How to Reduce Your Anxiety: The Verywell Mind Podcast

Listen to NBA Player Kyle Guy share how he manages his anxiety before big games.

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Healthy Mind How to Reduce Your Anxiety With NBA Player Kyle Guy Amy Morin, LCSW Verywell Mind Editor-in-Chief On today's episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast, I talk with Kyle Guy, an NBA player who first made headlines when he led the University of Virginia Cavaliers to their first ever national championship. He was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 2019 and has also played for the Golden State Warriors. Why Kyle Guy Is Mentally Strong Kyle began publicly talking about his anxiety while he was still in college. He made national headlines when he revealed the struggles he experienced as well as the help he was getting to manage his symptoms. He told people he tried medication, talked to a therapist, and is working on self-improvement strategies that could help him feel better. He bravely shared how bad things had gotten for him at times. He continues to talk openly about the struggles he's experiencing and the steps he's taking to build mental strength both off and on the court.   The biggest thing I've learned is how to protect my energy. It's draining to be anxious all the time and it's emotionally draining to give every single thing attention." — Kyle Guy   What You'll Hear on the Show The anxiety symptoms Kyle experienced What happened when he told people he had anxiety (and why he hid it for so long) How he became willing to see a therapist How he uses strategies like meditation and journaling to keep his anxiety at bay How he's learned to stop focusing on things he can't control The strategies that help him stay focused on the things that are most important to him The questions Kyle asks himself when he begins to feel anxious Why he decided to take medication and why he ultimately stopped taking it How he concentrates on the things he can control How to experiment with different coping skills until you discover what works for you Why it's so important to keep an open mind about which strategies might work best How Kyle recovers from mistakes How he deals with rejection What You'll Learn About Mental Health and Mental Strength So often people assume a mental health issue, like anxiety, is a sign of weakness. But individuals with mental health issues can be quite mentally strong. Building mental strength involves choosing to do exercises that help you think, feel, and do your best. Activities like journaling, talking to a therapist, and exercising can all build mental strength, regardless of whether you have a mental health problem. Kyle is proof that anyone can develop a mental health problem. Despite being an elite athlete who knows how to perform on the court under pressure, he struggled with panic attacks and generalized anxiety. But he also shows how to take the steps necessary to manage anxiety in a healthy way.   Sometimes it'll get worse before it gets better." — Kyle Guy   LISTEN NOW READ THESE NEXT Nervous vs. Anxious: What's the Difference? READ NOW  › What Happens During the Fight-or-Flight Response READ NOW  › How to Manage the Physical Symptoms of Panic and Anxiety READ NOW  › You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10005 © 2021 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy