Living with anxiety can feel like a never-ending battle, and I was growing weary of it dictating my life. Every single day, anxiety would invade a new aspect of my existence—always convincing me that something dreadful was just around the corner.
I wasn’t ignoring it, though. I made it a point to exercise each morning to release those feel-good hormones. Prioritizing sleep was essential, as a lack of rest would only amplify my anxiety. I increased my water intake, tried an anti-anxiety supplement, and even practiced meditation. Yet, these efforts fell short.
The situation escalated when I began experiencing panic attacks while driving. I could be completely fine until I got behind the wheel, at which point panic would strike. There was no real threat, but my throat would tighten, my heart raced, and my breath quickened. The familiar knot in my stomach returned.
The most challenging part? The incessant thoughts. Those of us grappling with anxiety can’t simply “chill out” or stop being anxious on cue. That’s not how it operates. Positive thinking and “going with the flow” aren’t exactly our strong suits.
It turns out, I’m not alone in this struggle. Statistics indicate that one in five adults will experience an anxiety disorder at some point, and women are twice as likely as men to be affected. This reality doesn’t surprise me; it often feels like women bear the emotional weight of their family’s well-being. My husband, while an equal partner, doesn’t always see that I tend to take on more than my fair share of responsibilities. I feel a constant need to hold our family together.
Anxiety has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I was only diagnosed in my thirties. To complicate matters, I’m also raising a child with anxiety. That’s a lot of anxiety in one household, and it tends to breed more anxiety in return.
Recognizing that I needed to make a change, I realized my anxiety had begun to infiltrate every corner of my life. I was consumed with worries about my kids facing accidents, fixating on every ache and pain concerning my health, and my fear of driving persisted.
Fortunately, there are options available. I decided the first step was to restart my anxiety medication, something I had hesitated to do for too long. I had known for months that it was necessary, but I had to overcome my own pride and—yes, my anxiety about taking medication.
The second step was surprisingly simple yet profound. During a session with my therapist, I expressed my frustration over my anxiety reaching new heights. I felt an overwhelming urge to pretend it didn’t exist, which is a common response among those with anxiety. It’s a self-defensive tactic to avoid situations that feel threatening.
My therapist posed a question that caught me off guard: “Have you considered addressing your anxiety directly?” I explained all the things I had already tried—medication, meditation, healthy eating, and sleep. She clarified, “I mean, have you thought about just calling it out?”
What does it mean to confront your anxiety? My therapist suggested that I could literally pause in moments of anxiety and speak to it. Yes, out loud. Acknowledge that I see, hear, and feel it—and, most importantly, assert that I won’t let it control me.
Judging by my initial reaction, she recognized it sounded strange to talk to something that isn’t a person. However, confronting anxiety in this way can be a powerful tool accessible at any moment.
This practice plays out in two ways. First, I can vocalize my anxiety during the day. Fortunately, I work from home, so I don’t have colleagues giving me odd looks when I talk to myself. Secondly, I’ve taken this further by being open with my family about my struggles on particularly tough days. There’s something liberating about standing up to my anxiety.
Words hold significant power. Anxiety often tells us to hide, avoid, and evade. But what if we chose to confront it instead? By openly discussing anxiety with friends and family, I discovered how many others share this battle. Many simply haven’t felt comfortable enough to share their experiences, leaving them in a world of isolation and shame. The stigma surrounding mental health affects us all.
Anxiety can be deceitful and bothersome, much like a frustrating high school boyfriend. But when we confront it—especially by acknowledging it out loud—we reclaim our power.
For more insights on how to manage anxiety and support your journey, check out this blog post and this resource on pregnancy. If you’re seeking expert advice on the path of your fertility journey, consider visiting this site.
In summary, addressing anxiety requires active confrontation rather than avoidance. By vocalizing our struggles, we can dismantle the stigma and empower ourselves and others. Embracing this approach has opened up new avenues for support and understanding.