.com/g2glrk93qlCHECK OUT MY MASTERCLASSES HERE AND START EXPERIENCING LOTS MORE PEACE, JOY, & FREEDOM: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/what-if-i-never-get-better-answering-the-hardest-questions-about-anxiety-recovery

In this moving and relatable episode, I sit down with Lauren, a recent graduate of my Panic to Peace program, as she shares her powerful journey through anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia. Lauren opens up about the life events that triggered her struggle—loss, burnout, and avoidance—and how it all came to a head during one hot summer day in Brooklyn.We talk about:The early signs of anxiety Lauren experienced as a childThe moment her panic and avoidance really took holdThe terrifying experience that led her to avoid heat, travel, and even grocery shoppingHer resistance to medication, perfectionist tendencies, and the shame she carriedHow exposure work, therapy, community, and self-compassion helped her reclaim her lifeLauren’s story is not just inspiring—it’s packed with insights, validation, and reminders that you're not alone. She shares what helped her shift from fear and avoidance to confidence and freedom, and what it really took to heal (hint: it wasn’t just pushing through or trying harder!).Whether you’re in the thick of anxiety or well into your recovery, this episode is a must-listen!GET ON THE PANIC TO PEACE WAITING LIST HERE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/live-panic-to-peaceSIGN UP FOR MY FREE 60 MINUTE MASTERCLASS - 5 SHIFTS YOU NEED MAKE TO OVERCOME ANXIETY, PANIC DISORDER, & AGORAPHOBIA: https://ahealthypush.myflodesk.com/g2glrk93qlCHECK OUT MY MASTERCLASSES HERE AND START EXPERIENCING LOTS MORE PEACE, JOY, & FREEDOM: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES:

In this episode, I’m joined by Nicole Mendizabal to talk about something so many of us struggle with—creating schedules that actually work for us instead of pushing us toward burnout. If you have ADHD, anxiety, or just tend to overload your days, this conversation is a must-listen.We talk about:How to check in with yourself and assess your daily capacityBuilding schedules that match your natural energy patternsWhy people with ADHD are more prone to burnoutSelf-compassion and realistic to-do listsThe magic of “Bare Minimum Mondays”What happens when we ignore our energy and push too hardHow I personally hit burnout—and what I’ve changed to avoid it happening againWHAT'S BLOCKING YOUR ANXIETY RECOVERY? TAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizSIGN UP FOR MY FREE 60 MINUTE MASTERCLASS - 5 SHIFTS YOU NEED MAKE TO OVERCOME ANXIETY, PANIC DISORDER, & AGORAPHOBIA: https://ahealthypush.myflodesk.com/g2glrk93qlCHECK OUT MY MASTERCLASSES HERE AND START EXPERIENCING LOTS MORE PEACE, JOY, & FREEDOM: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES:

In this honest and empowering episode, I dive deep into a tough but transformative topic: how you might be unintentionally playing a role in your own suffering when it comes to anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia. I share my personal experiences, including how I used to blame everything outside of myself—until I realized that real healing required taking ownership of my thoughts, behaviors, and recovery journey.If you're feeling stuck, frustrated, or like you're doing all the things but still not making progress, this episode will help you build awareness, shift your mindset, and take aligned action toward healing—with compassion, not judgment.WHAT'S BLOCKING YOUR ANXIETY RECOVERY? TAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizSIGN UP FOR MY FREE 60 MINUTE MASTERCLASS - 5 SHIFTS YOU NEED MAKE TO OVERCOME ANXIETY, PANIC DISORDER, & AGORAPHOBIA: https://ahealthypush.myflodesk.com/g2glrk93qlCHECK OUT MY MASTERCLASSES HERE AND START EXPERIENCING LOTS MORE PEACE, JOY, & FREEDOM: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/are-you-playing-a-role-in-your-own-suffering-when-it-comes-to-anxiety-recovery

Have you ever wondered why talk therapy alone sometimes isn’t enough to heal trauma? In this episode, Britt Piper joins me to dive into the transformative power of somatic healing and why starting with the body can be the key to lasting recovery.Britt shares what a body-first approach really looks like, why our nervous system holds onto trauma, and how healing happens through experience—not just information. We discuss the role of body memory, the importance of understanding attachment wounds, and how to gently move through common stuck states like fight, flight, freeze, fawn, and functional freeze.In this episode, you'll learn:Why somatic healing is essential for trauma recoveryHow your nervous system responds to trauma and stressThe difference between body memory and explicit memoryThe five stuck states and how to navigate themWhy healing isn’t about “fixing” yourself but creating capacity for regulationPractical steps to support your healing journeyIf you're tired of quick fixes and ready to understand what your body truly needs, this conversation is for you.WHAT'S BLOCKING YOUR ANXIETY RECOVERY? TAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizSIGN UP FOR MY FREE 60 MINUTE MASTERCLASS - 5 SHIFTS YOU NEED MAKE TO OVERCOME ANXIETY, PANIC DISORDER, & AGORAPHOBIA: https://ahealthypush.myflodesk.com/g2glrk93qlCHECK OUT MY MASTERCLASSES HERE AND START EXPERIENCING LOTS MORE PEACE, JOY, & FREEDOM: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/how-somatic-healing-helps-recovery-with-britt-piper