I spent all day yesterday listening to the Unwinding Anxiety audiobook by Judson Brewer. It had been on my radar for a while after he was a guest on Tara Brach’s podcast, but, you know, money. I was getting desperate about my mental health though.
Anyway, Unwinding Anxiety was very helpful for me, because there’s so much woo out there when it comes to learning about mindfulness and meditation. Brewer is an MD and PhD (like the neurosurgeon who cut my head open in 2017) and there was so much science in his approach, I was darn near giddy.
I know some people prefer a more spiritual approach to these things, but that is not me. I sometimes filter through the spiritual silt for the nuggets, but when I don’t have to spend energy on that? Praise cheezus.
Let’s just say it was worth every penny of the $13 it cost me to get that book. Bonus points that I can listen from bed.
By the way, I made this wallpaper for my phone’s lock screen after listening. Feel free to save it to your phone if you think it could help. I’m much less inclined to be on social media these days, but I do still look at my screen more frequently than I’d like. Maybe this will help me create space, as they say.
Brewer is from Indianapolis, experienced IBS, and mentioned how well Western medicine handled brain tumors in chapter 20. Those random connections in some way comforted my anxious mind.
Speaking of anxiety (Because I never do that. Ha!) I am now pretty sure—after reading Brewer’s book—that what I have is generalized anxiety disorder. However, seeking an official diagnosis in a clinical setting is the last thing I need at the moment.
Just learning how my anxious brain works is progress. I think working at identifying my anxiety loops and recognizing when it’s time to place the proverbial sticks in their spokes will get me to a place where I can make a better decision about whether seeing a psychiatrist is warranted.
I’m not opposed to the idea. But money and other triggers are always a concern.
See Also: My Unwinding Anxiety Review