Episode 163: Lou Blaser and the Performative Nature of High Functioning Anxiety - Part 2

<span style='font-weight: 400;'>Anyone with High Functioning Anxiety knows what I mean when I talk about the Swan Effect.</span> <p><span style='font-weight: 400;'>It basically boils down to the feeling of being so on top of it and accomplishing everything we set our sights on… compared to the overwhelm and exhaustion that we feel under the surface that no one can see. </span></p> <p><span style='font-weight: 400;'>My guest on this series about the performative nature of high functioning anxiety is no stranger to the Swan Effect. </span></p> <p><span style='font-weight: 400;'>In part one of this podcast, Lou Blaser from the Second Breaks Podcast and I talked about the Swan Effect and what it feels like to be calm on top and yet paddling like mad, metaphorically, underneath. We also discussed when Lou realized she needed help and what therapy taught her about anxiety and depression. </span></p> <p><span style='font-weight: 400;'>On today’s episode, Lou and I continue the conversation around the performative nature of high functioning anxiety with Lou. For her, learning to recognize that tendency is a sign that her depression and anxiety have spiked and that she needs to step up her self-care.</span></p> <p><span style='font-weight: 400;'>If you feel like no matter how anxious you are that you</span> <em><span style='font-weight: 400;'>need</span></em> <span style='font-weight: 400;'>to appear on top of it, this episode is for you. And don’t miss <a href='https://live-happier.com/162-lou-blaser-1/'>part one, which you can listen to here.</a></span></p> <p><strong>Listen to the full episode to hear:</strong></p> <ul> <li style='font-weight: 400;'><span style='font-weight: 400;'>Why sharing your anxiety is so hard and finding the right pair of ears is essential</span></li> <li style='font-weight: 400;'><span style='font-weight: 400;'>The sneaky ways we sabotage ourselves </span></li> <li style='font-weight: 400;'><span style='font-weight: 400;'>Why therapy isn’t a fix-all and the disappointment in realizing Lou won’t