Stop Believing Every Thought You Have: Healing Your Anxious Mind Part 1
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Stop Believing Every Thought You Have: Healing Your Anxious Mind Part 1” inside PodZeus.
In this first part of a two-part series on anxiety, Dr. Amen and Tana explore anxiety not as a simple emotional state but as a complex neurological condition rooted in brain circuitry, trauma, inflammation, and physical health. They emphasize that anxiety is not inherently bad—low anxiety levels are linked to higher risks of accidents and early death—yet when it becomes overwhelming, it can cripple daily life. The hosts stress the importance of investigating physical causes such as thyroid issues, Lyme disease, head injuries, infections, and diet (including aspartame and sugar), using brain imaging at Amen Clinics to uncover hidden biological roots. Personal stories illustrate how unresolved childhood trauma, past assaults, and even genetic vulnerabilities can manifest as chronic anxiety. They introduce the 'hardware vs. software' metaphor: if mental health strategies (software) aren't working, there may be an underlying brain issue (hardware) that needs medical investigation. The episode ends with a call to action to seek professional help and highlights the importance of self-awareness, grounding practices, and addressing root causes rather than just symptoms.
Anxiety is a brain-based condition influenced by biology, trauma, and lifestyle—not just 'mindset.'
Always ask: 'When did my anxiety start?' and explore physical triggers like head injuries, infections, or hormonal imbalances.
Low anxiety can be dangerous; a moderate level is essential for safety, productivity, and longevity.
Dietary factors like aspartame, sugar crashes, and processed foods can significantly worsen anxiety.
Brain imaging (like SPECT scans) can reveal hidden causes of anxiety, such as Lyme disease or brain injury, leading to life-changing treatments.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Anxiety as Brain Health: The Foundation
“Some anxiety is absolutely essential. People who have low levels of anxiety die early from accidents and preventable illnesses.”
The Brain's Anxiety Circuitry: Amygdala, Frontal Lobes, and More
Breaks down the brain structures involved in anxiety—amygdala, hippocampus, insular cortex, basal ganglia, and frontal lobes—and explains how they interact. Emphasizes that anxiety arises when fear centers are overactive and the frontal lobes fail to regulate them.
Case Studies: Trauma, Infections, and Head Injuries
“When we scanned her, her brain, I mean, literally one of the worst that I had seen and calming it down. Treating the Lyme. Treating the Lyme can be so helpful. Like life-changing.”
The Role of Diet, Sugar, and Neurotoxins
“Aspartame is now on 5,000 products and if you just think of diet soda or sugar-free gum. Well, it's a neurotoxin. I think we know now it's a neurotoxin.”
The Path Forward: From Self-Help to Medical Investigation
“How do you know unless you look? Just like depression can have many causes, so can anxiety.”
“Some anxiety is absolutely essential. People who have low levels of anxiety die early from accidents and preventable illnesses.”
“How do you know unless you look? Just like depression can have many causes, so can anxiety.”
“When we scanned her, her brain, I mean, literally one of the worst that I had seen and calming it down. Treating the Lyme. Treating the Lyme can be so helpful. Like life-changing.”
Hosts
Dr. Amen
person
Tana
person
Amen Clinics
organization
Amygdala
other
Aspartame
other
Basal Ganglia
other
Frontal Lobes
other
Thyroid Cancer
other
Lyme Disease
other
SPECT Scans
other
Breast Implant Illness with Danica Patrick
Change Your Brain Every Day • 11m • 4/3/2026
The Trauma You Can't Think Away (Because It Lives in Your Body) with Brittany Snow
Change Your Brain Every Day • 55m • 4/6/2026
This Is Your Brain on Food with Dr. Uma Naidoo
Change Your Brain Every Day • 38m • 4/17/2026
Overthinking & Anxiety Is Ruining You—Here's How to Stop Part 2
Change Your Brain Every Day • 38m • 4/20/2026
The Amen Clinics Method with Dr. Daniel Amen
Change Your Brain Every Day • 12m • 4/24/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Stop Believing Every Thought You Have: Healing Your Anxious Mind Part 1” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime