Wellness Wednesday: Let’s Talk Anxiety

In recognition of World Mental Health Day, I wanted to revisit my journey with anxiety and share what I’ve learned along the way. Living with an anxiety disorder is different from feeling nervous before a big event or a tough conversation; it’s an ongoing challenge that doesn’t just go away once the stress fades. Thankfully, the conversation around anxiety, depression, and mental health has opened up so much more since I first started learning about it. And while I’m not a mental health professional, I’m sharing my own experience here in the hope that it might resonate with some of you. If you’re struggling, please reach out to your doctor and/or a mental health professional—you don’t have to face this alone.

What is an anxiety disorder?

Almost everyone has experienced anxiety—it’s normal and usually tied to specific stressors. But when you live with an anxiety disorder, it’s different. The symptoms—panic, fear, worry—don’t just fade with a change of circumstance; they stick around, sometimes seemingly without reason, and can make even the simplest moments feel overwhelming. The Calm Clinic has a very comprehensive guide on what anxiety is and the different types of anxiety that psychologists have identified.  If you’re interested in learning more about the seven types of anxiety disorders, I encourage you to read this article. But remember that knowledge doesn’t replace the real healing that comes from talking with a mental health professional.

My Struggle with Anxiety.

Looking back, I’ve been “anxious” my whole life. Even as a young girl, I’d lie awake at night, worrying about things most kids don’t think twice about—like death, loss, and things I had no control over. I’d imagine escape routes in case of a fire or try to work out what I’d do if my parents got sick or something happened to them. My family called me a “nervous Nelly,” and they’d reassure me, but the worries didn’t just vanish with reassurance.

After college, my anxiety escalated into full-blown panic attacks, complete with a racing heart, uncontrollable shaking, and a feeling like the world was closing in. I remember my first attack vividly—it felt like I was having a heart attack. Over time, and with some helpful tools (including medication), I learned to recognize and sometimes even manage these moments. But the fear—especially when it comes to health or the safety of those I love—is still a regular visitor in my life. And though it’s hard to talk about, I share this for my (potential future) kids and anyone else who feels alone in their journey. Mental health struggles are not taboo and nothing to stigmatize. I hope to contribute to an environment that supports open conversations about these topics and allows people the space to get the help they need without fear.

How I Manage My Anxiety.

  As I’ve mentioned, various medications can help someone with their anxiety. It’s best to talk to your doctor about what medications may be right for you.

There’s no magic fix, but I’ve found a few things that help keep the worst at bay. Here’s what works for me:

Therapy: Hands down, therapy has been the best investment I’ve ever made in my well-being. Speaking with a therapist has given me the space to unpack my thoughts without judgment and to better understand my anxiety patterns. In therapy, I’ve learned coping techniques that help me manage intense moments and stay grounded. It’s helped me realize I’m not alone in this and that it’s okay to ask for help. Therapy has truly been a place for me to find tools, support, and self-compassion in this journey. It wasn’t without some struggles though– finding the right therapist for you is so important. I’ve had 4 different therapists and finally found one who utilized techniques I responded well to and who I felt comfortable with. There are many, many modalities in therapy– and sometimes it takes time to find the right one for you.

Meditation: I’m not naturally someone who sits still well, but a few minutes of quiet, focused breathing each day helps center me. Mornings are my sweet spot, but meditation at any time—even for a few minutes—can make a difference.

Exercise: Movement is key. It gives me a way to channel my energy. Most of my friends know my love of walking; what they may not know is how integral it’s been in helping me manage my anxiety. Those long walks aren’t always “just for fun.” Lifting weights has also helped me feel both physically and mentally strong. Find the movement that feels good to you.

Eating Well: Nourishing my body helps my mind, too. Whole foods, plenty of greens, protein, and healthy fats have made a noticeable difference in my overall mental state. Certain foods, like chamomile tea, nuts, and magnesium, have been especially helpful.

Lean on Loved Ones: My husband, family, and friends are my rock. Just knowing I have people who understand—who can hold my hand or sit with me quietly—is a huge source of strength. I know it’s not always easy to reach out, but sharing can make the burden feel a little lighter. There are communities out there as well. While social media carries a bad rep, it also expands our ability to connect with more people. Find accounts you connect with.

Self-Care and Little Joys: I’ve learned to be intentional about small comforts, like a warm bath, a good book, or a favorite playlist. Carving out space to relax isn’t selfish; it’s essential. My dog, Chucko, has also been a source of comfort when anxiety strikes. He seems to know exactly when I need him by my side.

This is a glimpse into my world with anxiety. I’m always open to hearing how others cope, so if you have techniques or things that have worked for you, please share them. And if anxiety isn’t your struggle, I hope reading this helps you better understand the journey for those who do deal with it, so you can best support them.

~Christina