Who is this anxious protagonist? And, why should you listen to him?

With great anxiety comes great responsibility agitation. And anxiety attacks. And worry, stress, obsessions, compulsions, insomnia, social avoidance, PTSD, and chronic chewing of nails and cuticles.

I keep anxiety under wraps through a myriad of techniques shared herein. However, there are certain situations, people, and events that exacerbate my angst. These include Costco, my phone battery going below 20%, Sunday nights, commuting, public restrooms, menus, doorknobs, planning, elevators, opening mail, and not ordering decaf.

Anxiety is at its worst during a particularly stressful time, at which time it can run feral and untethered in a cataclysmic cyclone of mental bedlam. This can include breakups/divorce, death, job loss, moving, injury, exams, in-laws, or the nightly news. At any moment, there are over 40 million Americans suffering from debilitating anxiety related to one cause or another - which prompted the creation of this site, the 101 Ways to Conquer Teen Anxiety book, and the forthcoming In Case of Anxiety... (2022 release).

I partner with numerous mental health professionals in creating anxiety relief using a blend of relatability, anecdotal evidence, and evidence-based skills. Herein you will find road-tested, easy-to-use tactics that actually work; not the re-purposed counsel that litter bookshelves and the internet, while promising quick recovery and whiter teeth.

I hold an M.A. in from California Polytechnic (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo. I wanted to get a PsyD, but was tired of being broke in college, and asking my dates to eat dinner prior to going out ... to dinner. I still don't have much money because I live in California - but can now afford to shop for clothes not previously worn by strangers.

The State of Anxiety site began as a personal essay about my own worst anxious breakup. In the absence of relatable breakup advice available anywhere, the essay turned into the single best source of breakup advice to myself and friends. It was so effective that I posted it online to let others know that their maniacal breakup behaviors were justifiably sane. Based on a steady stream of comments and emails from sufferers seeking breakup advice worldwide that followed, it didn't take long to realize the overwhelming need to provide more. More advice. More humor. And, more help related to the visceral pain associated with breakup or divorce related anxiety and anxiety in general.

Anxiety affects everyone equally. Even the ridiculously good-looking.

Feel free to contact me directly here.