Living with Anxiety: Clodagh shares her Unspoken

In the 'Living with Anxiety: Clodagh shares her Unspoken' episode of the 'Unspoken by Dr Clodagh Campbell' podcast, Dr. Clodagh Campbell, a wellness psychologist, takes the guest seat to discuss her personal battle with anxiety. The episode is a candid exploration of her life-long struggle, starting from her earliest memories as a child feeling constant worry and fear, to the impact anxiety has had on her life, and the transformative realization that taking control of her anxiety meant it no longer controlled her. Clodagh's narrative is interwoven with pivotal moments that shaped her understanding of her anxiety, such as her fear of rejection and abandonment stemming from being adopted, her social anxieties during adolescence, and the intense fears that haunted her in her romantic relationships.

Dr. Campbell also delves into the physical sensations accompanying her anxiety, like the 'sick feeling' in her stomach and the heart palpitations. She reflects on how her anxiety was perceived by others, often being labeled as shy or quiet, and how this misinterpretation further fueled her internal struggles. The episode takes a turn when Clodagh discusses her journey towards self-awareness and self-compassion, highlighting the pivotal role therapy played in her life. She shares the strategies she has employed to manage her anxiety, such as understanding the physiological cycle of anxiety, grounding herself through breathing exercises, and the power of self-compassion.

The conversation with her producer, Claire Darmody, provides an empathetic backdrop as they touch on the broader implications of living with anxiety, the commonality of the experience, and the importance of seeking help. Clodagh emphasizes that while anxiety is a part of her, it does not define her, and that it is possible to live a fulfilling life despite its presence.