How I got help for anxiety | Eden's Mental health Story | Mind
"Hi my name is Eden and this is my mental health selfie for Mind. I've suffered from anxiety for the majority of my life, but becoming extremely severe around eight years ago. I only went to my doctor and got diagnosed about 1 month ago where they diagnosed me with severe anxiety and mild social anxiety. Until recently I never even understood what was wrong with me. I always believed I was just being silly or that I was physically ill. It wasn't I did some research that I realised I actually had anxiety. There are specific situations when I feel particularly anxious like being in restaurants and around food, however in general anxiety can attack me in any situation even random things like crossing the road or being on the phone.
I feel like anxiety has ruined my life and stopped me doing so many things that I could and would do, but I just can't. One way to explain it is like being imprisoned in your own mind there's just no escape. Previously I've never spoken to anyone about my symptoms or feelings. Not with the doctor, friends not with family, because I didn't believe I had a reason to feel like this or speak up about it. However once I mentioned it to my friends it was a relief because it helped me come to terms with how I felt and helped them understand why I do certain things why I cant do certain things or why I act the way I do. My friends gave me courage to go to the doctor to get help, because anxiety is severely impacting my life and I was coping in ways that was exactly normal. I can't do the everyday, day to day things that everyone else can.
I would say talking to friends and family can help because they begin to understand your mind. They may not understand it fully but to an extent they will. By talking to people they can give you courage and support you along the way. Being with you while you achieve the things that you anxiety can stop doing. Just from the help of my friends I've achieved things I never thought I would have been able to six months ago. It may only be very small things but it does make a difference.
So my message would be, if you suffer from mental health issues talk to friends and family about it because they will be able to understand and support you along the way. At times I do still feel like I'm being ridiculous or that I shouldn't be complaining, but after such a long and exhausting time I've gained the courage and I'm about to start receiving CBT. So please be brave and speak to people about your mental health issues because it could help you a lot more than you may think. "