Anxiety Rx

The Hidden Costs of Resilience: Insights from a War Survivor

Anxiety Rx

Show Notes

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Helen Sairany, a war survivor from Iraq. We dive deep into the world of trauma and how it can shape our lives.

Helen shares her incredibly brave story of surviving war as a Kurdish child. Together, we talk about the psychological effects of trauma, the importance of feeling safe, and why we need a world that understands and supports people who've been through tough times.

It's a powerful conversation about community, connection, and learning to be kind to ourselves.

Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions.

PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 3800+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX

______________________________

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

01:10 - Dr. Sairany's Background

01:24 - The Impact of War

03:34 - Connection vs. Protection

04:53 - Trauma and Sensitivity

07:23 - Struggles with Safety

09:44 - Coping Mechanisms

11:19 - Understanding Emotional Responses

13:15 - Healing as a Process

17:23 - The Importance of the Present

18:21 - The Healing Journey

20:22 - Feeling Like an Outsider

21:20 - Subconscious Identity Struggles

22:05 - The Price of Authenticity

24:09 - Importance of Safe Communities

25:04 - Quality Over Quantity in Friendships

26:29 - The Power of Friendship

27:09 - The Role of Professionals in Healing

29:03 - Understanding Trauma Beyond War

30:16 - The ACE Study's Importance

32:51 - Burnout in Medical Professionals

35:23 - Trauma's Overwhelming Nature

40:14 - Moral Injury in Healthcare

43:43 - The Cost of Change

45:06 - Delayed Action in Mental Health

45:53 - Awareness of Trauma in Society

49:17 - Moving from Head to Body

50:29 - Compassionate Connection

56:18 - Wisdom from a Trauma Survivor

More from Anxiety Rx

Oct 6, 2025

What if worrying is just your mind’s way of trying to stop you from worrying?  In this episode, I pull apart the myth that positive thinking can cure anxiety. The alarm in the body and the worries in the mind feed each other in a loop that never ends. Childhood separation leaves a mark when you aren’t seen, heard, or protected, and that’s where the alarm takes root. Growing up with a father who had schizophrenia, I learned to escape into worry as my coping strategy. The real healing began when I turned toward the younger version of myself and felt what I’d spent years running from.

Sep 29, 2025

What if the real scam isn’t the robocall, but the idea that your worth is measured in dollars?  In this episode, the lie that money can replace human connection takes center stage. A medical system built on billing codes pushed me to trade care for speed, and that disconnection fueled my own anxiety. Scams, ads, and constant grabs for attention keep the nervous system on high alert. The “monetization fairy” gets called out for what it is, and simple practices bring us back to intrinsic value and genuine human connection.

Sep 22, 2025

What if being “too sensitive” isn’t a flaw but the hidden root of your anxiety?

Sep 15, 2025

Ever pushed yourself to eat clean and work out, hoping it would calm your anxiety, only to feel even worse? Here’s why it happens…

Sep 8, 2025

What if burnout isn’t failure, but your body’s protective shutdown?  In this episode, I open up about burning out as a doctor and why it went far beyond just being tired. Burnout showed up as a split between my mind pushing forward and the younger part of me saying, “I can’t do this anymore.” The mask of “Dr. Russell Kennedy” gave me income, status, and validation, but it also crushed my sense of self.

See all episodes →