14 thoughts on “Finally Feeling Like It’s Okay To Talk About My Anxiety Journey”

1. Mary – Thank you for being brave and sharing your story (having known you for many years, I’m not surprised by your bravery!). Mental Illness should never be hidden or treated any differently than any other disease. Anxiety, depression and being bi-polar runs in my family, so I’ve dealt with similar stories since childhood. It is important to share your experiences and learn from the experiences of others. It is a journey and not a destination! If I can ever help, in any way, let me know.

   1. Thank you, Paul, for your kind words and for sharing your family’s stories. It’s not easy and it’s definitely a journey, one that I couldn’t be on without friends that I’ve been open with, like yourself. You’ve already helped me over the years because you’ve known and accepted my struggle! I know you’ll always be there. xo Mary

2. Received via email:

   Particularly engaging is the specificity of the example you shared about the religious icons. It is easy for the reader to relate to a specific example.

3. Received via email:

   Loved your piece on your anxiety journey…you are so brave to do this and it will help so many..it was beautifully written
   Chris

4. I read your blog this morning. It was a really emotional experience in a great way and I want to share the overwhelming feeling of gratitude and respect, and pride I felt.

   I’m also really glad you wrote about it as a thing that’s part of life, to be managed on an ongoing basis, rather than some story of triumph over this thing that in the past.

   As someone who also has to work with my own anxiety everyday (and gets to be part of your life), this post also reminded me that we can’t rely on others for help if we don’t let people know what we are going through. My brother reminds me that the hard, hard work is still on ourselves, but boy is it easier for me when someone else knows that something that might be small for others is BFD for me.

   Just wanted to reach out because I was so moved.

   Again, Thank you.

   1. Thank you, Miro, for your comment and especially the reiteration that this is a journey. Other readers have said the same thing. And, your brother’s insights into understanding how big of a deal something is for the sufferer, no matter how small it might seem to others, is so refreshing and supportive. Looking forward to this journey of learning and growing together, and see you soon. xoxo

5. You are so inspiring! I am so proud of you for being open and honest, because ultimately, this is what helps others. Whether people are struggling with anxiety or something else, reading openly and honestly about your journey will help us all. Thank you!!! With love.

   1. Thank you, Stacey, for your ongoing support and understanding. Thank you for being so perceptive and open to conversations around difficult topics. I know you are in tune with how others are feeling and are so easy to talk to. Can’t wait to see you all soon. xoxo Mary

6. Thank you for sharing your story. You’re right that no two mental health stories are the same, but hearing common themes and similar feelings make you feel less alone.
   Kudos to you for opening up!

   1. Thank you for reaching out, Vanessa. From one person who suffers from anxiety to another, it makes the conversation around mental health more personal and less lonely. It also emphasizes how many people suffer and how differently we suffer, and how brave it is for others to share their stories. xoxo Mary

7. Amazing article Mary, I really connected to your words especially being worried about kids and their future. I felt I am not the only one suffering from anxiety. Actually my anxiety became worse with the start of my mother chronic illness. and strongly believe that taking care of your mental health is as important as physical one. Hopefully I can benefit from more articles about your journey.

   Warm Regards

   1. Thank you for taking the time to comment and sharing your story, too. When we talk about it, it makes us feel less alone and more connected to one another. I think we have to keep in mind that it’s a journey and that every day we are learning something about ourselves and our struggle. I’m planning on writing more about anxiety given how supportive everyone has been. I wish you the best on your journey. xoxo Mary

8. Thanks for sharing this! I really admire your willingness to write about this. I also struggle with anxiety (better than I used to) AND with the idea of talking about it. Every time someone talks about it, the stigma cracks. After enough cracks, it breaks.

   1. Thank you for writing in, JJ, and sharing your struggle. I like your comments on the cracks and breaks in the stigma around talking about anxiety. All the best to you and I’m glad we’re all talking about it more. xoxo Mary

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