I hope this may help some others understand what it’s like to have anxiety, panic attacks and depression. Maybe people will be more sensitive instead of just saying “Oh you’re okay”.
*Anxiety-“a nervous disorder characterized by a state of excessive uneasiness and apprehension, typically with compulsive behavior or panic attacks.”
*Depression-“Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act.”
*Panic-“Sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety, often causing wildly unthinking behavior.”
Well that’s what anxiety feels like! This is an everyday struggle for myself and I know I’m not alone. It really upsets me when I see anxiety and depression brushed off like it’s nothing. Oh it’s something! It’s a feeling I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. Or when people tell me, “Oh you’re ok”, that is not something someone with anxiety wants to hear!
If you can’t support someone or ask if there’s anything you can do then just keep your opinions to yourself. We don’t need to be degraded or belittled by anyone because of a condition that’s uncontrollable. Anxiety can and will consume your life if you allow it. I know it has a deep hold on me. Every day it’s something. I imagine the worst possible scenarios always, this is what anxiety will do to you. Just like anytime I get in the car and my son is with me it causes instant panic and anxiety because I think about us getting into a wreck and something happening to him.
The smallest things can be a trigger. There is just so much about anxiety and depression people don’t know because we don’t like to share our struggles and stories, with the fear we may be judged. I used to be such a fun outgoing person, but now I feel my anxiety really holds me back from living life to the fullest.
In the photo of my hand you would think I just washed my hands because they are soaking wet, but nope that’s caused from me just having a panic attack. I was pouring sweat, felt nauseous, couldn’t breath, pretty much feels like I’m having a heart attack. And it came out of nowhere and I couldn’t control it. So if you don’t have to struggle with this everyday, count it as a blessing. Those who do struggle, just know you’re not alone!
As Moms we often believe that we can not show our vulnerabilities to the world. So many of us suffer from depression or panic and are drowning in anxiety. If you are suffering please reach out to someone who can help you. Speak with your doctor, nurse or a trusted friend. If they dismiss you then keep trying to find that support that you need. Thanks so much to Ashley for sharing her experience with us.
- Drowning in Anxiety - February 22, 2019
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So true ,but finding a doctor or someone who has the ability to help is difficult itself I have tried 3 different drs so far an no one does anything they act as if I’m just trying to get pills or I’m an addict I feel just push ya off or say find a psychiatrist an psychiatrist say oh well your regular or a family dr can help you so which is it an with the back an fourth I give up no one helps or says go to counseling I did counseling for 3yrs and did get meds which weren’t working but they wont do different an then if no counseling no meds at all cuz it’s the bck an forth junk so u just try to deal alone ,BECOMING more withdrawn an suck it up buttercup .
No matter how or who you tell .it seems to be a loss cause