Weekly Prompt #33: How open do you feel about talking about your anxiety with others?
Hello all and welcome back to another discussion,
A couple of weeks ago we discussed: How are you feeling right now? Thank you to all who participated and shared your thoughts with us. I appreciate you all. I hope all who may read it find it relatable too. If anyone hasn't shared yet, please share them here and I look forward to reading and discussing them with you.
This week's prompt: How open do you feel about talking about your anxiety with others?
The topic of discussing anxiety with others carries a weight of vulnerability and courage. It's not easy to open up about our inner struggles, especially when it comes to mental health issues like anxiety. Yet, the act of sharing our experiences and emotions with others can be a powerful step towards healing and connection. Let's get started and share your thoughts with us.
Also, it is time for periodic feedback on these weekly prompts.
- On a scale of 1-10, how helpful did you find these discussions on anxiety so far? (10 being most helpful)
- What specific topics related to anxiety would you be interested in learning more about or discussing further?
@ASilentObserver I feel pretty good about it! But it has to be situational, you know? I'm not gonna be like "Hello, welcome to Starbucks-" "My therapist says I've been doing a great job lately." You know? xD
@asb1995 Thank you for sharing this with us, Asb. i totally get it that how opening up about anxiety can be difficult, especially when it has caused hurt to those we care about. What feelings come up for you as you consider sharing with others?
Empowerment usually. It reminds me of how far I have travelled in my own mental health journey! ❤️
@ASilentObserver
A little too open :P
I was fortunate to have an amazing mother who was always willing to listen to me and offer encouragement, advice or solutions, whenever I came to her needing emotional support. So I'm extremely used to blabbing my heart out :P
Plus, when I was going through a difficult period of transition some years back, I was blessed with four wonderful therapists who made the experience comfortable and enjoyable for me. That was hugely beneficial, and really laid the foundation for my journey of self-growth and enlightenment.
BUT
An experience three years ago taught me that I need to set boundaries regarding who I'm open with. Some people might use that personal information against me, or leak it to the wrong person who'll completely misunderstand me.
@Zevia1MM that is great, Zevia. It sounds like you had good role models for listening and opening up with your mom and your therapists. You value being heard and understood. How did you know that you needed to set boundaries?
@ASilentObserver
Let's just say that when I told someone personal things, it came back to bite and I realized I need to be more careful about who I trusted.
@ASilentObserver it depends on whom i am talkin to as my close friends and boyfriend yes most of my family no because my mom does not care and i am afraid of telling anyone else as they may hut me down or care too much my dad it depends o his mood same with my sis
@alysianna I understand how sharing can be difficult when we care about what others might think. Please know you are not alone in feeling hesitant to share with certain people. It is totally okay to prioritize your own comfort and well-being when deciding who to open up to. What factors contribute to you feeling more comfortable opening up to your close friends and boyfriend?
@ASilentObserver tha fact that they know me bettier in 1-2 year then most of my family (besides my now dead grandma) in 16 years and they have proven they will not betray my trust. or at last not on porpus my bf is prone to but lunrned from the one big misstake and has gotton better also they r like the family i never had and they do not discredit my feeling as pointless
It is hard for me to share my information. I don't want to feel like I am being a burden on someone else. I always feel like there are others who need support more then me. I try to make the best of my days.
@Kettajohnson23
i understand this feeling, and i’m sorry you had to feel that way. let me assure you that you aren’t a burden 💜
@Kettajohnson23 I understand how it can be difficult to open up about our struggles, especially when we care about others and want them to feel supported. Please know it is okay to share your experience with anxiety because it doesn't mean you're burdening anyone. In fact, opening up can often bring people closer together and create a sense of understanding and empathy. We are all here with you to listen to and support you. You are not alone in this.
@ASilentObserver This is the first time I am posting to this Thread. I don't have anyone to talk to about my anxiety. I'm afraid to burden others with my issues. My close friends have enough problems of their own for me to add onto them. I also feel like a freak sometimes because I over worry about every little thing. I have problems making decisions because I overthink about "what if?" This has stopped me from taking chances and possible missed opportunities.
@NotAllHere713 I am glad you decided to open up and sharing with us here, E. I totally get it that feeling anxious about sharing your struggles is natural, but please know you're not alone. Many people face similar challenges, and opening up can bring relief and understanding. We are all here with you and share what you can.
@ASilentObserver
Like a 9, it's 2024 and I already been in a psych ward. Anxiety is like breathing or amend saying I'm not afraid of nothing. Or back in the day when all the school kids use to say "I'm fighting demons. "
Is Life.
@evieats it seems like anxiety has become a natural part of your life, Evie. Even feeling like it is always there. You have experienced a lot in your young life, including being in a psych ward. It feels overwhelming and difficult to carry alone. What feelings come up for you when you think about your anxiety?
@ASilentObserver Hi there,
I am pretty open with telling people about my anxiety, especially because my body reacts to anxiety before my brain does, which is very interesting. I feel compelled to tell people about this because i physically sweat sometimes, even though my brain might not feel anxious. It is very weird, but I am working on it.
I mainly have anxiety about the future and sometimes the present, but it certainly depends.
E
@sincerePlane4053 anxiety can be difficult to navigate. I am glad you are self aware and you've noticed some physical symptoms that come up before you feel anxious. Have you always experienced anxiety this way?
@ASilentObserver no i have not, but i have been in contact with my doctors and i think there is a solution in sight, so I am working on it with them. Sometimes its best to talk to a professional!
Ethan
@sincerePlane4053 Well, I am glad you are taking steps towards finding a solution with your doctors. I hope it brings more help and support to you. I am thinking of you, E. You got this
@ASilentObserver thank you, I appreciate your kindness! Let me know if there is anything I can do to be more involved with the community! Feel free to send me a message anytime :)
@ASilentObserver
not feeling open at all in general to open up. Guess anxiety 1 fluffy 0 🫣. If I do, there’s an after wave of remorse and intrusive thoughts. Which deepens self defense need of shutting down. Roots are deep 👀🙄. Let’s say we have a complicated relationship with a touch of toxicity lol.
@Fluffymonster101 Thank you for opening up with us, Fluffy. It feels like sharing about your anxiety brings up difficult feelings of self-protection and shutting down. I understand it can be difficult and overwhelming. But please know you are not alone in experiencing these complex emotions. What feelings arise when you think about opening up more?
@ASilentObserver
thanks. I guess the idea of being vulnerable seems like such a weakness that can leave space for being hurt, that it’s better not to do it at all. Idk how to put it otherwise. I know it’s not true, but feelings such as regret and fear are always present after any kind of opening up. I feel sry I said anything in 1st place and thoughts such as ‘it would’ve been better not to say anything, now they know, can’t take it back, what if they think I’m lame or they misunderstand or even worse judge… When things are slightly different and maybe beyond others ability to comprehend, it’s better to keep your silence. But same time there is this need to take things off one’s chest so it’s a constant inner contradiction. do it, don’t do it! Most of the time don’t do it wins. Either way, it’s not very pleasant. Anxiety is a mother forker shapeshifting entity, you never know what or how it will strike, but you know it will and having to live with it complicates the easiness and pleasure of life. Idk what more to say. Also apologies for always having long replies, donno how to be succinct lol 🫣
Thank you for being here! This place does help a lot. Might not change who I am, but it’s a reachable hand to grab in times of need. I appreciate you and everyone else here🙏🤗
@Fluffymonster101 you have mixed feelings about opening up to others because you are worried about being hurt and feeling vulnerable. You want to share and get things off your chest, but it s hard to find the right balance. I appreciate you for sharing these complex emotions. We are all here with you to listen to and support you.
I feel open about talking anxiety with other anxiety stricken people it if it doesn't affect you, you don't get it.
Just like a y other common ground you can find with someone, it's good to compare notes.
@Invisiblesamaritan Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, Invisible. I understand how sharing experiences with others who have gone through similar situations can provide comfort and understanding. But also please know that everyone's experiences and struggles are unique, and there's no right or wrong way to feel. What matters most is finding support and understanding from those who are willing to listen without judgment. We are all here with you to support and listen to. You are not alone here. <3
On the topic of sharing my Anxiety to others openly, when I'm in situations where I think it's necessary that someone knows, I do often say I have a bit of anxiety that gets worse over prolonged periods of doing the thing that causes anxiety. (Mostly, social situations )
@MochaPeach101 I totally understand how it can be difficult to navigate sharing about our anxiety, Mocha. I am glad you have found a way to express it in those moments that feel most important. What feelings come up for you when you tell others about your anxiety?
@ASilentObserver
Well, Anxiety haha! I do have a high sensitivity to rejection, so the fear that others will reject me because of, essentially my irrational fears about social situations and rejection, is very annoying to deal with.
@MochaPeach101 you feel anxious about being rejected by others due to your anxiety. That can create a difficult cycle. How do you typically respond when people react negatively to you because of your anxiety?
@ASilentObserver I've luckily never had a negative reaction, or not fully negative. I have occasionally heard the "oh so you're just narcissistic " comment, but I've been able to shut that down and explain how anxiety really feels in my case.
@MochaPeach101 That is nice, mocha. I am glad you have a good understanding of how your anxiety can show up and impact others. It is good that you have been able to advocate for yourself and educate others on your experience.