Hey friends, let’s chat about something that’s been weighing on my mind — anxiety. Yup, I said it out loud. It feels good to acknowledge it, but honestly, I still don’t feel entirely better. Why is it that we’re not supposed to talk about this stuff? It seems like everyone thinks we should just handle it privately, maybe with a therapist or a doctor — but that can feel so daunting. And if I see a therapist, does that mean I’m broken? My life looks pretty great on the outside, so what could possibly be causing my anxiety?
In the past year, my family has had its fair share of ups and downs. Sure, my oldest, Mia, is nailing her grades, and my husband and I both scored promotions at work. But on the flip side, we’ve also faced some tough moments, especially when we learned that my mom’s health wasn’t improving. Honestly, this has been one of the hardest years of my life.
My anxiety has skyrocketed recently, and I’ve realized it’s essential for me to talk about it. Why? Because I can’t tackle this on my own! How often do we share our experiences with someone who gets it? Opening up doesn’t make us weaker; it actually makes us stronger. Asking for help is just a part of being human.
Brené Brown, in her book Daring Greatly, emphasizes that true belonging comes when we show our authentic selves to the world. I’m not perfect — I bite my nails, I sometimes lose my cool with my kids, and yes, I enjoy a bit too much wine! But despite all that, I know I’m a good mom, and in many ways, my anxiety has helped me become a better one.
My oldest daughter, Mia, has also started displaying signs of anxiety. She gets physically sick after disappointing news, and if she feels attacked, she just shuts down. Because of my own experiences, I can relate to her and support her when those moments hit. I’ll sit with her for hours if needed, offering comfort in ways that I wish I had when I was her age.
And then there’s my middle child, Sophie, who gets so overwhelmed when she feels unheard that she struggles to breathe properly. I hope she never has to deal with anxiety, but if she does, I’ll be here for her.
Whenever I feel an anxiety episode coming on, I’ve learned to let those around me know. This way, I can excuse myself and take a moment to breathe without worrying about what others think. Since I started sharing my struggles with family, friends, and coworkers, I’ve felt an incredible wave of support. It’s so much better than sneaking off to cry in the bathroom, trust me.
I wish all workplaces were as understanding about mental health as mine has been for the past six years. Sadly, I know that’s not the case everywhere. I once spoke to someone who said, “You just have to train your mind to get through it.” When I mentioned the brain’s chemical imbalances, they simply replied, “I did it without medication, so others can too.” Instead of telling people how to handle their struggles, we should be asking, “What can I do to help?”
Sheryl Sandberg shared that after losing her husband, the best support she received was when a friend didn’t ask what she needed but instead said, “I’m bringing over coffee. What kind of cream cheese do you want on your bagel?” This kind of proactive support means the world during tough times.
Since I’ve opened up about my anxiety, I’ve felt an overwhelming sense of community. People are stepping up to help me when I’m struggling and are understanding when I have to say “no” to events I would have normally attended. Remember, dealing with mental health isn’t a weakness; embracing it and talking about it is the strongest thing we can do.
If you’re dealing with anxiety and feel alone, I encourage you to reach out. Sharing my journey has been incredibly liberating, and I hope you’ll find your own path to support. Big thanks to my friends and family who have stood by me through it all — I appreciate you more than you know!
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Summary
Opening up about anxiety has transformed my experience from isolation to connection. Sharing our struggles fosters community and support, making it easier to navigate life’s challenges. By embracing vulnerability, we can strengthen our bonds and become better versions of ourselves.
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