Episode 1
There IS help. There IS hope. Anxiety doesn’t have to run your life.
In our newest service offering, the Anxiety Resource Center brings you a podcast called Anxiety Unraveled. We invite you to listen to open and candid conversations from others who struggle with anxiety disorders, learn tips and tricks from mental health professionals, and find the support you need.
In our first episode, Board Member Mike Maddox talks with Mental Health Professional Katie Achtyes to break down and demystify what a support group is.
“Coming to a support group, the biggest piece is just knowing you are not alone. That others are struggling. There’s something so validating about that. You aren’t to blame. There isn’t something you did to cause this. It just happens,” Katie said.
Mike shares pieces from his journey with anxiety, “It takes incredible courage to live a life if you are in an acute anxiety disorder. These are the bravest people I’ve met in my life. People without anxiety disorder don’t understand the level of courage and fortitude it takes to get through a single day. Speaking as someone who’s had an anxiety disorder my whole life … you don’t have to live in the acute pain.”
Katie validates his comment, stating we don’t have to live in that pain, we don’t have to feel stuck, trapped, or alone. She offers insight into why support groups help, shares success stories, and reminds us we have the power to change our brains.
About Our Podcast Guest:
Katie Achtyes, LMSW, CAADC has served as a mental health provider for adults, families, and groups for over 20 years. Katie is currently working for The Flourishing Collective as an individual therapist. She also works for Michigan State University, facilitating national research groups for the prevention of postpartum depression and for depression recovery following perinatal loss. Katie also enjoys facilitating the weekly Wednesday evening anxiety support groups and workshops for the Anxiety Resource Center.
