Lauren Rose
Us Anxious Folk
Episode 17 - Writer Sarah J Bowen talks panic disorder, PTSD, medication, mental illness stigma, and the power of creativity and words.
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Episode 17 - Writer Sarah J Bowen talks panic disorder, PTSD, medication, mental illness stigma, and the power of creativity and words.

In episode 17, I spoke to Sarah J Bowen, a fellow book-worm, writer and mama from Melbourne, who is currently working on her first novel(!)

Sarah opened up to me about her history with anxiety - from being diagnosed with PTSD, to dealing with panic disorder, agoraphobia, and breaking down the stigma of mental illness. We spoke about the acceptance around taking medication, working through exposure and getting out there, as well as the power of words and creativity as a way to heal.

Mentioned on this episode: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/power-over-panic-9780670074259

and not mentioned during the episode but also this incredibly helpful link Sarah shared with me - "I wanted to mention this website that has amazing online courses, it’s probably one of the things that helped me the most and I revisit it all the time, especially when I’m struggling. The courses are put together by St Vincent’s Hospital and University of NSW: https://thiswayup.org.au/programs/panic-program/ It literally steps you through how to overcome panic disorder with exposure therapy, challenging your thoughts and also this interesting strategy of exposing your body to panic attack sensations in a safe environment which is never come across before. So practical and helpful."

You can find Sarah at her website https://sarahjbowen.com/ or on instagram @sarahjbowen.writer

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