Mental Illness Happy Hour #780 Best Of - Janet Varney (Our Very 1st Ep)
Dec 26, 2025
Janet Varney, an actress and comedian known for her roles in television and voice acting, opens up about her journey with anxiety and panic attacks. She shares her childhood experiences, reflecting on her parents' divorce and the early signs of her struggles. Janet recounts her college panic episodes, coping strategies, and the importance of finding a validating therapist. They discuss the cycle of panic, medication experiences, and the significance of self-affirmation. Her insights on gratitude and creative partnerships highlight the path toward recovery.
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Sensitivity Fuels Extreme Swings
- Janet observed that highly sensitive people experience extreme highs and crushing lows, which can drive obsessive behaviors and addiction.
- Seeking external fixes for mood swings often becomes problematic.
Use Small Rituals To Halt Panic
- Build small self-soothing rituals (e.g., James Taylor, sleepy tea) to manage nighttime panic and restore sleep.
- Use predictable calming actions to interrupt panic cycles and return to routines.
Aging Reduces Panic's Power
- Janet's mother told her that aging brings self-knowledge and reduces the power of panic and negative feelings.
- Familiarity with one's patterns can lessen their intensity over time.