Anxiety. It’s a word that holds a weight many of us know too well. I have anxiety. There, I said it. Surprisingly, the act of verbalizing my struggle has not provided the relief I expected. It seems that discussing mental health is still a taboo topic; something to be managed quietly, perhaps only with a doctor, but never openly discussed. And if I consider therapy, does that imply something is fundamentally wrong with me? After all, my life appears to be picture-perfect from the outside. What could possibly trigger my anxiety?
In the past year, my family has experienced a mixture of blessings and challenges. My eldest, Sarah, is excelling academically, my partner and I have both advanced in our careers, and our middle child, Emma, has started to turn things around. Yet, the darkest moments came when we faced the heartbreaking news regarding my mother’s health. This year has brought forth my greatest struggles and, consequently, my anxiety has skyrocketed.
The Importance of Sharing Our Experiences
As women, we often find it essential to speak up about our experiences, especially when it comes to mental health. If I want to heal, I must share my battles. How many times have you confided in someone about your challenges, only to find solace in their understanding? Sharing our burdens does not diminish us; rather, it empowers us. Seeking assistance is a testament to our humanity.
Brené Brown, in her book Daring Greatly, eloquently states, “True belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world.” I am far from perfect. I fidget, I raise my voice when frustrated, and yes, I indulge in an occasional glass (or two) of wine. However, I recognize that these struggles contribute to my growth as a mother.
Understanding My Children’s Needs
In fact, my anxiety has equipped me to be more attuned to my children’s needs. For instance, my eldest, Sarah, has begun exhibiting signs of anxiety herself, becoming physically unwell at the thought of failure. My experiences allow me to identify with her distress, and I can offer her the patience and support she needs. I’ll sit beside her during her toughest moments, even when others might give up.
Emma, my middle child, has her own challenges. She becomes overwhelmed when she feels unheard, resorting to rapid breathing until we establish eye contact and synchronize our breathing. I sincerely hope she doesn’t inherit these anxious tendencies, but I’m here to support her if she does.
Communicating My Anxiety
Whenever I experience an anxiety episode or panic attack, I’ve learned to communicate this to those around me. This openness allows me to excuse myself and find a quiet space to regain control over my breath, without the worry of judgment. Since sharing my anxiety with friends, family, and colleagues, I’ve felt an incredible wave of support. It’s a liberating feeling, far more comforting than retreating silently to a bathroom stall to cry.
I wish all workplaces prioritized mental health as my current one does. Unfortunately, I’ve encountered individuals who believe anxiety can simply be overcome through mental fortitude, dismissing the biological factors involved. Instead of offering unsolicited advice, we should encourage one another by asking how we can help. Simple gestures, like picking up a friend’s children from school, can make all the difference.
Sheryl Sandberg has shared that after her husband’s passing, the most helpful gesture from a friend was not asking how she could help, but rather stating, “I’m bringing over coffee. What kind of cream cheese do you want on your bagel?” During an anxiety attack, I would much prefer someone to take the initiative rather than leave me to figure out how to ask for assistance.
The Power of Support
Since I began discussing my anxiety, the support from those around me has been overwhelming. It’s a reminder that struggling with mental health does not signify weakness; rather, it’s a sign of strength to confront it head-on. I encourage anyone grappling with anxiety to seek support — even if it’s from me. Opening up about my experiences has been one of the best choices I’ve made, and I hope others will feel empowered to do the same.
A heartfelt thank you to my friends and family for their unwavering support. Your kindness means the world to me.
Additional Resources
For additional insights into mental health, you might find resources on anxiety management and home insemination helpful. Check out this blog post for more information. If you’re exploring options for home insemination, BabyMaker is a trusted source. Additionally, Johns Hopkins offers excellent resources for pregnancy and fertility services.
Conclusion
In summary, discussing anxiety openly has fostered a supportive community around me. As we navigate our mental health journeys, let’s remember that we are not alone and that sharing our experiences can lead to healing and connection.