Calming Anxiety When Nothing Works | Joshua Fletcher | TEDxManchester

NOTE FROM TED: Please do not look to this talk for mental health advice and seek professional help if you are struggling. This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of anxiety, which may be stigmatizing to viewers with anxiety disorders. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdf

In Calming Anxiety When Nothing Works, Joshua Fletcher dives into the frustrating cycle of anxiety and why common “quick fixes” often fall short. Designed for anyone who fears anxiety, lives with it chronically, struggles with panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, or overthinking, this talk offers a fresh perspective. Drawing on his experiences as a psychotherapist and a former anxiety sufferer, Joshua blends humor, personal anecdotes, and actionable insights to empower audiences. Through the concept of wilful tolerance, he provides a practical and relatable approach to breaking free from the fear of anxiety. Joshua Fletcher is a psychotherapist, best-selling author, and renowned mental health advocate specializing in anxiety disorders. Having personally experienced the challenges of panic disorder, generalized anxiety, and OCD, Joshua brings a unique blend of professional expertise and personal understanding to his work. Known to his global audience as “Anxiety Josh,” he uses relatable humor, evidence-based strategies, and compassionate storytelling to help others overcome their mental health struggles. Through his books, engaging talks, and the widely acclaimed Disordered podcast, Joshua inspires individuals to take charge of their mental well-being with knowledge, hope, and practical tools. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx