“I can’t cope right now…”
“I feel shaky…”
“I can’t breath…”
“Why is my heart pounding so quickly?
“What’s wrong with me?
These are just some of the thoughts that go through our mind when we have an anxiety attack. We all feel some form of anxiety in our lives. It can come up when we need to speak in front of people, or when there is a big test coming up. But 1 in 4 Australian’s will experience anxiety on a different level (Beyond Blue). I am that 1 in 4 that suffers from an anxiety disorder- a debilitating mental illness that impacts millions through the country.
Beyond Blue’s campaign ‘Get to Know Your Anxiety’ sums up what many of us who live with an anxiety disorder walk through daily. Check out the video, and see if you recognize any of the signs of anxiety in yourself. Perhaps you will notice them in a friend.
Now we know what anxiety is, we can help each other through it. The best way to break the stigma surrounding anxiety disorder is to know about it. So here is a quick rundown:
Anxiety Disorder comes in many different forms:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Social phobia
- Specific phobia’s
- Panic disorder
- Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive Compulsive disorder (OCD)
Basic symptoms can include hot and cold flushes, racing heart, tightening of the chest, snowballing worries, obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviours.
As someone who is in recovery from severe anxiety, I want to let you know that anxiety and recovery go hand in hand. There are different ways it can be alleviated and treated, and you can live free from the chains of anxiety.
You are not weird. You are not alone in your struggle with anxiety. It affects people differently, but we all have the same choice to make. Will you allow anxiety to define you? Will you let it be in control of your identity? Anxiety may affect you- but it does not define you.
Walk through this journey with a community of friends; you don’t need to be ashamed. Recovery is a journey that is full of valleys and mountain tops. Sometimes we regress, but then we move forward again. With the right support, it will get easier. You are more then what you are experiencing.
Be brave my friend. Ask for the help you need.
There is strength in seeking help.
Together we can get through this.
For more information on anxiety you can check out these awesome resources.
Do you experience anxiety? Would you like to learn show to overcome panic attacks or fear? Here’s what you need to do: Contact Colleen on 0434 337 245 or Duncan on 0434 331 for a FREE 10 minute consultation on how we can best help you or book online.
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