Anxiety can be an unyielding force, and I found myself weary of its constant influence over my life. Each day, it seemed to invade a new aspect of my existence, making me feel as though something ominous was lurking just beyond my awareness.
I wasn’t ignoring my anxiety, however. I maintained a routine that included daily exercise to release those feel-good hormones, prioritized sleep to combat anxiety’s grip, and increased my hydration. I even explored meditation and supplements aimed at alleviating anxiety. Yet, these measures fell short.
My anxiety escalated to the point where I experienced panic attacks while driving. I could be feeling perfectly fine until I sat behind the wheel, and then a wave of panic would wash over me. There was no actual threat, yet I would feel my throat tighten, my heart race, and my breath shorten. The familiar knot in my stomach would return.
The most challenging part was the relentless stream of thoughts. Those of us who struggle with anxiety can’t simply “calm down” or stop being anxious on cue; that’s not how it works. Positive thinking and “going with the flow” aren’t effective strategies for someone living with anxiety.
It turns out I’m not alone in this battle. Statistics show that one in five adults will encounter an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, with women being twice as likely to be affected as men. This doesn’t surprise me; it often feels like women bear the emotional burden of their families. I frequently remind my partner, “I’m not just taking care of myself; I’m also looking after our four kids.” Their needs are persistent. Although my partner is very involved, I often find myself taking on more than my fair share of responsibilities. I feel a deep-seated need to keep everything running smoothly.
Anxiety has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, yet it wasn’t until my thirties that I received a formal diagnosis. As if that weren’t enough, I’m also raising a child who experiences anxiety. This creates a challenging environment, as anxiety tends to breed more anxiety—a vicious cycle indeed.
Realizing I needed to take a different approach, I acknowledged that my anxiety was no longer just a sporadic visitor; it had permeated every aspect of my life. I found myself consumed with worries about my children’s safety, obsessing over my health at every minor ache, and unable to overcome my driving fears.
Fortunately, I discovered options for managing my anxiety. First, I decided to return to anxiety medication, which I had hesitated to do for too long. I had known for months that it was necessary, but I had to confront my pride and, of course, my anxiety about taking medication.
The second step was surprisingly simple yet transformative. During a session with my therapist, I expressed how I felt overwhelmed by anxiety and wanted to pretend it wasn’t there. Avoidance is a common response to anxiety, a means of self-defense against perceived threats.
My therapist posed an intriguing question: “Have you considered confronting your anxiety?” Initially taken aback, I listed the methods I had already tried—medication, meditation, healthy eating, and sleep. She clarified, “I mean, have you thought about calling it out?”
What does it mean to call out your anxiety? My therapist encouraged me to literally stop what I was doing when anxious thoughts arise and address the anxiety—out loud. She assured me that acknowledging my feelings audibly, even if it seemed silly, could be a potent tool.
This practice manifests in two primary ways. First, I can call out my anxiety throughout my day. Thankfully, I work from home, so I don’t have to worry about coworkers giving me strange looks while I talk to myself. Second, I’ve started sharing with my family when my anxiety is particularly intense. There is something liberating about standing up to my anxiety.
Words hold immense power. Anxiety often tells us to hide, avoid, and escape. But what if we instead called it out? By vocalizing my anxiety, I reclaim my power and share my struggles with others. When I began speaking openly about my anxiety with friends and family, I was surprised to find so many others facing similar battles. Many had been too embarrassed to share their experiences, instead suffering in silence due to the stigma surrounding mental health.
Anxiety can be deceitful and overbearing, much like a troublesome ex. However, when we confront it—especially by speaking out—we empower ourselves.
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In summary, confronting anxiety by speaking it out loud can transform how we experience it. By sharing our struggles, we not only empower ourselves but also connect with others who may be going through similar challenges.
Keyphrase: Confronting anxiety through vocalization
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