War in Ukraine, inflation, lingering COVID strains. There’s enough going on throughout the world to drive anyone into an anxious insanity. But Dr. Marks and her new book, Why Am I So Anxious?, is equipping us with the tools and coping tricks so needed in our anxiety-ridden culture.
As seen in Essence Magazine, on Katie Couric Media, and on local news stations like Good Morning Washington, Dr. Marks helps us navigate the fallout from our high anxiety, whether it’s caused by news of school shootings or personal relationships, with tools from aromatherapy to grounding techniques. She broadcasts to over a million followers weekly on her YouTube channel and is a general and forensic psychiatrist of over 20 years. She believes that insight creates change, both on a micro-level (personal growth) and a macro-level (reduction in fear and social judgment).
I had a chance to interview Dr. Tracey Marks to learn more.
Why is it important for everyone to have tools to help alleviate anxiety?
It’s good to have multiple options because not every tool works for every type of anxiety. Also, what works for one person, may not work for another. So, it’s good to try different options and see how they affect you, then you can know what to use when.
What are some ways people can cope with anxiety?
In my book, “Why Am I So Anxious,” I divide anxiety tools into mind tools, body tools, and behavioral tools. Journaling is an example of a mind tool and can help you process worry. Vagal maneuvers, like splashing cold water on your face or chest, is an example of a body tool to reduce an attack of anxiety. Graded exposure is an example of a behavioral tool that can help you face your fears and break through avoidance.
How can families support their children and young adults when they are stressed about current events?
Affective labeling is a type of journaling tool that helps you attach words to your emotions. Identifying how something makes you feel defuses the strong emotion behind the event. Children are especially vulnerable to becoming frustrated when they don’t know how to express how they about something. Families can support their children by giving them a time to talk and process how they feel and help them name how they feel.
What are some signs that people may need professional guidance to deal with their anxiety?
A person should seek help from a professional when they experience persistent distress that doesn’t get better with their own efforts. Another sign is if your anxiety is causing problems in relationships (e.g. lot’s of conflicts), problems at work or school (e.g. trouble finishing work or inability to talk in groups), or personal problems (e.g. trouble sleeping or lots of physical problems like racing heart and dizziness).
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