This is a confession I’ve never shared before. In the past, before I faced my own battles with anxiety and depression, I used to view those who suffered from anxiety as overly dramatic. With my limited understanding, I thought they just needed to “calm down” and that anxiety was something easily controlled.
Now that I’ve experienced anxiety myself, I’ve come to a hard realization: I’m the one who’s been ‘putting on a brave face.’
But it’s not my anxiety symptoms that I’m concealing; it’s everything else. When I’m surrounded by friends, I wear a smile even though my heart is racing. I pretend to be engaged in conversations, nodding along while their words fade into the background, making me feel dizzy and sick.
I craft excuses to skip events or coffee dates, weaving together stories of busyness and family obligations so they won’t know I’m at home, focusing on my breath to soothe my anxious mind and body. At work, during meetings or shift reports, I claim to be tired, all the while battling a wave of anxiety that makes me feel faint. I feign exhaustion to avoid places that remind me of past anxiety attacks, where I once found myself unwell after a meal.
I used to believe those with anxiety were faking their struggles or embellishing their stories. Now, I understand that many of us are actually ‘putting on a brave face’ by downplaying how anxiety impacts our daily lives. We mask our true feelings through forced smiles and laughter to maintain our relationships and avoid making others uncomfortable. We do this for you.
In a society filled with stigma surrounding anxiety, we’ve somehow concluded that pretending will make our interactions smoother. However, from my experience, it often has the opposite effect. When I’m honest and open about my anxiety, I feel liberated and free to be myself without the need for a façade. I no longer worry about others discovering my anxiety, which is a relief in itself!
In truth, aren’t we all ‘putting on a brave face’ to some degree? We often hide our vulnerabilities, presenting a facade of confidence or expertise. We create an image to be more likable, but isn’t it authenticity that truly resonates with others?
I believe we can encourage one another to embrace our imperfections and build genuine connections. Instead of faking it, let’s seek out real community and lasting relationships.
So here’s my honest confession: I experience generalized anxiety, and I’ve been hiding it. But today, I’m making a commitment to change that. I want to be authentic with you, and I hope you’ll reciprocate. Will you join me on this journey?
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In summary, anxiety is a real struggle that many face silently. While we often feel pressured to hide our feelings, embracing authenticity can lead to deeper connections and understanding. Let’s support one another in being genuine and fostering a community where we can be ourselves without fear.
Keyphrase: Anxiety and Authenticity
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