Health Talk: Debunking the myths of anxiety

Anxiety is an emotion we all experience, yet we often misunderstand it. As the world observes International OCD Awareness Week (October 12–18), CGTN Health Talk examines the connection between anxiety, avoidance, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In this episode, Dr Wang Zhen, vice president of the Shanghai Mental Health Center, explains why anxiety itself isn't necessarily harmful. It's a natural and adaptive response wired into humans for survival.

"Anxiety does not go away because you are too afraid to acknowledge it. The more courageously you confront it, the more likely you will be able to resolve the issue," said Dr Wang.

Avoidance, he notes, is a common coping strategy. While it can provide temporary relief, it often backfires in the long run. Others may manage their anxiety differently, turning to repetitive actions that temporarily soothe but perpetuate a vicious cycle that can lead to OCD over time.

Dr Wang and his team are leading research into how psychotherapy, medication, and neuromodulation therapies can be combined to improve outcomes for patients with anxiety and OCD. In addition to transcranial electrical stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation, the team has also explored deep brain stimulation (DBS), where electrodes are implanted deep in the brain, and currents are delivered to stimulation targets via an external generator.

"Stress is everywhere, so anxiety is ever-present. But anxiety can bring something beyond negative outcomes, more often than not it actually drives us to grow. I think we should 'dance' with anxiety with an open mind so that we can choreograph the splendid moves of our own lives," Dr Wang said.

Executive Producer: Zhang Jingwen

Producer: Yang Sha

Directors: Chen Hongyu, Du Junzhi, Xu Chenlu

Cameramen: Guo Huakang, Yang Zhigang

Cover Photo: Sha Yunjin