Josh Fletcher: The Truth About Anxiety That Wellness Influencers Won’t Tell You

Anxiety has never been more talked about – but has it ever been more misunderstood? This week on the Men's Health Built for Life podcast, we sit down with psychotherapist and bestselling author Joshua Fletcher (better known to many as Anxiety Josh) to separate everyday worry from disordered anxiety, unpack why so many of us get trapped in cycles of panic, rumination and reassurance-seeking, and explore why the modern obsession with optimisation might actually be making our mental health worse. Josh explains why trying to 'fix' anxiety often reinforces it, why you are the coping technique—not your breathing exercise, ice bath or latest wellness hack—and how learning to tolerate discomfort is the key to rewiring your brain's threat response. We also dive into intrusive thoughts, OCD, health anxiety, the hidden ways anxiety shows up in men, and why shame – not weakness – is often what stops us asking for help. Whether you've struggled with anxiety yourself, know someone who has, or simply want to understand your own mind a little better, this is a practical, compassionate conversation about living well alongside uncertainty. Men's Health UK: Built For Life Podcast Hosted by Fitness Director Andrew Tracey and Ben Shephard. Produced by Ruth Holroyd Trusted guidance for men passionate about their health, fitness and mental wellbeing. With muscle-building advice, style hacks, nutrition tips and workouts to try, we’ve got all areas covered. Want more from Men’s Health? Join the Men’s Health SQUAD for exclusive training plans, expert advice and tools to help you get stronger, faster – we’re with you every rep of the way. Click here: https://bit.ly/4eQkqIH Men’s Health UK: https://www.menshealth.com/uk/ Men’s Health UK on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/menshealthuk/ Men’s Health UK on Twitter: https://twitter.com/menshealthuk Men’s Health UK on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menshealthuk/ Men’s Health on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/menshealthuk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices