207: A Pro Athlete on Anxiety, Panic, and a Life-Changing Mental Health Break

Have you ever felt the immense pressure to keep pushing forward, even when your mind and body are screaming for a break? What happens when the thing that once brought you joy becomes a source of overwhelming stress and anxiety?In this incredibly vulnerable and inspiring episode, I sit down with professional soccer player Bethany Balcer to discuss her recent decision to take a mental health break from the sport she loves. Bethany shares the raw details of reaching a breaking point, where the fear of letting her team and family down was overshadowed by the critical need to choose herself.From experiencing her first panic attack during a game to learning how to manage anxiety on the field, Bethany offers a powerful perspective on separating identity from performance. She provides practical insights into the tools that have helped her heal, including the power of neutralizing anxious thoughts, the daily practice of gratitude, and why vulnerability is one of the greatest connectors we have. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating performance pressure, burnout, or the journey of rediscovering themselves outside of their achievements.CHECK OUT MY MASTERCLASSES HERE AND START EXPERIENCING LOTS MORE PEACE, JOY, & FREEDOM: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesTAKE 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:

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all the advice, routines, and “shoulds” about how to feel better (aka less anxious)? In this episode, I share why doing less, not more, is often the key to feeling grounded, calm, and supported, especially when life feels chaotic.As a divorced mom running a business, I know how tempting it is to pile on routines, strategies, and wellness hacks to “fix” ourselves, but that usually just adds stress instead of relief. I break down my simple, everyday practices that actually make a difference in supporting my mental health and presence:This episode is for anyone feeling overwhelmed by wellness trends or overcomplicated routines. It’s a reminder that less is truly more, and small, intentional actions go a long way in creating balance, presence, and joy in everyday life!CHECK OUT MY MASTERCLASSES HERE AND START EXPERIENCING LOTS MORE PEACE, JOY, & FREEDOM: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesTAKE 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/how-i-keep-it-simple-daily-habits-that-support-my-mental-health-and-relieve-anxiety

Have you ever wondered why being “present” feels so impossible sometimes? Why mindfulness exercises feel like one more thing on your to-do list instead of a genuine way to connect with life? In this episode of A Healthy Push Podcast, I sit down with John-Paul, a therapist and content creator who blends psychology, spirituality, and mindfulness in a unique, practical way.John-Paul shares his journey from growing up in a religious household, navigating depression, and discovering the power of relational therapy, to creating content that resonates with thousands online. We explore:Why identity can sometimes hold us back from truly being ourselvesHow mindfulness is not about forcing calm or stopping your thoughts, but about noticing and engaging with the present moment without judgmentThe balance between psychology and spirituality, and how connection can transform your approach to lifePractical ways to bring presence into daily life, even during discomfort or anxietyWhether you’re struggling to slow down, overwhelmed by your thoughts, or just curious about how mindfulness and spirituality intersect with psychology, this conversation is full of insights you can apply in your day-to-day.CHECK 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-to-be-more-present-mindfulness-psychology-and-spirituality-with-john-paul-dombrowski

I’m so excited to sit down with you in this episode and just share some life updates.Lately, I’ve been thinking… I might be a little addicted to chaos. Yep, I said it! I’m constantly juggling things and not just little stuff, but big projects, personal updates, and all the things that come with running A Healthy Push. Somehow, I’m still finding ways to keep moving forward and I want to share that with you.In this episode, I’m giving you a peek into what’s been happening in my life, what I’ve been working on, and maybe a little bit of the chaos that comes with it. If you’ve ever felt like life is moving too fast or you’re trying to keep up with a million things, you’re going to relate.Here’s what you’ll hear and learn in this episode:Why I jokingly call myself “addicted to chaos”The big projects and life updates I’ve been juggling latelyHow I balance personal life with running A Healthy PushTips for staying motivated and moving forward even when life feels overwhelmingA peek behind the scenes at what’s coming next in my worldSo grab a cup of coffee (or tea!), get comfy, and come hang out with me for a bit.CHECK 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/204-life-updates-a-house-my-relationship-and-rediscovering-myself

Have you ever felt like anxiety came out of nowhere and completely took over? This week's guest, Elizabeth, shares her powerful story of going from a fiercely independent, active life to being suddenly debilitated by panic attacks and physical sensations that left her feeling like her "body was on fire."Elizabeth opens up about her journey over the past year, from frantic ER visits and avoiding driving to the profound awakening that helped her heal. Her story is a testament to the power of slowing down, giving yourself grace, and finally learning to feel your emotions instead of stuffing them down.We discuss the frustrating pressure to find a "quick fix" and the realization that true progress isn't the absence of anxiety, but how you learn to show up for yourself through it. If you've ever felt isolated by your anxiety or believed you were too "strong" to be struggling, this episode is a must-listen.In this episode, we discuss:How anxiety can seemingly appear out of nowhere, even without a prior history.The frustrating search for answers and the cycle of trying "all the things" to get rid of the feeling.A powerful breakdown of physical anxiety symptoms and what it truly feels like when your "body is on fire."The long-term impact of suppressing emotions and how it can lead to an overflow of anxiety.How debilitating panic can make everyday activities like driving or being alone feel impossible.The turning point: shifting from resisting anxiety to acknowledging and feeling your emotions.The role that high-stress jobs and relationship strain can play in triggering anxiety.The "awakening" that led to setting boundaries, leaving a job that no longer served her, and reconnecting with her true self.Heartfelt words of wisdom for anyone who feels lost in the thick of panic and anxiety right now.CHECK 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/beyond-the-quick-fix-elizabeth-s-story-of-finding-true-healing-from-anxiety

Let’s be real… when you’re struggling with anxiety, panic, or feeling disconnected from your body, it’s so easy to fall into the trap of chasing quick fixes. But what if the real magic comes from the simple, not-so-flashy stuff?In this episode, I’m joined by Courtney Kramer, an IFS and somatic therapist, and we’re talking all about the foundational tools that actually help... like observation, naming your emotions, tuning into sensations, and building a deeper connection with your body. You know… the things that seem too boring or basic to be effective, but are totally life-changing when you stick with them.Courtney shares so beautifully about how slowing down, noticing, and reconnecting with yourself in gentle, sustainable ways can shift everything, especially when you’re used to being stuck in your head or fighting your emotions.We chat about:Why healing often feels slow, repetitive, and… kinda boring (and why that’s not a bad thing!)What it really means to build a relationship with your body and emotionsHow to use tools like the emotion wheel, sensations list, and observation in everyday lifeWhy pacing and permission are SO important when you’re doing somatic workHow these practices build safety, trust, and confidence over timeThis conversation is full of validation, encouragement, and practical tools you can start using today, especially if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or stuck in your healing journey.CHECK 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/the-non-sexy-somatic-practices-that-lead-to-real-healing-with-courtney-kramer

One of the most common fears I hear is: What if Panic to Peace doesn’t work for me? And I get it! When you’ve been struggling with anxiety, panic disorder, or agoraphobia for so long, doubt and fear can feel overwhelming.So in this episode, I’m answering the biggest questions I get about Panic to Peace, including:What if I join and it doesn’t work?How is Panic to Peace different from therapy or other programs?What if I’m too “broken” or “too far gone?"What if I fail?What if the cost feels like too much?What’s the difference between the live and self-paced versions?You’ll hear real stories from past students who were once skeptical, scared, or convinced that recovery wasn’t possible for them, but who went on to make life-changing progress.If you’ve been on the fence about joining Panic to Peace, I hope this conversation helps you feel reassured, supported, and confident about what’s possible for you.SIGN UP FOR PANIC TO PEACE HERE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/live-panic-to-peace

I can hardly believe this is the 200th episode of A Healthy Push Podcast! 🎉 When I first started, I had no idea what I was doing. I just knew I wanted to share my story in hopes it could help others. And now, 200 episodes later, I’m more grateful than ever for this community and the work I get to do alongside you!In this special, personal episode, I’m opening up about the real reasons why I stayed stuck in anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia for 15 years. Because let’s be honest, no one should have to struggle that long.If you’ve ever wondered why your recovery feels so hard or why progress seems slow, you might see yourself in my story. I’ll share the six biggest patterns that kept me stuck and how shifting them helped me finally move forward.Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:Why constantly searching for causes and quick fixes actually made things worseHow problem-solving and overanalyzing kept me from truly healingThe trap of “white knuckling” through anxiety and exposuresThe role unprocessed trauma and unhealthy coping strategies played in my struggleHow shame, perfectionism, and hiding my struggles led to isolationThe importance of actually supporting and caring for yourself in recoveryMost importantly, I want you to know this: healing doesn’t have to take years, and it doesn’t have to be so hard.SIGN UP FOR PANIC TO PEACE HERE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/live-panic-to-peaceCHECK 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/the-biggest-reasons-i-struggled-with-anxiety-panic-disorder-and-agoraphobia-for-15-years

When you’ve been struggling with anxiety, panic disorder, or agoraphobia for a while, it’s not just the fear that weighs on you. There are so many heavy emotions that creep in... comparison, grief, anger, hopelessness, shame, isolation, exhaustion, fear of the future, and self-doubt.In this episode, I’m getting really honest about these emotions, how they often show up, and why they’re actually a normal part of the recovery journey. I’ll share pieces of my own experience and what I hear from my students and clients all the time, so that you can feel seen, validated, and far less alone.I dive into:Why comparison (to your past self or others) can feel so crushing, and how to respond with compassion instead.How grief shows up in anxiety recovery and why acknowledging it is so important.The role of anger, hopelessness, and shame, and why they often signal deeper pain that needs attention.How isolation, exhaustion, and fear of the future make recovery feel even heavier.The truth about self-doubt, and the small but powerful flickers of hope that remind you healing is possible.If you’ve been carrying any of these emotions, I want you to know you are not broken and you are not failing. These feelings are part of the process, and with support and compassion, recovery is absolutely possible.SIGN UP FOR MY FREE LIVE CLASS - HOW TO BUILD TRUST & SAFETY IN YOURSELF: https://www.ahealthypush.com/trustGET ON THE PANIC TO PEACE WAITING LIST HERE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/live-panic-to-peaceCHECK 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/hidden-emotional-struggles-of-anxiety

What happens when panic and anxiety take over so much of your life that even walking to the mailbox feels impossible? In this powerful conversation, former Panic to Peace student Mila shares her journey through anxiety, panic attacks, and agoraphobia, and how she slowly began rebuilding self-trust and freedom.We dive into:Experiencing anxiety as early as childhood and the shame that came with itThe terrifying panic attack that struck while driving across a bridge in New YorkHow her world became smaller and smaller until she felt completely trappedThe turning point that led her to seek out community and supportWhy nervous system work, self-compassion, and small, consistent steps made such a difference in her recoveryThis conversation is raw, real, and full of hope. If you’ve ever felt alone in your struggle with anxiety or agoraphobia, Mila’s story will remind you that healing is possible and that you don’t have to face it all on your own.SIGN UP FOR MY FREE LIVE CLASS - HOW TO BUILD TRUST & SAFETY IN YOURSELF: https://www.ahealthypush.com/trustGET ON THE PANIC TO PEACE WAITING LIST HERE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/live-panic-to-peaceCHECK 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/agoraphobia-recovery-story-mila