Episode 162: Lou Blaser and the Performative Nature of High Functioning Anxiety - Part 1

<span style='font-weight: 400;'>Well, we made it to 2021! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. I know I’m excited to be back at the podcast after a short break. </span> <p><span style='font-weight: 400;'>One of the most challenging aspects of High Functioning Anxiety is the Catch-22 of the positive affirmations you receive for being</span> <em><span style='font-weight: 400;'>so on-it and accomplishing so much</span></em> <span style='font-weight: 400;'>versus the overwhelm and exhaustion you feel under the surface. </span></p> <p><span style='font-weight: 400;'>Does this sound familiar?</span></p> <p><span style='font-weight: 400;'>This Catch-22 causes those of us with HFA to be extremely performative in how we approach our lives. The never-let-them-see-you-sweat idea permeates</span> <em><span style='font-weight: 400;'>everything</span></em> <span style='font-weight: 400;'>we do. </span></p> <p><span style='font-weight: 400;'>On today’s episode, I’m going to go deep into the performative nature of high functioning anxiety and talk with Lou Blaser from the Second Breaks Podcast. Lou was kind enough to agree to come on and talk about her experience with anxiety and depression. </span></p> <p><span style='font-weight: 400;'>Lou and I refer to that Catch-22 as The Swan Effect: you look beautiful and calm on the outside but underneath the surface you are paddling like crazy. I am so excited for you to hear this interview. </span></p> <p><span style='font-weight: 400;'>This is part one of this conversation with Lou. Check back next week for part two! </span></p> <p><strong>Listen to the full episode to hear:</strong></p> <ul> <li style='font-weight: 400;'><span style='font-weight: 400;'>When Lou realized she needed help</span></li> <li style='font-weight: 400;'><span style='font-weight: 400;'>What therapy taught her about anxiety and depression </span></li> <li style='font-weight: 400;'><span style='font-weight: 400;'>The signs for Lou when she needs to step up her self-care practices </span></li> <li style='fon