Everyone’s lives are different, and not everyone has the same routine.
But there are a few everyday tasks most of us do: wake up, go to work, come home, eat, sleep — just to name a few.
When you live with anxiety, even small everyday things can be tough.
Tasks people take for granted, like going to the grocery shop, may be the hardest thing you do all day.
It’s easy to feel ashamed when you have a hard time doing “normal” things, but there’s no shame in having challenges.
The worst part is when people tell you to chill, wow what an original thought.
If not for you all I would have never guessed that chilling might just lift me out of the slump.
Because the biggest problem with anxiety is that everyone thinks it’s self-inflicted.
When it’s really not. Why would someone do that to themselves?
It's not like I don’t want to chill, but seriously how do you 'chill'?
I’m sorry if I missed that oh so important chapter about chilling, because I was too busy lying in my bed thinking I’m the absolute worst and how sad it is that I can’t even get up.
I shouldn’t have to explain, but because no one seems to understand here’s a crash course.
Anxiety comes in all shapes and sizes. And it may or may not be triggered by something. It is just there, waiting to jump on you.
It’s an apex predator and you’re the prey. And no matter how much you arm yourself against it, even the mighty fall.
I get anxious about being anxious. Get it? No? Of course!
But, when you go out for the day and wonder what shoes to wear, I am wondering what will happen if I have a panic attack in the car, at the shops or in the street and, if I do, what have I got with me to distract me - chewing gum, a bottle of water, a fully charged phone. It's about preparing to be unprepared. Believe me It is exhausting.
I’d never really thought that anxiety was a diagnosable condition.
I was led to believe growing up that I was a ‘baby’ who got upset over unusual things.
I think because I’m high-functioning, my anxiety often presents as irritation, anger, and frustration.
And also because I’m high-functioning I’m not taken seriously.
It’s okay. I’m not here because I want you to take me seriously, but do take anxiety seriously.
Do take others, who are in the same boat, seriously.
If not, don’t make a mockery of their predicament by uttering gibberish.
Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk!
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