Overcoming social anxiety and untangling sleep envy

Overcoming social anxiety and untangling sleep envy

From Life Matters - Full program podcast by ABC Australia

May 21, 2026 · 53 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the rise of social anxiety and offers advice on managing it, along with navigating sleep challenges in parenting.

Recent research suggests social anxiety is on the rise. Beyond the usual feelings around making awkward small talk, many people are struggling to socialise at work, meet new friends or even leave their own house. Psychologist Sahra O'Doherty explains why more of us are experiencing social anxiety and what you can do about it. When you're parenting small children, sleep can feel like a battleground. So when one person takes a night off, how late is too late to stay out? Aunties Amy Middleton and Joe Sullivan, weigh in on a sensitive debate, and share some advice on navigating sleep envy and resentment.

People in this episode

Guest: Sahra O'Doherty

Topics covered

  • social anxiety
  • parenting
  • sleep
  • mental health
  • relationships

Keywords

  • social anxiety
  • sleep envy
  • parenting
  • mental health
  • relationships

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