Anxiety is a term we hear almost everyday in our world, but what is anxiety, what does it feel like, how is it different or the same from one person to the next? In part 2 of this 2 part series, we talk with Ali Dignard. Ali is a bartender, an energy healer, and unashamedly diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Suffering from anxiety since childhood, Ali has been in a constant state of learning, growth and healing for the last decade. “A significant part of my purpose is opening up conversations surrounding anxiety in hopes that some day, the loneliness and isolation that are so often associated with mental illness become things of the past. Empathy and compassion are of the utmost importance to me, and I try to lead each day and each encounter with both. I am a firm believer that each and every one of us has the right to unconditional love and acceptance.” We discussed: Her experience as a child with anxietyCatastrophizingWhat is social anxiety? CBTPhysical manifestations of anxietyMental induced illnessFlight or Fight and perceived threatsChallenging your fears   Strategies for coping and managing anxietyDealing with anxious thoughtsAnxiety vs Panic AttackIn addition to this Ryan and I also shared our personal stories. Mental Health ResourcesDistress Centre Ottawa - https://www.dcottawa.on.ca/24-7-crisis-line/ (https://www.dcottawa.on.ca/24-7-crisis-line/)Mental Health Crisis Hotline - 613-722-6914 or 1-866-996-0991Crisis Linke - https://crisisline.ca (https://crisisline.ca)If you have question for Ali, please email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to pass them along and get back to you.