Stress and burnout specialist, Kristen Lee Costa, Ed.D., encounters people dealing with anxiety regularly and counsels that instead of escaping or medicating anxious feelings, people should first distinguish between beneficial and harmful anxiety.

Writing in Psychology Today, Costa identifies “friendly anxiety” as providing laser focus, helpful advice, and facilitating growth. The enemy side of anxiety can harm relationships, deplete energy, and cause physical illness over the long term.

What are the psychological and physiological signs of unhealthy anxiety? What are the risks and benefits of treating anxiety with Xanax, Ativan, and the like? How do you distinguish between the good and bad of anxiety-inducing stress in your life?

Guest:

Kristen (Dr. Kris) Lee Costa, Ed.D., Lead Faculty for Behavioral Sciences at Northeastern University; Author, "RESET: Make the Most of Your Stress"