Unmasking False Anxiety: A Deep Dive with Dr. Ellen Vora
Episode Overview
False anxiety often stems from physiological imbalances like poor sleep or diet. Understanding the difference between stress and trauma responses is crucial. Medication alone may not address the root causes of anxiety. Holistic approaches including diet, sleep, and spiritual practices can be effective. Trauma can manifest as physical symptoms, akin to brain indigestion.
Anxiety is actually a gift. And when that stress response gets overwhelmed, that's when the body goes into a trauma response
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety that seems to come out of nowhere? In this episode of 'The Biology of Trauma™ With Dr. Aimie', Dr. Aimie Apigian is joined by Dr. Ellen Vora, a board-certified psychiatrist, acupuncturist, yoga teacher, and author of 'The Anatomy of Anxiety'. Together, they tackle the concept of 'false anxiety' - anxiety that isn't necessarily rooted in emotional distress but rather in physiological imbalances. Dr.
Vora shares her insights on how factors like poor sleep, blood sugar crashes, and even too much caffeine can trigger these false anxieties. Dr. Aimie and Dr. Vora dive deep into how our modern lifestyle contributes to unnecessary stress and anxiety. They discuss the importance of understanding the difference between stress and trauma responses, and how each affects our bodies differently.
The episode also explores the pitfalls of relying solely on medication for anxiety and the need for a more holistic approach that includes diet, sleep, and even spiritual practices. One of the most intriguing points made is how trauma can be likened to 'brain indigestion', where unresolved issues manifest as physical symptoms. Dr. Vora emphasises that while true anxiety can be a natural response to life's challenges, false anxiety often stems from simple, avoidable factors.
This episode is packed with practical advice on identifying and addressing these factors to reclaim your mental well-being. Whether you're struggling with anxiety yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers valuable perspectives and actionable steps to help you navigate the complexities of mental health. Tune in to understand how to differentiate between true and false anxieties and learn strategies to bring balance back into your life.