Mental Health Awareness Month: Breaking the Silence on Anxiety
In July 2019, I experienced a breakdown that led to a diagnosis of anxiety. It’s been a challenging journey, but through education and self-discovery, I’ve learned to understand my condition better and have found effective ways to manage it. This Mental Health Awareness Month, I want to share my experience with high-functioning anxiety—a struggle that many people face but few truly understand.
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Anxiety isn’t just stress or worry; it’s a persistent feeling of unease that can deeply affect our thoughts, emotions, and actions. It manifests as a relentless pursuit of perfection, self-judgment, and second-guessing every decision. It involves a fear of failure and the weight of disappointing others. Living with anxiety means feeling overwhelmed by even the smallest tasks and waking up exhausted, unable to sleep due to an unending to-do list. It creates a sense of isolation, as it’s often difficult for others to grasp what you’re going through.
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Many people with anxiety mask their struggles behind a calm exterior, often appearing outgoing and confident. This World Mental Health Day, let’s break the silence and learn to recognize the signs of anxiety. Here are some insights I’ve gained over time that I hope can help others:
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1. You Are Not Alone: Remember that many people share similar struggles. Reaching out can foster connection and understanding.
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2. It’s Okay to Ask for Help: You may be surprised by how many people are willing to support you. Vulnerability can lead to meaningful conversations.
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3. Mental Illness Does Not Define You: Your struggles are part of your journey but do not determine your worth or identity.
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4. Speak Up and Educate Others: By sharing your experiences, you can help reduce stigma and foster a more supportive environment for everyone.
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5. Practice Mindful Breathing: Simple breathing exercises can help ground you and alleviate moments of panic.
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6. Focus on Today: Aim to be the best version of yourself for that day. If you accomplish even one small task—like brushing your hair—consider it a victory.
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7. Prioritize Self-Care: Make time to rest, exercise, and recharge. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential for your well-being.
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8. Engage in Joyful Activities: Do what makes you happy, independent of others' opinions. Your joy matters.
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9. Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s okay to have down days. Don’t suppress your feelings—understand them and explore their origins. It’s perfectly okay to say no. With anxiety, the desire to please others can make it hard to set boundaries, but it’s important to recognize when things become overwhelming. Remember, you don’t have to take on everything; prioritizing your well-being is essential
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10. Embrace the Process: Managing anxiety is not about finding a quick fix. It requires acceptance and understanding of your triggers, along with developing strategies to cope.
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Together, we can create a world that understands and supports mental health. By fostering open conversations and awareness, we can help dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. Let’s support one another in this journey toward understanding and healing.
Gerflor South Africa
3 周Hi Jess, thank you for sharing.
Business Manager | Financial Manager| Certified Tax Specialist | Qualified Financial Accountant ★Finance Professional★Lupus Warrior★TESOL★Client Management Expert
4 周So proud of you Jess ?? thank you for sharing ??
Finance Coordinator at Bigbon Group
1 个月This was truly inspiring to read, thank you for sharing Jess!
Consultant Transaction Advisory Services | Grant Thornton Netherlands
1 个月Thank you for sharing, Jess! Anxiety is something I also struggle with daily, and I find opening up about it truly difficult. I have also recently started working more deeply on my own anxiety and hope to incorporate some of your tips into my process. A simple practice that has greatly impacted my mindset is starting my day with a mantra: “I am so grateful to live another day. Let my hands be used in service, my eyes see the best in others, my heart be open to receive, and my words uplift those in need.” This helps me re-center my priorities and focus outward instead of inward. Walking my two dogs twice a day has become the most essential ritual for managing my anxiety. We walk through forests and farm fields and I use this time to ground myself. It’s my way of resetting before the day picks up and after it ends—listening to the birds, taking in the nature, and reflecting on the things I value most, like my family. It’s always a challenge, and my progress is ongoing. Some days are better than others but small, intentional actions can make a big difference.