From Anxiety and Depression to a Monk Sandwich and Himalayan Meditation

Is your child (or you) living with invisible pain - anxiety, overwhelm, thoughts of not wanting to be here? Do you minimise it because “others have it worse,” are you quietly worried what might happen if things keep going as they are? Today I’m joined by Piers Day, anxiety, and suicide‑prevention specialist, who’s spent nearly 30 years working with teens, young adults, and their families. We talk suicidal thinking, ADHD and rejection sensitivity, anxiety loops, labels, medication, Reiki, monks, and Piers shares one tiny daily practice that can literally change everything. This episode could change the way you see anxiety. EPISODE REVEALS · Anxiety is often your mind trying to protect you. But it is easy for it to get stuck in that groove, like a vinyl record, which leaves you very vulnerable. · Suicide leaves a grief that takes far, far longer to heal. · Labels like anxious, depressed, non‑compliant or challenging don’t stay neutral. They can easily turn into negative programmes that your child starts to live up to, instead of a passing state they, like everyone else, occasionally move through. · Swapping the term “he has anxiety” for specific, here‑and‑now language helps to keep things in context e.g. "he’s really worried about his maths test right now" instead of “he has anxiety” That better reflects reality an experience that can change, not a fixed identity. · You can’t change past events, but you can change the way you think about them, what it means to you and, therefore, how it affects you, now. · Simple daily tools are transformative. Examples include finger breathing and creating the perfect affirmation for you. They help to calm overwhelm in virtually any real-world situation. · Asking for help isn’t weakness; it’s the moment things can start to get better. BEST MOMENTS “Your mind has one thing to do, and that is to protect you.” “Anxiety isn't weakness; it's our mind trying to protect us.” “Ask for help.” "We are so immature as human beings when it comes to the power of our mind." ABOUT THE GUEST https://piersday.com/ https://www.suffolkhypnotherapy.co.uk/ Life Talks with Piers Day - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/life-talks-with-piers-day/id1746173210 https://www.thelivinggame.co.uk/ RESOURCES Evas channel: https://youtube.com/shorts/vX4xOtMG95w?si=uqWJ-TF8zzWrRMIS Famisafe Parental control App Link: https://wondersharesoftware.pxf.io/ParentingAUDHD What to Do When Your Child Shuts Down: Real-World Parenting Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids Who Shut Down, Refuse School, or Just Stop communicating with you: https://amzn.eu/d/0fBIfbhR CLIFF´S SERVICES Are you struggling with anxiety and want support from someone who has been there and come out the other side? - Message Cliff here and take advantage of his founding members offer: https://m.me/cliff.kilmister CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change! This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/