Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary: Can Anxiety Be Good For Us?

We all experience anxiety as an emotion. It’s part of being human. But can we transform that uncomfortable emotion into a positive? Doing so might require dispelling some common notions about anxiety and learning to counter our own gut reactions in those moments that induce sweaty palms or stage fright. Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, author of “Future Tense: Why Anxiety is Good For you (Even Though It Feels Bad),” and a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Hunter College, says harnessing our anxiety can help us shape the future, instead of making it, well…something to be anxious about. In this episode of House Calls, the Surgeon General and Dr. Dennis-Tiwary talk about concrete ways many people can get through anxious times with a slower pulse, and calmer mind, and a clearer vision. Dr. Dennis-Tiwary calls it “The Three L’s” and she says anyone can learn to do it.

(3:09) Why does anxiety exist?

(5:16) Stress, anxiety, or fear: What’s the difference?

(6:32) Anxiety or anxiety disorder?

(8:17) How does anxiety manifest?

(11:38) Is mental health the health crisis of our time?

(14:32) Managing anxiety with the Three L’s.

(18:31) Why should we befriend our anxiety?

(19:32) How can we help children with their anxiety?

(31:46) Can you become an emotional ninja?

(33:32) What are anxiety’s drivers?

(39:30) Where do anxiety and social media intersect?

(45:40) Can our society prioritize mental health?

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Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, Professor and Founder and CSO of Wise Therapeutics

Twitter: @tracyadennis

Instagram: @dr.tracyphd

LinkedIn: @tracydennistiwary

About Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary

Tracy A. Dennis-Tiwary, Ph.D. is a professor of psychology and neuroscience, Director of the Emotion Regulation Lab, and Co-Executive Director of the Center for Health Technology at Hunter College, The City University of New York. As Founder and CSO of Wise Therapeutics, she translates neuroscience and cognitive therapy techniques into gamified, clinically validated digital therapeutics for mental health. She has published over 100 scientific articles and delivered over 400 presentations at academic conferences and for corporate clients. She has been featured throughout the media, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, ABC, CBS, CNN, NPR, The Today Show, and Bloomberg Television.