Mom guilt—we all face it and together we can change it. In this episode of The Anxiety Society, hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner discuss this universal struggle with special guest Ericka Graham. Together, they explore how conflicting priorities and societal expectations fuel guilt, while offering practical tips to manage it. From setting healthy boundaries to reframing guilt as a tool for growth, this episode provides a compassionate and candid look at what it really means to navigate motherhood and anxiety. Whether you're a new mom or seasoned parent, you'll find relatable stories and advice to help lighten the emotional load.

Key Points:

- [0:00] - Welcome to The Anxiety Society

Dr. Elizabeth and Cali discuss the podcast's mission to address anxiety in everyday life and introduce special guest Ericka Graham.

- [2:00] - Anxious Moments

Each week our hosts share their recent anxiety-inducing moments brought on by everyday challenges and events.

- [3:52] - Defining Mom Guilt

Ericka discusses how conflicting core values often drive mom guilt, using personal examples to illustrate the complexity of these feelings.

- [10:44] - Social Comparisons and Guilt

Liz and Cali talk about how social media and comparing oneself to other moms adds to the pressure, while Erica shares how she found balance by setting realistic expectations.

- [22:33] - Managing Anxious Mom Moments

Ericka recalls a moment when she was speaking at an event and watched her baby struggle on a baby monitor, reflecting on the anxiety and guilt this caused.

- [32:40] - Strategies to Cope with Guilt

Practical advice on self-compassion, boundary setting, and the importance of support systems in overcoming guilt.

Quotable Moments:

- [0:54] "Our goal is to be real and vulnerable, but also to connect with so many others." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

- [10:07] "Mom guilt is when two or more core values are in conflict with each other." - Ericka Graham

- [38:11] "Anxiety is a reaction to guilt, but underneath it, there's often something we can work through." - Ericka Graham

Links Mentioned:

• Ericka’s podcast: https://curiouslywitherickagraham.simplecast.com/
• National Charity League (NCL): https://www.nationalcharityleague.org/
• Anxiety Society Podcast Website: https://AnxietySocietyPodcast.com
• Follow on Instagram: @AnxietySocietyPod https://www.instagram.com/AnxietySocietyPod

Motherhood and guilt often go hand in hand, but this episode reminds us that guilt can be a tool for growth. Whether you’re struggling with balancing work and home life, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the expectations placed on moms today, this episode offers actionable insights and heartfelt stories to help you navigate the journey. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom who might need some encouragement!

Mentioned in this episode:

World Class Treatment For A Worldwide Need

The OCD Institute of Texas provides compassionate individualized treatment for anxiety, OCD and related disorders with a diverse team of dedicated specialists.

In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner dive into the topic of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), breaking down common misconceptions and explaining the difference between OCD and perfectionism. They explore the nature of obsessions and compulsions, and discuss effective treatment strategies, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Using real-life examples the hosts illustrate how OCD can manifest, and how treatment offers a path to freedom. Tune in to learn how you can better understand and manage OCD.

Key Points:

[0:00] Welcome to the Anxiety Society Podcast

Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner introduce the podcast and its mission to challenge common ideas about anxiety and mental health.

[1:20] What is OCD?

The hosts clarify common misunderstandings about OCD, explaining what obsessive-compulsive disorder really entails and the difference between OCD and perfectionism.

[9:00] OCD is Not an Adjective

A deep dive into why using "OCD" as an adjective is incorrect, highlighting the difference between personality characteristics and a debilitating disorder.

[17:16] Obsessions vs. Compulsions

An explanation of the intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and the repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that characterize OCD, along with examples of how they manifest.

[21:53] Subtypes of OCD

The hosts discuss various subtypes of OCD, including contamination fears, harm OCD, scrupulosity, and taboo subjects like sexual intrusive thoughts.

[31:42] Treatment for OCD: ERP

A breakdown of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the most effective treatment for OCD, and how it helps patients regain control.

[43:04] Freedom from OCD

Personal experiences and encouragement on how ERP can lead to freedom, highlighting the importance of facing fears fully rather than "white-knuckling" through them.

Quotable Moments:

[1:20] "We will spend time today talking about what you might think OCD is—and why it may not actually be that." – Cali Werner

[0:59] "OCD is not functional. It makes you less productive, and it causes distress." – Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

[46:46] "We can handle hard things. We can handle distress." – Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

Links Mentioned

• Anxiety Society Podcast Website: https://AnxietySocietyPodcast.com
• Follow on Instagram: @AnxietySocietyPod https://www.instagram.com/AnxietySocietyPod

Thank you for tuning in to today’s episode on OCD! We hope you now have a clearer understanding of what OCD is, how it differs from perfectionism, and how ERP can help you find freedom. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review.

Mentioned in this episode:

World Class Treatment For A Worldwide Need

The OCD Institute of Texas provides compassionate individualized treatment for anxiety, OCD and related disorders with a diverse team of dedicated specialists.

In this episode, your hosts Dr. Liz McIngvale and Cali Werner dive into the intense feelings of political anxiety that often surface during election times. They explore how political beliefs, personal experiences, and the divisive nature of politics impact mental health, especially when the political climate feels overwhelming. Through personal stories and professional insights, the episode offers practical strategies for managing anxiety without being consumed by the turmoil, focusing on setting boundaries, riding the wave of anxiety, and living in alignment with your values.

Key Points:

[0:01] - Intro to Political Anxiety

The hosts introduce the theme of political anxiety, discussing how election seasons can heighten stress levels for many Americans.

[2:07] - Developing Your Own Political Views

A personal story about navigating the process of forming individual political beliefs, different from family or friends, and the challenge of balancing relationships with diverse political perspectives.

[5:12] - The Role of Empathy in Political Conversations

Emphasizing the importance of empathy, the hosts discuss how shame and judgment hinder productive dialogue and suggest approaching conversations with the intent to learn rather than to convince.

[12:50] - Media and Political Characters

Frustration with the discrepancy between politicians' public personas and private behaviors, emphasizing the difficulty in knowing who to trust and how this contributes to anxiety.

[17:02] - Boundary Setting in Political Conversations

Practical advice on setting boundaries with friends or family who have opposing political views, to maintain relationships and mental health during heated times.

[21:50] - Coping with Political Outcomes

How to manage the aftermath of an election when the result isn't what you hoped for, focusing on staying grounded in daily life and not letting anxiety dictate your actions.

Quotable Moments:

[4:25] "When we get stuck in this, I better say this to appeal to these friends... I'm not speaking in my values-based way."

– Cali Werner

[13:00] "Sometimes I feel like, why can't we all just be who we are? It feels like an act, and that makes me anxious and pissed."

– Dr. Liz McIngvale

[30:07] "Political anxiety is no different than other anxiety. You either contribute to it and make it bigger, or you can change it by the way you behave."

– Dr. Liz McIngvale

Links Mentioned:

Anxiety Society Podcast: http://www.anxietysocietypodcast.com

Instagram: @theanxietysocietypod : https://www.instagram.com/theanxietysocietypod

As election season ramps up, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by political anxiety, but you don't have to let it control your life. By setting healthy boundaries, focusing on your values, and practicing self-care, you can manage the anxiety that comes with the season. Remember, the goal isn’t to eliminate anxiety but to navigate through it. If you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend who might need it, and don't forget to rate and review!

Mentioned in this episode:

World Class Treatment For A Worldwide Need

The OCD Institute of Texas provides compassionate individualized treatment for anxiety, OCD and related disorders with a diverse team of dedicated specialists.