14 May 2026
About this episode
In the very first episode of Change Your Mind, New Scientist journalists Cat de Lange and Helen Thomson tackle one of the most common, and misunderstood, mental health challenges: anxiety. Why do some people bounce back from stress while others feel trapped in a constant state of alarm? And why is anxiety rising so sharply, especially among younger generations?
Helen opens up about her own experiences with overwhelming anxiety, from panic on a flight home to the quieter daily dread that so many people hide beneath the surface. Together, Cat and Helen cut through the social media quick fixes to explore what neuroscience really tells us about anxious minds.
They’re joined by psychotherapist, former NHS clinical lead and bestselling author Owen O’Kane, whose radically compassionate approach reframes anxiety not as a flaw to eliminate, but as a protective system that’s working overtime. Drawing on neuroscience, therapy and personal experience, Owen explains why calming the body must come before calming the mind and shares practical strategies that can genuinely help.
We want to hear your thoughts, leave a comment or send in your ideas for future episodes to changeyourmind@newscientist.com
Learn more about Anxiety:Â
Learn more our sponsor Alzheimer’s Association:Â
