Several times I’ve posted about my anxiety. I do so in an effort to be open. I do so in an effort to spread awareness. I do so as a way to find connection with others that also have mental illnesses. I do not do so to pull sympathy out of you. I do not do so for kind words. I definitely do not do so to have those who do not understand to tell me…
“I hope your issues get better”
Issues
Honestly, if someone told you “I hope your issues get better” would you take that as a positive sympathetic statement? Probably not.
My Anxiety
My anxiety is not a problem I deal with all day long, everyday. My anxiety is not always debilitating. I actually spend much of my day fighting my anxiety to make sure it isn’t debilitating. I do not want it to stop me. I do not want it to keep me from living. That is why I write about it. I also hope to help others.
I do think too much.
I often say I care too much, but really, I do not want to care less. My caring is apart of who I am. I do, however, need to stop being disappointed in people. I do need to stop being upset by others reactions and I do need to take things lightly.
Remember these words of encouragement.
So for a quick response to anyone with anxiety, depression, or any other chronic mental illness I’d like you to remember this response “You are strong, you are brave for sharing, and you’ve got this.” Because if you don’t understand, positive encouragement is so much better then sympathy.
If you do understand, if you’ve gone through it, if you’re going through it, if you’re in need of help and someone to talk to. Then share that with the writer, whether me or someone else. Share you’re experience, even privately, and gain a new confidante. It can be amazing help.
Sarah
Check out these posts on anxiety…
No, I Cannot Just Relax: Mom Anxiety and Worry
Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety in Kids
Living with Anxiety: Before and After Becoming a Mom
Anxiety in Motherhood: How I learned to Calm and Control my Fears
