179: Should I Take Medication for Anxiety, Panic Disorder, & Agoraphobia?

In this episode, I sit down with Tessa, a former Panic to Peace student, to talk about her journey through anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia—and how she’s finding true, lasting healing by slowing down and reconnecting with herself.For years, Tessa managed her anxiety by controlling everything around her. But when those strategies began to break down, she realized she needed a new path—one that involved nervous system regulation, somatic work, and learning to trust her body.We talk about:The dangers of “doing all the healing work” at onceWhat it means to stop digging and start healing in the present momentHow slowing down actually helps you build confidence and self-trustExpanding your bubble and taking brave steps—even when it’s scaryWhy healing is never linear, and how that’s completely okayTessa’s story is incredibly inspiring and deeply relatable. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to actually move forward with your healing, this episode will give you so much hope and guidance!WANNA SAY GOODBYE TO ANXIETY, PANIC DISORDER, & AGORAPHOBIA FOR GOOD? CHECK OUT MY NEW AHP COMMUNITY: https://www.ahealthypush.com/communityWHAT'S BLOCKING YOUR ANXIETY RECOVERY? TAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizGET ON THE PANIC TO PEACE WAITING LIST HERE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/live-panic-to-peaceA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/from-control-to-connection-tessa-s-journe-agoraphobia-and-panic-anxiety-agoraphobia-and-deep-healing

Health anxiety can feel overwhelming; constantly scanning your body for symptoms, seeking reassurance from doctors and loved ones, and endlessly researching online.In this episode of A Healthy Push, I sat down with licensed therapist, Dr. Britney Chesworth, to talk about what really fuels health anxiety, the harmful cycles it creates, and how you can start breaking free!WANNA SAY GOODBYE TO ANXIETY, PANIC DISORDER, & AGORAPHOBIA FOR GOOD? CHECK OUT MY NEW AHP COMMUNITY: https://www.ahealthypush.com/communityWHAT'S BLOCKING YOUR ANXIETY RECOVERY? TAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT: 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/how-to-break-free-from-the-cycle-of-health-anxiety

Thinking about trying medication or going back on it? This episode is for you! While I can't tell you what to do, my goal is to help you make the healthiest decision for YOU. I share my honest thoughts on medication, how it can be helpful, how to navigate mental blocks around taking it, what NOT to do when considering medication, and what to do if medication hasn’t worked for you. Remember, I’m not a doctor, so please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medication.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:My honest thoughts on medication as a tool for recoveryWhy medication is not a cure, but a supportive toolCommon mental blocks around taking medication and how to get past themThe biggest mistakes people make when considering medicationWhat NOT to do when deciding whether to take medicationWhat to do if medication hasn’t worked for you or if you don’t want to try itBe sure to listen to the full episode for all the goodness! WANNA SAY GOODBYE TO ANXIETY, PANIC DISORDER, & AGORAPHOBIA FOR GOOD? CHECK OUT MY NEW AHP COMMUNITY: https://www.ahealthypush.com/communityWHAT'S BLOCKING YOUR ANXIETY RECOVERY? TAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT: 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/should-i-take-medication-for-anxiety-panic-disorder-agoraphobia

Are you constantly trying to “fix” yourself in order to feel less anxious? What if the key to healing isn’t about fixing anything—but about accepting who you are right now?In this week’s episode of A Healthy Push, I’m joined by licensed therapist turned coach, Mollie Birney, and we’re diving deep into the powerful role self-acceptance plays in anxiety recovery.We talk about why embracing your current reality—rather than fighting it—can actually reduce shame, ease anxiety, and help you move forward with greater clarity and confidence. This episode is packed with real talk, mindset shifts, and practical tips to help you start accepting yourself (yes, even the anxious parts!).✨ Tune in to learn:Why self-acceptance is essential for healingHow to stop fighting where you are in your journeyWays to ease anxiety by showing yourself more compassionIf you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re doing everything but getting better, this conversation is for you.WANNA SAY GOODBYE TO ANXIETY, PANIC DISORDER, & AGORAPHOBIA FOR GOOD? CHECK OUT MY NEW AHP COMMUNITY: https://www.ahealthypush.com/communityWHAT'S BLOCKING YOUR ANXIETY RECOVERY? TAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT: 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:

As you probably already know, I struggled with anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia for 15 years. And my recovery was… rough, really rough! There was so much I didn’t know, so much I tried, and I attempted to do it all alone.So, in this episode, I wanna share with you what I’d do if I had to overcome anxiety again - because I would definitely do things differently! If you apply these things I’m sharing with you, it’ll absolutely help make your recovery journey shorter and less hard. Alright, let’s dive in!Join My Private Community (Opening April 14, 2025!)You don’t have to recover alone! If you’ve made progress but still feel stuck, my private community is for you. Get the accountability, guidance, and support you need to move forward with confidence. Inside, you’ll get:Weekly live coaching callsMonthly Q&As & teachingsMonthly exposure and accountability workshopsAccess to all my mini-courses (current & future)All for less than the cost of one therapy session! Join my new community here.WHAT'S BLOCKING YOUR ANXIETY RECOVERY? TAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT: 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/if-i-had-to-overcome-anxiety-again-here-s-exactly-what-i-d-do

If you're someone who struggles with saying no, constantly seeks approval, or feels overwhelmed trying to keep everyone happy—this episode is for you!In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Mendizabal, a licensed therapist specializing in people pleasing and anxiety. I was so excited to discuss this topic with Nicole, as she provided expert insight on this layered subject! Together we discuss: what people pleasing ishow it relates to anxietywhere it stems fromhow to improve upon this behavior Be sure to listen to the full episode for all the goodness! 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/ep-176-people-pleasing-and-anxiety-with-dr-nicole-mendizabal

Agoraphobia is one of the most misunderstood anxiety disorders—and if you’re struggling with it, you’ve probably asked yourself more than once: Will I ever feel normal again? Can this actually get better? In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what agoraphobia is (and what it isn’t), how it develops, and most importantly, whether or not it can be cured.Whether you’re just starting to understand your experience or you’ve been on this journey for a while, this episode will give you clarity, hope, and a big reminder that you’re not alone—and recovery is absolutely possible!Be sure to listen to the full episode for all the goodness! 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/what-is-agoraphobia-can-it-be-cured

Do you call yourself an "overthinker?" If you do (or have), this will be a really helpful conversation for you to tune into!I sat down with Elizabeth, a trauma and anxiety therapist who specializes in helping anxious overthinkers find quiet confidence. We dove deep into the world of overthinking.We chat about:Why Do We Overthink?How to Tell the Difference Between Productive Thinking and OverthinkingBreaking Free from the Overthinking CycleCan You Ever Stop Overthinking Completely?If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in your head, replaying scenarios, or trying to control every outcome, this episode is for you!Tune into the full episode for all of the goodness!TAKE MY FREE QUIZ - WHAT'S BLOCKING YOUR ANXIETY RECOVERY?: 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/overthinking-anxiety-finding-peace-in-a-noisy-mind-a-conversation-with-elizabeth

On this week’s episode of a Healthy Push podcast, I was joined by someone most of you may be familiar with at this point, Annie! Annie is a former Panic to Peace student turned friend, and I was so happy to have her back for another episode. Together, we go through some questions sent in by you, while offering brief, helpful insights along the way.Here are some questions we discuss:How do you not let the physical symptoms (heart skips/palpitations) cause panic?How do you make yourself believe it’s “just” panic/anxiety rather than something else?I struggle with panic and agoraphobia. What do you recommend for a first big trip in a while?How do you not get weirded out being so far from home?Tune into the full episode for all of the goodness!TAKE MY FREE QUIZ - WHAT'S BLOCKING YOUR ANXIETY RECOVERY?: 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/your-anxiety-recovery-questions-answered-a-q-a-with-annie

Zoe took my Panic to Peace program in January of 2023, and since then she's come a LONG way! I'm so excited for you to hear her story and for you to get some wisdom from someone who has been where you might be right now.Together Zoe and I discussed: being diagnosed with GAD, OCD, and panic disorderher first panic attack (in IKEA!) and developing a fear of throwing upwhen she sought helphow an unhealthy relationship contributed to her anxiety and what she did about itwhat worked in her recovery how things are going for her nowTune into the full episode for all of the goodness!SIGN 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-zoe-s-journey-with-panic-attacks-fear-a-lack-of-control