Breaking the Stigma: A Story of Childhood Anxiety, from Pain and Shame to Strength and Healing

Bryan Piatt was a talented and popular TV journalist and news anchor with a calm and competent on-screen presence. But, inside, he still struggled with the intense anxiety that had plagued him since childhood. When anxiety began to compromise his job performance, Bryan took the brave step of going public with his story so that others could benefit from what he had experienced and learned. And he sought support from bosses, colleagues and a therapist to help him continue to use his professional talents in ways that would help him reduce and cope with his anxiety.   Bryan joins Mom Enough hosts Marti & Erin for a candid conversation about how anxiety affected his life from childhood to adulthood, the ways many adults missed the meaning of the signs Bryan was presenting, and what finally happened to put him on the path to strength and healing. We invite you to listen to this heartfelt story, build your awareness of how anxiety often shows up in children and teens, and consider how you can help reduce the stigma of mental health problems at any age.   HAVE YOU OR SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOU EXPERIENCED CHRONIC ANXIETY OR PANIC ATTACKS? What were the symptoms, and what did you do about them? Why do you think there is such a stigma about anxiety, depression and other mental health problems, and what can you do to help reduce that stigma and help ensure that people get the help they need?   WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH? ❉ SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) Helpline. To call the National Helpline, call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or click this link to learn more. ❉ NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Learn about mental illness, get support, and find out how you can advocate for change. NAMI has local organizations; find yours on this website. ❉ ANXIETY IN CHILDREN: POSSIBLE CAUSES, HELPFUL STRATEGIES AND EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS. HealthPartners psychiatrist Dr. Elizabeth Reeve brings her knowledge and experience to this lively discussion with Marti & Erin, who share a few stories of how anxiety shows up on their own family tree! ❉ SCHOOL ANXIETY: UNDERSTANDING CAUSES AND FINDING EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES.  Clinical psychologist Dr. Jordan Hart shares practical, effective, evidence-based advice for how parents can help children overcome school anxiety and build skills that will help them meet challenges throughout their lives. ❉CONNECT WITH BRYAN ON INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK. Stay up-to-date on Bryan's important advocacy work.