TW: This episode briefly mentions suicidal thoughts and ideation.

Most people experience symptoms of anxiety, like increased heart rate and heavy breathing, from time to time. This is normal. However, individuals with anxiety disorders often experience these intense emotions and symptoms for prolonged periods of time. This episode is all about the neuroscience of anxiety disorders.

First, for a more personal experience, Dr. Hilary Marusak talks with Amanpreet Bhogal, one of our very own producers, about what it’s like to experience an anxiety disorder. Then, Dr. Marusak talks with Dr. Angela Fang, a licensed clinical psychologist and neuroscientist focused on understanding the social, emotional, and cognitive mechanisms associated with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive related disorders.

To learn more about Dr. Fang and her work, visit: https://psych.uw.edu/people/9180 and https://www.uwconnectlab.com/

Mindful Walking Meditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kapvpqwcNLQ

Finch: Self Care Pet is the app that Amanpreet mentioned which helped her with tracking her mood, building small habits around meditation, and setting goals like taking a shower and drinking water when life was difficult. This is not a sponsored post. Here is a link to the app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/finch-self-care-pet/id1528595748

Help is available 24 hours/day at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.

BrainSTEM is hosted by neuroscientist Dr. Hilary Marusak. Production by Amanpreet Bhogal, Manmeet Bhogal, and Gabby Maramag. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of the Society for Neuroscience and Michigan Society for Neuroscience. Subscribe, share, and follow us! Email us with topic or guest suggestions. Visit our website: www.brainSTEMpodcast.com.

Our video podcasts are also posted on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2LTYvOoFc6L7p2kUMaFhCA/videos