It's Not You, It's Anxiety!
It's Not You, It's Anxiety is a podcast for people who are anxious, but haven't found relief from the usual anxiety help, and feel like there must be something wrong with THEM.
Overwhelmed, stuck in their heads, tired of overthinking, and exhausted, they're ready for a kinder and more straightforward way to understand and work with anxiety — especially in a world that feels anything but calm.
Hosted by counselor and coach Jessica Richards, this show blends psychology, compassion, and Jessica's insight as a counselor and person who has struggled with anxiety herself, to help you make sense of your anxiety, ease constant worry and judgement, and rebuild trust in yourself.
Your anxiety actually makes sense and there is a way to work with it.
You're not the problem — you just need support that meets you where you're at.
Come learn how to understand and work with your anxiety...with kindness, compassion, and no judgement (even in these wild times).
It's Not You, It's Anxiety!
Criticizing Yourself For Anxiety? Time to Stop
Do you constantly criticize yourself for feeling anxious? You're not alone — but it's not helping.
In this episode, Jessica explains why self-criticism actually fuels anxiety, how to recognize your inner critic, and what to do instead to start feeling calmer and kinder toward yourself.
Episode Summary
People with anxiety are often their own harshest critics. In this compassionate follow-up to Episode 1, Jessica explores how self-criticism and anxiety create a painful feedback loop — one that keeps you feeling stuck, tense, and unsafe.
Through relatable stories and practical insight, she shows why "beating yourself up" never works, and how shifting to understanding and compassion can immediately begin to calm your anxiety and open the door to healing.
In This Episode, You'll Learn
Why anxiety makes you blame yourself — and how that intensifies criticism
How self-criticism tricks your brain into thinking it's keeping you safe
What happens in your body when you judge yourself harshly
Simple ways to interrupt the anxiety/self-criticism cycle
A gentle exercise to replace judgment with understanding and compassion
Key Quotes
"If beating yourself up actually worked, you'd be 'perfect' by now — but you're not, and I'm not. Because criticism doesn't actually help."
"Criticism ramps us up or shuts us down — it never helps us change."
"Treat yourself the way you'd treat anyone else who had anxiety — with kindness and understanding."
Main Takeaway
You can't heal anxiety when you're beating yourself up.
Real change begins when you stop beating yourself up, stop blaming yourself for being anxious, and start meeting yourself with kindness, compassion, and understanding.
Who This Episode Is For
This episode is for anyone who:
Constantly blames themselves for feeling anxious
Feels trapped in self-criticism and perfectionism and wants a way out
Wants to feel calmer and kinder toward themselves
Connect with Jessica
Instagram: @jessica_richards_counseling
Get My Free Guide: Three Keys to Begin Quieting Anxiety Now
Weekly Emails: Get Weekly Emails Here
Enjoyed the Episode?
If this conversation helped you feel seen, please follow and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps others find the show — and reminds them they're not alone.
*Disclaimer* This show is for information and inspiration. It is not professional mental health counseling or medical advice. If you're struggling, please reach out to a mental health or medical professional.