John Bateman, Anxiety Canada Champion and host of #OurAnxietyStories, is a mental health advocate passionate about normalizing and destigmatizing the experience of anxiety. He is also a well-known comedian, writer, event host and woodworker based in Salt Spring Island, British Columbia.   

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories, podcast host, John Bateman puts himself in the hot seat. John reflects on his experience with anxiety, expressing gratitude to his mother who played a significant role in his journey. John shares that for him, anxiety manifested in the form of panic attacks in childhood, often fuelled by existential anxiety. In early adulthood, this evolved into isolation and rumination that resulted in John’s first encounter with depression. Having experimented with various forms of treatment, John found that group therapy played the most significant role in his journey, alongside cognitive behavioural therapy, and medication.  

If you or someone you know is interested in group therapy, consider MindShift CBT Groups, our 8-session online therapy program for adults (19+) with mild to moderate anxiety. MindShift CBT Groups provides people with support, encouragement, and tools to help them cope better. A limited number of free spots are available for individuals who require financial support. Visit https://www.anxietycanada.com/mindshift-groups to learn more and find out if you are eligible.   

Listen Now