050: Thrive with Anxiety: Harvard Psychologist Dr. David H. Rosmarin
What if anxiety is not something you need to eliminate, but something you can learn from?
In this episode of FEAR UNZIPPED®, Sandi Serling sits down with Dr. David H. Rosmarin, clinical psychologist, Harvard Medical School associate professor, researcher, and author of Thriving With Anxiety, to explore a different way of understanding fear and anxiety.
Dr. Rosmarin explains why anxiety is a natural human emotion, how we often mistake normal anxiety for something being wrong with us, and how learning to sit with discomfort can actually build resilience.
Together, they discuss the difference between fear, anxiety, and stress, why trying to control everything can increase anxiety, how our struggles can become a source of empathy, and why letting go can be one of the most powerful tools for finding peace.
This conversation explores a new relationship with anxiety: not as an enemy to defeat, but as an experience that can help us grow, connect, and better understand ourselves.
Our Guest
David H. Rosmarin, PhD, is an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, Director of the McLean Hospital Spirituality and Mental Health Program, and Chief Clinical Officer of the LINKS Network. A clinical psychologist, researcher, and noted author, he is known for reframing anxiety as a catalyst for growth, resilience, and meaning rather than a disorder to eliminate. Dr. Rosmarin's clinical teams have worked with over 10,000 individuals, couples, and families worldwide. He has been featured on Good Morning America, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and TED.com.
In this episode, you’ll learn
Why anxiety is not always the enemy, but a natural human emotion that can help us grow
The difference between fear, anxiety, and stress, and how to understand what your body is telling you
How embracing discomfort instead of avoiding it can build resilience and emotional strength
Why letting go of control can reduce anxiety and create deeper connection with yourself and others
How personal struggles with anxiety can become a source of empathy, purpose, and growth
Resources from this Episode
Dr. David H. Rosmarin
Book: Thriving with Anxiety - https://a.co/d/08qqH9b3
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565896484203
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandi-serling-1804aab/
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Episode credits:
I'm a big fan of the team at FEAR UNZIPPED®. The show is produced by Podify. The designer and Creative Consultant is Kelly Griffin. The incomparable Katy Samwell composed and performed the high-frequency music.
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This podcast is presented solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of FEAR UNZIPPED®, its subsidiaries, or any entities they represent. This podcast is not intended as a substitute for a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional.
Timestamps
01:27 Why anxiety is not something to eliminate, but a human emotion we can learn from
03:21 Dr. David Rosmarin’s personal journey with anxiety and how it shaped his work
05:09 Building a clinic from uncertainty and learning not to judge yourself
10:32 Understanding the difference between fear, anxiety, and stress
12:53 How the body responds to fear and anxiety
17:11 Why we should not fight anxiety and how discomfort builds resilience
18:49 Turning anxiety into an activating force instead of something that holds us back
20:02 Letting go of control and accepting what we cannot change
21:22 How fear and anxiety influence the way we respond to the world around us
25:16 How neuroplasticity gives us the ability to change our thoughts and emotions
30:27 Exploring spirituality, mental health, and the unknown
35:19 How letting go of control can help reduce anxiety
37:21 Turning personal struggles into empathy and connection with others
44:12 How stories and experiences can create and reinforce fear
47:51 How anxiety can become a source of growth, courage, and purpose
