Lessons From Anxiety – Marvelously Miranda

It’s Wednesday! And you know what that means – guest blogger number one!

I want to give a big thanks to Miranda for being the first person to get a blog over to me and so quickly.

Check out her story in my previous post and her Lessons From Anxiety.

Despite having symptoms years earlier, I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder at the age of 20.  I am now 24 and I can tell you that I have learned a lot by living with anxiety.  I would like to share with you 5 things living with anxiety has taught me in the hopes that they will help you as you strive to be victorious in the battlefield of your mind.

1. THE VOICE INSIDE MY MIND, lies.  I am sure you know the voice I am talking about….it tells you that you’re worthless, that you are a failure, that you have let everyone down.  The voice that’s heard desires to haunt during the night and remind of every little mistake made.  That voice that speaks so harshly to me, he is full of lies.  Anxiety will make everything bigger than it is.  I may read a text and forget to respond for a while.  Suddenly, I’m hearing I’m a failure, I’m proving how unworthy of love and devotion I am.  I know that this is not true, this is anxiety speaking to me and I just have to remember the voice I hear, lies.
2. BOUNDARIES ARE IMPORTANT: If you have anxiety, then you know how easy it can be to worry about everyone around you.  Sometimes, we can worry about someone so much, we make ourselves sick (oh dear, ask me how I know…).  Unfortunately, there are people in the world who prey on those with anxiety and who like to “befriend” those of us with anxiety because our fear of conflict can be a reason to avoid saying “no” at all cost.  One thing I’ve learned is that setting boundaries are important both for my mental health and my overall safety and well-being.  Does setting a boundary and sticking to it make me nervous? You bet! but it’s something I have got to do even if it costs me some relationships.
3. ANXIETY CAN BE USED AS MOTIVATION:This post is proof.  If I didn’t have anxiety myself, I wouldn’t be as motivated to write about my experience and try to help someone else in the same predicament. I try to let anxiety fuel my fire and passion for mental health.
4. IF YOU HAVE TO DO THINGS AFRAID, THAT’S OK!: As mentioned above, anxiety can be a good tool to motivate an individual.  But, if you’re like me you may decide to allow the anxiety to motivate you to do something and then once you begin the process of doing what it is you’ve set your mind to, you become more anxious and begin to doubt whether or not you’re capable of what you’re trying to accomplish.  Sometimes, venturing out of your comfort zone can fill you with fear and dread but that’s ok.  If you’re afraid to write, write anyway.  If you’re afraid to change careers but have always had a burning desire to do so, then change.  You may still feel the fear while you’re working on your goals but that’s ok.  You can do whatever it is you desire to do even if you’re afraid.
5. IT IS IMPORTANT TO SEEK HELP IF YOU NEED IT: I suffered with anxiety for years before finally seeking help.  Waiting to reach out cost me relationships with friends, family, and quality of life.  I was so sure that I could overcome anxiety on my own if I just kept exercising, eating right, and spending time doing activities I enjoyed.  My biggest regret about getting help is the fact that I did not do it sooner.  If you are struggling with anxiety and are desperate for relief, reach out.  Talk to a trusted friend, family member, etc…it may be that you need to access your support system more.  It may even be that you could benefit from medication (please talk with your doctor before trying any supplement or prescription).  If you do find that you need medication (as I do), there is no shame in utilizing it.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Anxiety can be difficult to manage but one thing I know is this, overcoming the challenges that come with living with anxiety is possible.  You have a talent that you need to show the world so do what you can to overcome the anxiety, ignore the voice in your head that lies to you, and do whatever it is you are motivated to do.  Even if you have to do it afraid.

Thanks for reading and head on over to Marvelously Miranda for more!

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