Anxiety and the Brain

In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson talks with Dr. Brian Hoeflinger, a neurosurgeon whose profession and personal story give him a rare perspective on mental health. Dr. Hoeflinger shares how his brother’s traumatic brain injury first inspired him to pursue neurosurgery, how chronic panic attacks shaped his adolescence and early professional life, and how the loss of his son changed the way he speaks publicly about grief, purpose, and prevention. They also discuss what parents should understand about panic, sleep, head injuries, and the everyday choices that support a healthier brain. This conversation is both practical and deeply human — a reminder that the brain is powerful, fragile, resilient, and still full of mystery. In this episode, they cover: • How childhood panic attacks affected Dr. Hoeflinger’s life and career • Why anxiety can be treated more effectively when kids get support early • What neurosurgery can teach us about staying calm during crisis • Why sleep, movement, and overall wellness matter for brain health • How grief can reshape a person’s purpose, perspective, and voice Further reading from the Child Mind Institute Why Childhood Anxiety Often Goes Undetected – https://childmind.org/article/detecti... Panic Attacks and How to Treat Them — https://childmind.org/article/panic-a... Behavioral Treatment for Kids With Anxiety – https://childmind.org/article/behavio...