I have noticed a funny thing happening over the last few years. Many of my friends have an anxiety problem. Is is because of me? Perhaps I am contagious?
My suspicion is that once you start talking about your own experiences of anxiety and/ or depression, is gives other people the opportunity to admit that they may have had similar experiences. Somehow it no longer signifies failure, lack of self control or negativity. It isn’t something to feel ashamed of, and in fact you may find out that your good friend suffers from the same problem!
My friends are without fault a glorious bunch. Many have had some tough times, and there is something wonderful about knowing people who have struggled with life, but are coming out the other side. We laugh a lot, and for me that’s what makes all of this worthwhile.
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November 27, 2007 at 3:03 pm
Summer
I find that I “catch” anxiety from other people’s stresses. In other words I get anxious about other people’s worries even if none of it really effects me. If those around me are having family troubles or those that I work with are stressed out, then I am the one that gets anxious. Unfortunately my friends and family that know I have anxiety don’t have a clue as to how I feel.
November 27, 2007 at 9:48 pm
jane
Yes, I know what you mean, I can find myselt getting all absorbed and worried about someone, and then when I check in later find that they are fine, and I am the one who has been loosing sleep! I especially do this in regards to my daughter.
I think it is hard for people to understand anxiety if they haven’t experienced it themselves. I do have friends who experience anxiety in one form or another, and it is nice to have people around who know how you are feeling and are non judgemental.
December 3, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Anxiety Attack Survivor
I couldn’t agree more. I think admitting to friends/family/co-workers about our anxiety and stress gets them to admit similar issues. It’s like some kind of ‘dark secret’ with most people but obviously more common than you would think. When I emerged from the anxiety closet I had friends coming out of the woodwork after me.
December 3, 2007 at 5:05 pm
jane
I like your analogy! The anxiety closet has a nice ring to it.
February 19, 2008 at 1:59 am
Angela Szazynski
Lets always be transparent…
Always real…
Only then will we have genuine relationships with each other….