Have you ever found it hard to tell someone that you need help? Or has it been hard to figure out who to tell? Why?
ALL the time. In the past I've felt that anxiety was who I am and absolutely controlled my life. I was dealing with generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder. I found it so hard to tell people and reach out for help. Eventually I went to my GP about it and she referred me to an amazing psychologist and we worked really hard on coping strategies.
It's hard because it's so invisible, and people don't often know until you've told them. However, the majority of people who I have told have been able to relate to what I've felt and have been really kind, understanding and supportive.
Anxiety still effects me, but I know what works for me to deal with it. I'm really proud of how far I've come with it.
I also had a severe dog phobia. I had three months of intensive systematic desensitisation therapy when I was 16, and it worked! Now I love playing with dogs. Having that phobia dictated so much of my childhood. My anxiety was so visible to other people because they would see me freaking out or getting upset over dogs.
