TED Talks Daily What's normal anxiety and what's an anxiety disorder? | Body Stuff with Dr. Jen Gunter
Aug 20, 2021
In this insightful discussion, Dr. Jen Gunter, an obstetrician-gynecologist renowned for debunking health myths, and Callie Cyrus, a psychiatrist specializing in anxiety disorders, delve into the fine line between normal anxiety and anxiety disorders. They explore the brain's threat-detection system and the stigmas that often prevent understanding and treatment. The conversation also highlights the historical biases against women's mental health and the lasting impacts of childhood trauma, emphasizing the importance of therapy and open dialogue in overcoming these challenges.
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Dr. Gunter's Childhood
- Dr. Jen Gunter recounts her childhood experiences with her father's undiagnosed anxiety disorder.
- His anxieties about airports, the stove, and the iron created family chaos and embarrassment.
Mental Illness is Real
- Mental illnesses, like anxiety, are real medical conditions, not signs of weakness.
- Ignoring mental health issues can worsen problems, just like ignoring high blood pressure.
Anxiety's Physical Manifestations
- Anxiety is a full-body experience, not just a mental one.
- Physical symptoms, like a racing heart or sweating, manifest alongside mental worry.