Part 2
What You Try to Hide Usually Sticks Out Like a Sore Thumb
On another note it is thought that whatever a person tries to hide the most about themselves is what is the most obvious to others about them! Not only that the less you talk about something the bigger the shame becomes.
Not hiding your condition can actually neutralize the feelings of anxiety and shame. So for some it might be of great benefit to let others know what you’re going through.
Let’s say you do muster up the courage to share your predicament, keep in mind it might be easier to start with those that are close to you at first.
If you get a “I don’t understand” response, don’t get discouraged from the gate. Consider that since you have probably become a master at hiding your pain, people might not get it initially.
Also most anxiety sufferers look quite fine on the outside, so it’s hard sometimes for others to realize that they are actually battling a condition on the inside.
In my experience, most people although they’ve been quite surprised, they have been empathetic at the same time. I do have to add that I’m very selective about who I tell.
Ultimately it really is an individual choice as to whether you will want to open up to people about your anxiety and panic attacks or not.
Demystifying the Shame
The benefit of doing so is to help you demystify the whole “shame” thing by getting it out in the open.
Hiding anything causes unnecessary stress and anxiety in itself. And it actually takes a lot of energy physically and mentally to keep something bottled up inside oneself. For the few idiots that aren’t going to understand, please don’t take their ignorance personally.
These are people you’ll probably want to stay away from anyway. True friends or people that are worth being around will 9 times out of 10 support you and accept you for who you are.
Some of you might feel that you don’t want to or have to explain to anyone what you’re going through. You might subscribe to the thought that what others think of you is none of your business anyway. That’s ok as well.
The point that I’m trying to make is that whether you choose to reveal your pain to others or not, don’t ever put yourself down about it. Your focus should always be on getting stronger and empowering yourself with kind thoughts and words.
You are a Warrior and Survivor
Learn to be patient with yourself and forgive yourself for the setbacks. Know that you are a warrior and a survivor. Continue to tell yourself this and you will sooner or later prevail.
Motivational speaker Louise Hay put it so eloquently by saying, “You’ve been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked, Try approving of yourself and see what happens”.
There have been many famous people who have had anxiety disorders and went on to do great things and you can too.
There are firemen and women, police as well as soldiers that combat this disorder everyday yet carry on their duties.
Below is a small list of well know individuals that have dealt with anxiety and panic attacks yet have led successful lives.
Famous People with Anxiety Disorders
Micheal Jackson: anxiety and social phobia
Barbra Streisand: social phobia
Carly Simon: social phobia
Shayne Corson: panic attacks
Dan Harris: panic attacks
Kim Basinger: social anxiety
Daryle Hanah: panic attacks
Paula Deen: agoraphobia and panic attacks
Roseanne: DID OCD clinical depression and agoraphobia
Steve Blast: social phobia
Steve Sax: social phobia
Don’t be Ashamed of Seeking Help
It is important to keep in mind that if you feel you need help or counseling don’t allow any feelings of shame or guilt to keep you from getting the help you deserve.
Often times people are embarrassed to let family members know their plight because some in some cultures the very act of consulting a psychiatrist or psychologist is a sign of weakness. This is usually due to outdated ignorant thinking and should never dissuade you from doing so.
Never ever feel ashamed or hesitate to seek out help if you feel that’s what you need. If you feel you can’t talk to a family member about it, then find someone that you can express your feelings to.
Ultimately you have to stop feeding your anxiety the fuels of shame and embarrassment. Instead make it a practice daily to drip feed yourself self acceptance and self love and encouragement.
Stop Beating Yourself Up
Remind yourself every day, every hour of how strong you are for dealing with your anxiety and panic attacks and carrying on with your daily tasks of life. Hats off to you for not giving up.
It really is time to congratulate yourself for being a survivor and a warrior in a battle that you’re going to win no matter what.
Consider letting others know what you’re dealing with so that you can free yourself from any feelings of shame. Keep up the good fight my friend.
