The Wellness Theory Team recently interviewed Dr. Russell Kennedy, also known as Anxiety
MD.

Dr. Russell is the author of the award-winning book, Anxiety RX, and an expert in the field
of neuroscience specializing in helping people recover from anxiety disorders. Dr. Kennedy
has a unique perspective on anxiety, as he personally experienced its effects while growing
up with a father with severe schizophrenia.

With extensive education and advanced training in medicine, neuroscience, and
developmental psychology, Dr. Kennedy combines scientific knowledge with a
compassionate approach to tackling anxiety.

Driven by his own experiences, Dr. Russell Kennedy is determined to ensure that nobody
suffered from anxiety, as he did.

Continue Reading or Watch the video on Youtube here.

More about Dr Russel, his journey and mission

He said, “I didn't really feel that important growing up and I wasn't really engaged with the world as a teenager, I didn't rebel, I didn't disobey, I was just going through the motions of life.” - Dr. Kennedy.

Dr Russell believed that becoming a doctor would make him important and shield him from schizophrenia. He ventured into the realms of yoga, meditation, and stand-up comedy. This diversification allowed him to exercise his right brain, engaging in artistic expression that provided a much-needed balance in his highly analytical medical career. The pursuit of comedy in particular enabled him to tap into a more creative and free-flowing side of himself, offering respite from the linear and convergent thinking of medicine.

Throughout his life, Dr Russell gradually learned that accomplishments alone could not heal his deep-rooted anxiety. It dawned on him that he needed to connect with himself, especially the young boy who felt unimportant and frozen in time.

Only in recent years has he brought the young version of himself into the present, showing him all the achievements and growth, they have experienced together. The process of connecting with his younger self helped ease the relentless pursuit of accomplishment and allowed him to realize the importance of connecting with oneself at a deeper level.

 

What is Anxiety?

“Anxiety of the mind is really a sense of alarm that's held in the body.”- said Dr. Kennedy.

He realized that his mind was always reading his body in a process called interoception. Typically there is old stored trauma in our body that gets read by our brain. 

Through understanding this process, he learned to offer compassion and understanding to the wounded parts of himself. Instead of pushing emotions away or trying to fix them with positive thinking, he embraced them with love and acceptance. This compassionate approach allowed him to form a deeper connection with his younger self and to initiate the healing process.

With further exploration, he found that it’s possible to gradually release the trapped alarm energy stored in the body. As he developed a relationship with his younger self, the intensity of the alarm decreased and he experienced a greater sense of peace and calm. The anxious thoughts that once consumed his mind started to fade away, as he addressed the root cause of his anxiety—the unhealed trauma from childhood.

Healing from anxiety involves a commitment to:

• Self-exploration
• Self-compassion
• Patience

It is important to note that this process is not rapid.

Healing from anxiety involves a commitment to self-exploration, self-compassion, and patience. Each person's journey is unique and the pace of healing may vary. However, by acknowledging and addressing the underlying alarm stored in the body, individuals can find long-lasting relief from their chronic anxiety.

If you are someone who has been struggling with anxiety, we invite you to consider this alternative perspective. Instead of solely focusing on changing your thoughts, explore the possibility of connecting with your body and the deeper sensations and emotions within it. By developing a relationship with your younger self and addressing unhealed wounds, you can break free from the anxiety cycle and find a profound sense of well-being.
 

 “You do not have to face this journey alone.” -Dr. Russell Kennedy

Healing is a journey, and it takes time and patience. Celebrate the progress you have made thus far and continue to explore practices that support your well-being. If you feel the need for additional support, consider working with a somatic therapist or professional who specializes in trauma healing. They can provide guidance and help in navigating the process.

Seeking support from a qualified mental health professional specializing in trauma and anxiety can provide valuable guidance and assistance along the way. Together, one can embark on a path of healing, growth, and liberation from the grips of anxiety.

What is Dissociation?

It is a common response to trauma, where individuals disconnect from their emotions and bodily sensations to cope with overwhelming experiences. This can create a sense of detachment and numbness, making it challenging to access and process emotions related to past traumatic events.

Connecting these feelings is an essential step in the healing process. By engaging in practices like the one described earlier, where you pendulate between the sensations associated with trauma and a neutral or positive feeling, you can begin to establish a connection with your younger self.

It is crucial to create a safe and nurturing space during this process. Permit yourself to explore these emotions without judgment or pressure. 

This self-exploration allows you to:

• Develop a compassionate relationship with your younger self
• Providing support and care that may have been lacking during your original traumatic experience.

As you gradually bring trauma to the surface in the presence of a regulated nervous system, you can begin to heal and transform past wounds. Recall that healing is a journey, and it takes time and patience to fully integrate and process the emotions associated with trauma.

If you initially find it challenging to connect with your younger self, don’t worry. It is common for individuals to feel disconnected or unsure initially. Keep working on creating a safe inner environment and with time, your younger self may start to open up and trust the process.

By acknowledging and addressing somatic sensations associated with trauma, one can bypass the limitations of purely cognitive approaches. Going beyond verbal discussions and engaging with the sensations in your body allows you to access the root cause of the stored trauma and work towards healing it from a deeper level.

Recall that this process can be complex, and it is often helpful to seek support from a qualified therapist or counselor who specializes in trauma healing. They can provide guidance, tools, and safe containers for the healing process.

Key Realizations
 

1. By reconnecting with the emotions and sensations related to past traumatic experiences, one can begin to heal and transform these wounds. 
2. Creating a compassionate relationship with your younger self and providing the care needed at the time of the trauma is a powerful step towards healing and integration.
3. Be patient, kind, and gentle with yourself throughout this process, and remember that you are not alone on your healing journey.

It’s important to remember that often, physical symptoms of stress and anxiety can manifest as unresolved emotional or psychological issues.

Suppressing emotions and feeling the need to control everything can significantly impact well-being. You can learn more about that here. It’s important to acknowledge and express our emotions healthily, as bottling them can lead to various physical and mental health issues.

It is essential to continue nurturing and developing a connection with one’s body and emotions. Paying attention to the signals that one’s body sends and actively working through any unresolved trauma or emotions can lead to profound healing and transformation.

Recall that healing is a journey, and it takes time and patience. Celebrate the progress you have made thus far and continue to explore practices that support your well-being. 

If you feel the need for additional support, consider working with a somatic therapist or professional who specializes in trauma healing. They can provide guidance and help in navigating the process.

Keep listening to your body, honoring your emotions, and embracing your growth. Your journey toward healing and self-discovery is empowering.

Final Thoughts

“It's just recognizing that what we believe is anxiety or depression or OCD or eating disorders are really this disconnection from our younger selves. And we can find that younger selves if we kind of look for it, if we're focused on finding the alarm in our system and connecting with it. And that's really the basis to healing. So most of these traditional therapies tell you that if you change your thoughts, you'll be healed, they help, certainly cognitive therapies help, but they're never going to heal you.” - Dr. Kennedy.

Finally, remember that you are not alone in your struggles. 

Anxiety is a common human experience and many people have found ways to manage and overcome it. Keep exploring the different techniques, therapies, and practices that resonate with you. Every individual is unique, so find what works best for them and be open to trying new approaches.

Recall that healing is possible, and you have the strength within you to create a healthier relationship with anxiety and live a more fulfilling life.

Access the full interview for free:

Watch via YouTube

Listen via Podcast

If you’d like support and guidance with stress and anxiety, take the stress less and thrive more wellness scorecard ⁠⁠⁠and see how you can leverage your wellness and minimize stress, for yourself and your loved ones.

⁠⁠⁠www.thewellnesstheory.com

Much love and wellness,

Charlotte and Jonathan