#WomenInspiringWomen: Ania Wysocka from Rootd

Ania Wysocka is the woman behind Rootd, an app that provides tools and resources for people to combat panic attacks and anxiety. Ania developed this app after struggling herself with panic attacks and anxiety, and Rootd is now used by individuals all across the world and helps so many people daily. The app is one of the most popular downloads on the App Store and has incredible reviews from people saying how much it has helped them cope with their anxiety. We asked Ania about her inspiration behind this venture and what keeps her motivated everyday. Read our #WomenInspiringWomen interview below!

Rootd App screenshot

What inspired you to start Rootd?

My inspiration to start Rootd came from personally finding there to be a lack of easily accessible and well designed resources for individuals experiencing anxiety and panic attacks.

Like many people, I went through life thinking that anxiety and panic attacks wouldn’t happen to me, and that those who did experience them were simply too “stressed out”. When I experienced the horrible sensations of a panic attack during my final year of university, I realized that the misconceptions I had about anxiety and panic attacks were wrong. Far away from home and with no family doctor around, my first instinct was to reach for my phone to find an app that could help me process what was happening. Unfortunately, there was no such solution out there at the time.

The way you understand panic attacks when they first strike can have a huge impact on your healing process. Once I’d conducted the research and discovered the techniques and strategies needed to manage panic attacks and anxiety, I knew I wanted to use this knowledge combined with my graphic design skills to create a resource for others in a format tailored towards people my age.

What differentiates your app from the other self-care apps?

Rootd’s focus on panic attack relief. We have an actual panic button called the “Rootr” that helps stop a panic attack the moment it strikes, and thanks to the accessibility of iPhones and Apple Watch, users can trust that this support is available any time or place they may need immediate support.

Over time I’ve complimented this direct support for panic attacks with lessons, tools, and exercises to help understand, manage, and prevent general anxiety too. Users from around the world say Rootd helps them with their anxiety and panic attacks more than any other tool they’ve found, which is inspiring feedback to say the least

Ania Wysocka

What inspires you to keep working on this business every day?

Rootd’s incredible user reviews! Reading these in the morning is enough to get me ready and motivated for the day 🙂 Here’s an example of one we received today:

“This is I think the first app I’ve ever left a review on. This app includes THE most effective grounding exercise I’ve ever attempted. Very quickly installed it in the midst of a fairly severe panic attack, nearly dissociating, and after opening the app experienced instant relief. Rootd just did, in my first use, more for my ability to handle anxiety than the combined effort of everyone else I’ve ever seen. Thank you, Rootd Team. From the bottom of my heart.”

Do you have a life motto?

“This too shall pass”. I’ve had plenty of difficult experiences through which this quote has been relevant to me, including experiencing anxiety and panic attacks myself.

Tell us about the reality of women in the tech industry.

Though I still often find myself to be the only female around the table at certain events, things are constantly improving, and quickly.

There are a number of myths about women in the tech industry, and I think the myth that women who aren’t technical can’t work well in the tech sector is a big one. Though I’m not overly technical myself, my work has contributed to numerous startups and technology companies over the years. Around the world and at the biggest and most impressive companies there are also countless examples, both past and current, of females in all types of roles succeeding across STEM and tech.

What’s the one product that’s always in your purse?

Lip balm! I can’t go more than a few hours without reapplying. I have a few on rotation, all that give off a natural shine and have a soft scent of coconut, orange, or vanilla.

What is a fact about you that would surprise others?

I love learning languages and so far speak 5 🙂

Ania Wysocka

What changes concerning women would you like to see in 2022?

In 2022 I would love to see more women around leadership tables, and for there to be equal opportunities for those working from home and those choosing to head back into the office. Studies show that men and women may not return to their desks equally, which might impact advancement in the workplace. Employers can choose to keep this in mind when crafting “back-to-office” plans, and I really hope they do!

What advice would you like to give to today’s women?

A few of the lessons I’ve picked up along the way that relate to leadership in a work setting include:

Be as clear as possible in your management (especially in communicating your desired deliverables, associated timelines, and who should be responsible for each element). This reduces miscommunication and associated frustration.
Avoid trying to mold yourself into the “definition” of a leader because this definition changes over time and is influenced by countless factors. It’s much better to use your personal strengths to lead than worry about looking or acting like the traditional idea of a leader.

Have confidence in yourself and take a moment to reflect on where you are in life, because it’s likely you’ve already achieved many things along the way to get here.

* In addition to their B2C plans, Rootd offers B2B plans for companies wanting to show care for employee mental health. More information can be found here here.