Why You Feel So Anxious All The Time - Dr Russell Kennedy - #563

**Chris Williamson** (0:00)
Hello, everybody. Welcome back to the show. My guest today is Dr. Russell Kennedy. He's an MD, neuroscientist, author, and an anxiety specialist. Anxiety is one of the most common challenges faced by people in 2022 In small doses, it makes sense evolutionarily, but why is it running so rampant in the modern world? Where does it come from, and what methods can limit its impact on our lives? Expect to learn what most people misunderstand about anxiety. The relationship between anxiety and trauma. Why most existing treatments don't create lasting improvements to anxiety. The relationship between anxiety and a victim mindset. Whether it's possible to have an anxious body as well as an anxious mind. And much more. In other news, this episode is brought to you by Element. My favorite way to start the day is by having a big cold glass of water with Element in it because caffeine does not work first thing in the morning. Your adenosine system isn't active, but your adrenal system is. And Element act on your adrenal system. It has a science-backed electrolyte ratio of sodium, potassium and magnesium, which play a critical role in reducing muscle cramps and fatigue whilst optimizing brain health, regulating appetite and curbing cravings. Element are the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and relied on by tons of Olympic athletes and high performers all around the world. They also have a no BS, no questions, ask refund policy so you can buy it 100% risk free and you don't even have to return the box if you don't like it. That's how confident they are that you'll love it. Go to drinklmnt.com/modernwisdom. That's drinklmnt.com/modernwisdom to get a free sample pack of all eight flavors with your first box. In other other news, this episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. We all need help at some point in our lives, whether it's because of stress at home or work or loneliness. It can be invaluable to know that there is someone professionally trained who can help us get through whatever we're facing. Over two million people have taken charge of their mental health with BetterHelp's online service. It removes all of the hassle and awkwardness that can be involved in finding a therapist and gives you some essential simplified steps. Instead, there are a broad range of experts available categorized by their specialty or combination of specialties like addiction, social anxiety or relationships. It's not a crisis line or self-help. It is professional counseling done securely over the Internet. The service is available for clients worldwide. You can log in to your account at any time and send a message to your counselor. You get timely and thoughtful responses. Plus, you can schedule weekly video or phone sessions so you don't even have to leave the house. It is a quicker, cheaper, more convenient way to begin therapy. If you've been thinking about it, this is a great place to start. Also, you can get 10% off your first month by going to betterhelp.com/modernwisdom. There is a free quiz that you can take on there that will explain everything that they can do for you and all of the options and how it works. That's betterhelp.com/modernwisdom.
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How did you get into studying anxiety?

**Russell Kennedy** (4:41)
Well, mostly because I suffered from the damn condition myself for so long. You know, I grew up with a father with schizophrenia and bipolar illness, so my childhood was more than a bit chaotic. So it was really about trying to understand what was going on in my own mind, because men typically don't understand what's going on. Women are so much better at explaining their emotions. I remember years ago, there was this study that was done about they put men and women in a functional MRI scanner, and then they would flash words like compassion, love, that kind of, and in the women's brain, like 14 places would light up, and in the men's brain, only four places would light up. So we don't have the emotional language so much. So when I was younger, I didn't really know what anxiety was until I got into med school, then it hit me full force.