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What if people know that I'm struggling with anxiety?

35 Answers
Last Updated: 04/19/2021 at 9:05pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Lisa Groesz, PhD

Psychologist

With evidenced based therapies, we find the root of the problem together to implement solutions. We all face crises, transitions, or disorders at some time.

Top Rated Answers
Johnny20
September 13th, 2014 1:27pm
Probably you will find more people with the same problem. In fact, You are not alone dealing with anxiety.
ModernBbygg
November 14th, 2014 3:20pm
Just shake it off, If someone knows your buissness, Ignore it. It's just like painting your nails and getting paint on the toe. You can still fix it.
SupportIsHere
October 14th, 2014 2:11am
Struggling with Anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of, and is more common than everyone thinks. The more people that know that your struggling the better support system you will have.
marinadivision
October 17th, 2014 7:17pm
First of all, try to be calm. It's not a thing to be ashamed of. You shouldn't think of this as a shameful thing. It's a disorder, in which you have no fault. Just keep going through this, you should know that you are 2 times stronger than average people. You battle this everyday, you are strong!
Anonymous
November 16th, 2014 7:04pm
I've struggled with anxiety for a long time myself, what i found out once i started to be more open about it, is that actually a lot of people understood what i was going trough. Some had their own experiences with anxiety, others had friends or relatives that struggled with anxiety, none judged me for struggling with it. I've since been very open about the fact that I've struggled with anxiety and found out that i was fine with people knowing what i was struggling with.
MegTheNugget
September 20th, 2014 10:45am
Having anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of - don't be afraid of other people finding out. Most people will be really supportive, in my experience.
NatalieJ93
August 24th, 2015 3:48pm
I think that's the scariest part about anxiety itself-is the thought of other people around us "seeing through us" or knowing we're struggling. Maybe it's a pride issue, I don't know..but it's a lie. The more people who know about your struggle, the better because at the end of the day, we're all humans just trying to figure it out and find ways to deal with the hardships of life. We need each other! So reach out to someone you trust and let them know what you're dealing with. It's crucial that we share in each other's pain-it can be the start to healing!
Em
June 23rd, 2015 8:20pm
They might have some trouble understanding, they might think that you're weird. They'd be wrong. Then they'd get to know you, you'd maybe tell them a little more about the fact that it's uncontrollable, the anxiety, and they'd begin to learn more about anxiety & anxiety disorders. But most importantly, you'd feel at ease for not having to hide your anxiety from people.
Anonymous
November 15th, 2014 2:31pm
If people realize you a struggling with anxiety there is little we can do to change their mind. All we can do is to concentrate on ourselves and how we conduct ourselves. Easer said then done yet it is doable!
neverletlifetakeyourspark
November 10th, 2014 11:50pm
It shouldn't bother anyone that a person has any mental illness, but society makes it out to be. If a person doesn't like that you have anxiety, remove them from your life. It's as simple as that. True friends wont care about those things. They'll want to help you.
Ingrid9
November 9th, 2014 9:46pm
If people know, hopefully they would offer help/support to you! But on the other hand, some people may fear the stigma that is attached to anxiety, and may decide not to say anything.
Anonymous
November 8th, 2014 4:22pm
Does it matter? If you're worried about people judging you and can't keep it together, consider seeing a doctor/therapist for more assistance.
Nexilva
November 4th, 2014 10:14am
then if they choose to say something to you, it is their own ignorance that is guiding them. However, they may also choose to try and help offer you some support
fleur
October 30th, 2014 1:46pm
Be patient towards the people who don't know what it is. And be kind to the people who truly care about what's going on on your brain.
Anonymous
October 29th, 2014 9:16pm
Do not feel embarrassed about expressing your emotions, people will not judge you just because you have anxiety. We all experience anxiety at times. Don't worry about people knowing. You NEED people to know sometimes.
Anonymous
October 29th, 2014 3:01pm
It is nothing to be ashamed of and you will get through it in the end. Anxiety is a symbol that you have been strong for too long and you will get through this part of your life
Anonymous
October 29th, 2014 11:47am
Then nothing. Nothing bad is going to happen if people find out you're struggling with anxiety. Bad people could be mean about it, but this is rare. Most people don't care or are understanding.
laura4060
October 28th, 2014 4:29am
Some people will try to help you over come your anxiety while help you, others may mock you or leave you. It is clear you need to get rid of those who mock you and surround yourself with support.
Courage
October 26th, 2014 10:28pm
Sometimes, those of us who tend to "live out loud" with our issues inspire those around us to push harder though there own--- and they we are all connected in our humanness... not alone at all.
Gabrielle2019
September 30th, 2014 10:12pm
I struggle from anxiety. I was afraid to tell people, but im glad I did. The people that love me and support me understood and were able to give me the time, space and support I needed if I was feeling anxious. No one should ever judge you for this, it's something we have no control over.
Anonymous
November 7th, 2014 4:34pm
I struggle with anxiety and I have actually found that talking with people about it makes me feel better. I have been surprised by the amount of people who are having similar struggles. The more I talk about it the more "normal" I feel and the less anxiety I have.
DanielN
November 9th, 2015 11:57pm
They say that people cast judgement on you within the first six seconds they interact with you. So, needless to say, people are going to judge you regardless of your anxiety. As we move day-to-day in our lives, we need to keep in mind that all we can be is our best selves. Sure, you may have anxiety- but that doesn't define you. How you treat others, your level of compassion, helpfulness, and positivism that you bring to the world will always outshine what others may think is a "flaw."
Anonymous
July 24th, 2018 12:42am
Then they will just know. It's not as if you chose the struggle. If needed, try to explain to them what is going on and how it affects you.
bronwyn4456
November 9th, 2015 5:25pm
there is nothing wrong with people knowing you are struggling with anxiety maybe if you reach out to them they may be able to help as well
Dreamz
June 22nd, 2015 8:57pm
It is okay for people to know that you struggle with something. If they know what you're going through, then they can do a better job of helping you. It's not your fault nor anyone else's that you have anxiety so do not be ashamed to tell someone.
adorableSun37
November 10th, 2015 8:36pm
People should be compassionate... which is a 50/50 proposition. Owning up to your anxiety and getting help for it is nothing to be ashamed of. It's also nobody's business if you don't want it to be shared
Jerome28
March 15th, 2016 3:39pm
Some people might be empathic and understanding, they might suggest ways of managing anxiety. Others might not be so nice about it, even hurtful. You never know what you're going to get if you worry about what people think. It's a lot more important to figure out what you think about your struggle with anxiety. Come to terms with it yourself. Accept it. Love yourself, your anxiety and all. If you work toward center and balance about it, others won't be able to push you over.
Anonymous
May 31st, 2016 6:13pm
Its a natural thing to have, more then half of people in the world deal with anxiety, if they give criticism well that shows they don't know what it's like.
Anonymous
June 6th, 2016 7:20pm
This may be a better option then you think. Believe it or not you may have more support when people know, rather than struggling in silence.
D0ncella
August 23rd, 2016 4:08am
People can know about it but the only one can do something for it, it's me. Friends and family, even a pet can be the best support but only that, support. We need to find by ourself the peace.