First and foremost, I would like to say that I am extremely proud of myself and grateful that while I struggled here and there, I did very well with getting out yesterday and having a good time; not allowing my anxiety to stop me from doing what I wanted.
For those of you who struggle with anxiety or another mental health issue, you undoubtedly understand what it’s like to sometimes feel weighed down. Even when we’re standing up to our obstacles, we oftentimes feel them trying to drag us down; trying to stop us from achieving our goals.
Take yesterday for example. While I hate to admit this, sometimes I need help when going out. I also, unfortunately, sometimes need to sit and take breaks while out shopping, etc. It can quite quickly become tiring. I get tired of not just being able to walk into a store and walk around without any help. I get tired of my anxiety trying to take charge.
As I stated earlier, I did a lot yesterday and I’m happy to say that not once did I allow anxiety to stop me from doing something I wanted to do. Still, anxiety takes its toll – it robs you of complete freedom. Sure I went into the stores I wanted to and didn’t leave before I wanted to (which is a huge improvement that I am very thankful for), but that doesn’t mean that I don’t still wish I didn’t feel the need for assistance to get through the store or the need to sometimes sit down and take breaks.
Here’s the thing, though. The thing I’m sure most of you are tired of hearing. Progress takes time. As I mentioned before, there was a time where I’d become so anxious, I’d have to leave a restaurant or store before I was ready. Heck, there was a time I wouldn’t even try to go in at all. Yes, I miss the time before all of this when I could go into places alone and not think twice, but again, things take time and I am getting better – no doubt about it.
Also, there is nothing wrong with needing help and you shouldn’t feel embarrassed if you do. Still, I’m not going to lie – it’s hard not to feel otherwise. Let’s face it, people can be judgmental. I think we’re all guilty of it. It’s difficult, but we have to remember that all that matters is that we’re trying our best to overcome our obstacles. There is nothing wrong with needing help or embarrassing about struggling.
I just want to remind you that you are not alone. If you’re feeling weighed down by your mental illness or mental health issue, I get it. Pushing through something so strong and overwhelming is tough and it can take a lot out of a person. What’s important, however, is that we do not allow it to take anything fromus. We are all strong individuals – much stronger than the obstacles that come our way – and we are all worth way too much to let our struggles define us. Even if we feel tired or weighed down, we must keep fighting. The more we stand up to our fears and other obstacles, the easier it will become to deny the weight they add to our lives.
