Girls Need Love?! Yasss! Especially with Anxiety

Anxiety! Something we try to run from or try to make it not exist. I know that too well, because I ran from this label for so long. Ran from the fact that mental health is real and should be addressed in order to live daily life. I didn't realize that I suffered with anxiety until I had an anxiety attack at work. I was so overwhelmed with work and the baggage that came with the job. I was in a meeting and things were said that I didn't agree with. So, background information about me; I don't like confrontation and I cry when sad, mad, happy, etc. Anyways, I did not agree with the things that the job was now requiring and I sensed a feeling of everything I did was never enough. I began to get angry and I honestly only remember crying, yelling, storming out of the meeting, and locking myself in the bathroom. While in the bathroom, I sat on a floor in the stall and cried my eyes out. I prayed so hard that God would help me. I then became so short of breath. Everyone was coming to the door to check on me, but the only person I spoke to was my fiancé. He coached me on my breathing and told me it was time to leave the job, which was so hard for me because I do not like change and I was always afraid to step out on faith. But that day I knew things had to change. I quickly booked an appointment with my doctor and she diagnosed me with anxiety. Being the person I am, I become anal about things and I started to google all about anxiety. Well I realized that I have had anxiety for a while. One big thing stood out to me when I read a story about a person who becomes really anxious on bridges. I was like "YESS, THATS ME!!". When I travel over a bridge, I immediately prepare in mind for survival if my car would go over the bridge. My mind starts to go over every escape route to getting out of a car that is sinking into a large body of water. Its like an uncontrollable thing that my mind always reverts to. Over the years, I have learned coping mechanisms to help said anxieties. Sometimes it can be harder than others to come down from the anxious feeling and sometimes I may have to take my anxiety medicine and that is ok.

Sisters, do you relate? Does your mind race constantly? When things happen to you that just doesn't sit well; do you replay it in your mind a million times trying to figure out how it should have went? Do you sweat instantly when nervous or feel overwhelmed? Do you feel like you aren't doing enough sometimes? Now I am not a medical professional, but this is how I feel and I know I have anxiety. I am dealing with my anxiety while writing this blog. I think this may be my 19th draft. lol And that's ok! Embrace all parts of yourself even when you aren't completely sure about some. Seek guidance. Talk to someone about your feelings. Allow them to help you organize them. Nothing is wrong with having a therapist. They are trained to help you through moments of uncertainty that allows you to organize, understand, and manage through said moments. And if you need more, CHILE look for more! Medication may be what you find. Sometimes the chemistry inside needs a little balancing. Trust me it is natural. Anxiety may look different for you than it does for me, but sister I am here with you. I relate! We will be ok! Best thing about anxiety being so common; there are so many people that relate to you. This alone is therapy, because it gives you hope that the thing you may be dealing with is the same thing someone else went through. They have made it to the other side and you will too! We will take this label of anxiety in stride and push through together! You will be fine! Because we Recognize, we Accept, and we are Managing!

With Love,

Your Kindred Spirit,

Janee Jolivet-Charles