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Owen O'Kane (Lewis Capaldi's Therapist): How To Heal Your Anxiety!

Begin Again with Davina McCall

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In this episode of Begin Again, Davina McCall is joined by renowned psychotherapist and bestselling author Owen O’Kane to unravel one of the most pressing mental health issues of our time: anxiety. Drawing from decades of clinical experience—and his own personal journey—Owen breaks down why anxiety has become so deeply embedded in modern life. He explains how our fast-paced world, past traumas, and inner narratives keep us trapped in cycles of stress and fear. But this conversation isn’t just about understanding anxiety—it’s about learning how to break free from it. With warmth, clarity, and powerful insights from his new book Addicted to Anxiety, Owen shares practical tools that can help you feel calmer, more in control, and truly at peace. Eye-opening, compassionate, and packed with real-life solutions, this episode is a lifeline for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed.

📢 Drop a comment: What’s your biggest takeaway? Has your life been impacted by Anxiety?

📖 Owen's Book 'Addicted To Anxiety': https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/46247...

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00:00 Intro
01:21 Davina’s Introduction
01:53 Why We Need to Understand Anxiety
06:59 How My Anxiety Experience Inspired Me to Help Others
11:50 Can You Be Addicted to Anxiety?
23:07 Adobe Ad
24:11 Ancient & Brave Ad
25:46 Breaking the Stigma Around Anxiety and Depression
31:30 How to Stay Authentic and Check In With Yourself
41:07 Reclaiming Your Energy: Taking Control and Letting Go
50:20 Finding Pride in Progress and Personal Growth
57:56 Davina's Final Thoughts

Sponsored by:
Adobe - https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/
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20 Comments

@BeginAgainWithDavina Creator 1 year ago Pinned

📢 Drop a comment: What’s your biggest takeaway? Has your life been impacted by Anxiety?

@Janieblueyes 1 year ago (edited)

When you arrive to a certain age (60) you start to reflect on your life . I think anxiety can be blueprinted by your family environment, inherited anxieties. I often questioned why my family were so anxious about unnecessary things in life . Postwar parents and grandparents. My family immigrated to Australia and tried to leave the old life behind. Very brave of them to enter an unknown country . I feel I have wasted so much time worrying about things I can not control or fix for others . The thing is
to disassociate yourself from toxic people, don’t over load yourself with information, growing up in the world of internet, so much information and a load of misinformation. We don’t trust like we use to , thank god, no blind faith either . Just step back from the world, rest, relax and don’t conform to what you think you are obliged to do . Live life and be grateful for getting this far. Jump off the hamster wheel of life . Forgive, forgiveness gives you freedom . 🙏🏻💗🐨

@AnneHoctor 1 year ago

This has been brilliant and I'm getting the book. I'm single parent to a recently diagnosed AuDHD teen who hasn't been able to attend school for the last 2+ years due to burnout & anxiety. She also has Juvenile Arthritis and has voiced that she is afraid to get better with regard to both her arthritis and her anxiety as she is afraid of what that will look like, afraid that being "better" will put expectations on her that she can't cope with but also she doesn't know who she is if she isn't "the girl with arthritis". The minute you mentioned anxiety being addictive a light bulb went off in my head & I thought, that's her! She is due to start therapy soon with CAMHS but how I wish she was going to Owen.

@Yvonne-u2j 1 year ago

OMG… I have to order this book.
He is so calming… I need a therapist so much.
Davina you are inspirational ❤❤

@user-um2rh5gt1y 1 year ago

High anxiety in a family/relationship is like Noro virus it’s highly contagious

@NicMac 1 year ago

I haven't been on youtube in a while and now have three awesome Begin Again episodes to catch up on! You're smashing it with this channel Davina! 🙌

@sarahn588 3 months ago

Only going through post menopause has given me the the space to understand what the hell has been going on with me throughout my whole life. It’s a journey there no end date. Take the mental SELF time you need and acceptance is key in the present moment 👌🏻

@mariewalton555 1 year ago

Literally loved this one so much as a 40 year old women struggling with menopause and ADHD but over years and years of my life just being told it’s anxiety and anxiety really taken a hold of me in waves much worse since early menopause it was so great to listen to this and see anxiety in a different light literally ordering the book right now I could listen to his calming voice all day.
Thank you so much for this Davina best one yet ❤

@joannemorrall3332 1 year ago

This has to be one of the best explanations ever given regarding Anxiety. This guy is bloody brilliant. If people talk to you on simple plain terms everything doesn't seem as bad. We all have to learn to let go and let it be. When he described abandoning the little child within ourselves i could of cried. However hard things get on the outside always protect the child within you. Its like your physical outer body running away from a small child. You simply wouldn't do that. I'm going to re-watch this again. Just show up for yourself no matter how hard. I'v experienced episodes of low mood for over 10 years on and off and still to this day i dont know why. I just acknowledge the feelings and work through them. I know everyone is different and suffers differently with levels of pain but i treat those anxious feelings as unwanted visitors and i show them the door. Its bloody hard at times but as with everything in life "This to shall pass" Sending many positive blessings to all who are watching this video. You are NOT alone.

@AdalineA-c1e 1 year ago

Anxiety used to control every part of my life. I constantly felt on edge, worried about things beyond my control. Mindfulness practices helped me reclaim my calm, and Shift Your Mind by Alexander Brooks gave me practical tools to manage anxiety instead of being overwhelmed by it. Finally breathing easy again. 💙

@bazzoman510 1 year ago

I’ve always suffered with low level anxiety as I’ve always had a stammer. But I’ve managed to cope with it all my life, until recently. My dad died this year and it went out of control, then my Dog died a few months later. I’m getting there, got a doctors appointment next week so I’m going to see what he says. I’m definitely going to buy this book though.

@emmaellis2434 2 months ago

Davina, love your vulnerability and honesty, I really grew up with you over the years, big brother ect and your evolution over the years, its brilliant, encouring and inspiring.

@JadiewadieAN 1 year ago

Loved this episode and got the book purchased on audible. I was diagnosed with a brain tumor when 11 weeks pregnant and had it removed in April last year, now left with facial palsy and single side deafness I’m hoping this book will be life changing for me, as although I’ve always experienced anxiety, I thought post op it would go away I’ve actually ended up worse so loving listening to podcasts and books to try self help X

@Amae580 1 year ago

I think Davina is such a beautiful conversationalist. I'm really enjoying her channel. The interview with Trisha is worth a watch too.

@CorridorCrime 1 year ago (edited)

I had to leave a sports game today as I suddenly had terrible anxiety and disassociation in the sports hall. So embarrassing but now I'm scared to go back incase it happens next week.

@Helen-fg7jk 7 months ago

I've just bought Owen's book. I've been on a long journey of healing my inner child and understanding my anxiety. I totally resonate with a lot of what Owen says about trying to control the future and what life would mean without anxiety after 50 years. It all takes time, practice and acknowledging what you are thinking and feeling, and where is coming from. Also look up Dr Russ Kennedy and his MBRX program. It's had a profound effect on me. Love and happiness to you all struggling with this hell on earth ❤❤

@JulieGreenwood-zl1sw 1 year ago

Davina this has been the most understandable talk on anxiety ever it was absolutely fantastic and so so helpful thankyou so much that book will certainly be on my bookshelf your so inspiring x I am 51 and struggling so much which i have just began to admit and your helping me so much x

@clarasclassychannel2458 1 year ago

Didn't have language to describe it.what a brilliant statement owen.

@BevBrad81 1 year ago

I allow myself to get overwhelmed in life before I step back. By then Im stressed and anxious and the people ive been helping and work situations ive allowed to happen carry on regardless. I feel like im ready to put my mental health first instead of burning out❤

@jolively 1 year ago (edited)

I've just ordered the book. I have crippling anxiety from a trauma & I have got all the coping mechanisms i was given in various EMDR sessions & its hard work. I found this interview so interesting especially as i have an addictive personality. I cant wait to read it.Thankyou 😊