54 Comments

  1. Erika Lancaster
    May 23, 2018 @ 4:23 pm

    Hi Candice!
    I really resonated with your article and wanted to thank you for putting something as personal as dealing with anxiety out there. It helps others like me that deal with similar situations feel less alone, for sure. I didn’t know I had an anxiety problem until relatively recently and felt like a crazy person for years because things that appeared to be so normal for others around me, were just SO incredibly hard for ME to do. Through past jobs and situations in which I’ve practically forced myself to be more social, I’ve been able to learn how to “turn-on” the more social part of myself and expand my tolerance to the point that I’ve been able to gain more self-confidence and even start my own art business. However, I still hate things like talking on the phone and feel exhausted after being social for a certain amount of time! I love being alone and being in peace…. Thanks so much for putting this out there!

    Reply

    • Candice
      May 24, 2018 @ 11:23 am

      You’re welcome. It definitely makes it easier to deal with when you realise you aren’t alone. Anyone who hasn’t dealt with it can’t seem to understand the difficulties you face every day. They don’t always mean to, but they can make you feel so much worse. Hearing what others have gone through has definitely helped me. Thanks for sharing yours.

      Reply

    • Kathy Modeen
      October 7, 2018 @ 10:06 am

      Im sorry about your issue with anxiety. I too have suffered with this monster for about 30 years along with debilitating depression. I have made it through and do well as long as I stay on task with my essential oils, physical activite and staying engaged. I have had enormous issues with the meds thus the essential oils

      Reply

  2. Elizabeth
    May 25, 2018 @ 1:12 am

    Thank you for this post! I struggle greatly with anxiety, and you gave me so much hope today. The anxiety does get better as I face my fears. It is good to know that this was also true for you in starting a family. As a newlywed and want to start having children within a few years this is very comforting.

    Reply

    • Candice
      May 25, 2018 @ 11:25 am

      You’re welcome. I’m glad it could help you. I think it’s easier to avoid the things that make us anxious whenever possible. But when you have kids, you can’t always avoid it. It does get easier, but that first hurdle is always the hardest. Good luck with everything and congratulations on your marriage.

      Reply

  3. Mani Sharma
    June 14, 2018 @ 5:22 pm

    Hi Candice. i appreciate you that you copped with anxiety. I also have experienced anxiety and still doing. I am going through this for ten years but not get any solution to recover from anxiety. i always think that how people can live normal like happy , no stress. I have become habitual of taking stress and live in anxiety. i don’t think there is any solution of my anxiety because i am in stress because of my married life and this thing will remain with me life long.

    Reply

    • Candice
      June 19, 2018 @ 10:38 am

      Anxiety is something you will probably always have, but you can become better at managing and dealing with it. Recognising the triggers and acknowledging them. It can take time and perseverance. Have you seen a doctor about it? If not and you are struggling, maybe you should consult a doctor who can help or refer you to someone who can. You don’t have to let it rule your life. Good luck.

      Reply

  4. John Saeger
    June 14, 2018 @ 2:26 pm

    This is an excellent post. I recently discovered major anxiety issues that were workplace-related. When I was let go by that same job the relief was instant. I understand that freeing feeling that you describe.

    Reply

    • Candice
      June 19, 2018 @ 10:17 am

      Thank you. It’s such a great feeling, isn’t it?

      Reply

  5. Annaleid
    June 14, 2018 @ 2:29 pm

    This is such a good post! Very brave of you to share your story! And I know you’ll help others with it too! 😉
    xoxo Annaleid

    Reply

    • Candice
      June 19, 2018 @ 10:22 am

      Thank you. It makes me feel better to know that someone has gotten something out of something I have shared.

      Reply

  6. Liza
    June 14, 2018 @ 4:50 pm

    I have bad anxiety too. No kids, personally, but having a pet has helped a LOT. It’s better for me in the long run when I have to make myself get up and get dressed because my little guy needs food and a walk.

    Reply

    • Candice
      June 19, 2018 @ 10:29 am

      Whatever works and gives you the motivation you need. Pets have a lot of needs too. I’m glad you’ve found something that helps you.

      Reply

  7. Tessa
    June 15, 2018 @ 2:16 am

    Candice,
    Thank you for posting this. I think it’s hard to talk about anxiety sometimes because so many people misunderstand it. I too deal with anxiety and am managing the best I can by prayer, trusting in God, breathing techniques, and essential oils help me too. Anxiety can interfere in our lives so much and I admire your strength in coping.

    Reply

    • Candice
      June 19, 2018 @ 10:47 am

      It can be hard to talk about, but the more it is talked about you can see that it is actually quite common, and there are so many people going through the same thing that you are. It is definitely hard for someone who hasn’t experienced anxiety to understand how hard and scary it can be. That’s why talking about it is so important. And it can definitely take over your life if you let it. I’m glad you have found things that have helped you. You are stronger than you think.

      Reply

  8. Cassie Jewell
    June 15, 2018 @ 3:07 am

    Thanks for sharing this! I have social anxiety; it was debilitating when I was younger. I’ve learned to live with it (and accept it) so it doesn’t take over my life. I can really relate to your post. 🙂

    Reply

    • Candice
      June 19, 2018 @ 10:51 am

      You’re welcome. It definitely helps when you can work through it and get to the point where it doesn’t control your life anymore.

      Reply

  9. Jess Beard
    July 29, 2018 @ 2:17 pm

    It’s so good to see that your story didn’t end in the grocery store and that you were able to work through and push through your anxiety. Becoming a mom changes us in the very best ways! It is encouraging to see you grow stronger and that you are going to be able to pass that down to your children. They see their mom working through hard things and it is going to be worth it! Keep choosing to move forward every day! You are inspiring others!

    Reply

    • Candice
      August 1, 2018 @ 10:44 am

      Thank you. Yes, being a mum definitely changes us and makes us realise how strong we actually are.

      Reply

  10. The Lifestyle Lesson
    July 29, 2018 @ 10:36 pm

    Very interesting and inspiring post! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  11. Rigel Celeste
    August 12, 2018 @ 12:40 am

    I have a family member that deals with this and it’s so helpful to have articles like this to help educate and share this condition with others. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Candice
      August 23, 2018 @ 5:57 am

      One of the hardest things about having anxiety is when people who have never experienced it just don’t understand which can make it much worse. It was definitely something I felt had to be shared. I’m glad you liked it.

      Reply

  12. Lia
    August 12, 2018 @ 9:40 am

    Great article , sensitively written …and it reasonates well..

    Reply

  13. Blue
    August 12, 2018 @ 10:37 am

    I can understand what you’ve gone through very well. Sometimes we have to quit to grow- as one door closes another opens. Thank you for such an honest and inspiring post.

    Reply

  14. Shweta Koul
    August 22, 2018 @ 8:46 am

    Thanks for sharing your experience, I was suffering from anxiety long back. But yes with the strong determination and presence of my loved ones I easily cope up with this. Sometime we seriously don’t know that we are suffering from anxiety and all and it becomes difficult to deal with it.

    Reply

    • Candice
      August 23, 2018 @ 6:04 am

      Yes, people who understand and are there for you can make it much easier for you to deal with. I’m glad you had that support.

      Reply

  15. Cortney Kaczmarek
    September 2, 2018 @ 1:41 pm

    Thank you for sharing your experiences! I, too, suffer greatly from depression and anxiety and have been diagnosed with C-PTSD from childhood sexual abuse. On bad days, I take life minute by minuting using every single tool I’ve learned through therapy and trail and error. I’ve found that breathing techniques, walking or yoga, long drives, and writing really help me cope. On not so bad days, I use breathing techniques still because my heart rate is always a little higher than others and I’m pretty much constantly physically anxious.
    I started blogging about mental health as another way to cope and to help others who suffer in similar ways.
    We’re stronger together and you are not alone.

    Reply

  16. Dani
    September 2, 2018 @ 9:22 am

    I didn’t know that I have anxiety until I read the first paragraph of your article. I think because in third world country, depression and anxiety almost don’t exist because we laugh about everything. It helped when I kissed my banking job goodbye and started a life in Germany and little by little, overcoming depression and anxiety. Culture helps a lot. It’s good that you feel better and free now. From a person who has anxiety too, it is such a relief knowing that something can be done to overcome it. 🙂

    Reply

    • Candice
      September 8, 2018 @ 7:43 am

      I had it for a long time before I knew what it was. I think there are probably a lot of people that out there that have anxiety and have no idea. Don’t be fooled by smiles and laughter, they can hide a lot of suffering – and often no one is the wiser. It can definitely be overcome, but it takes time, greater understanding and perseverance. I’m glad you are in a better place now.

      Reply

  17. Lana
    September 2, 2018 @ 2:03 pm

    I just recently starting dealing with my own anxiety. I have been doing yoga and on an anti-anxiety medication for about a month now. I was having anxiety so bad it was mimicking a heart attack. I wrote about this experience on my blog. I hope you check it out. Thank you for sharing your story. I think anxiety needs to be talked about so that we can be reminded that we aren’t alone.

    Reply

  18. lisa
    September 6, 2018 @ 7:08 pm

    Totally get it I was having massive issues with social anxiety but now I am very careful to stay around gentle people and have stronger boundaries. I am an introvert so I do better with more downtime for reflection, thinking and creating. bone broth teas and coffee and collagen by Great Lakes Gelatin – Collagen Hydrolysate from helps strengthen my nerves too. You seem like a gentle person I am glad you are doing better. I can’t think of a better place to live than the islands. Thanks for sharing your experiences it will help a lot of people. 🙂 Oh yes forgot green teas and Siberian rose tea is also an excellent nervous system builder. Siberian rose tea is high in vitamin C even helpful for schizophrenia sufferers however they still need to take their medication. 🙂

    Reply

  19. Nina
    September 6, 2018 @ 6:22 pm

    Thanks so much for sharing this! My brother has some of the same symptoms you have mentioned, but I can’t convince him to go to the doctor to get the help that he needs so that he can feel better. I’m going to share this post with him in the hopes that he understands he is not alone in feeling this way. Thanks again for being so open about this.

    Reply

  20. The Perfectly Imperfect Mummy
    September 7, 2018 @ 5:14 am

    Wow Candice, thanks so much for putting yourself out there. I’m so sorry you had to go through that. It must have been absolutely terrifying & so frustrating for you.

    Respect for sharing ?

    Reply

  21. Cheryl Andaya, PsyD
    September 8, 2018 @ 5:17 am

    Thank you for your courage in sharing your story. I’ve had patients who struggle with anxiety and it is hard for them. Knowing that they are not alone is so helpful, especially when they see others working on standing up against their anxiety.

    Reply

  22. Kimmy Ripley
    September 8, 2018 @ 12:15 pm

    I live with bipolar depression and anxiety. Some days it is debilitating. I take meds (several) and they do not remedy much. Maybe it is the wrong cocktail? All I know is that you have to stay strong and know that anxiety will pass and better moments loom in the distance. Anxiety comes and goes.

    Reply

  23. Kylie
    September 30, 2018 @ 11:41 am

    Very brave to share your story. Anxiety is terrifying. I’ve found with me it’s got alot easier since having children because they rely on me and I have no choice but to face it head on.
    It’s always nice to know I’m not alone in feeling like this.

    Reply

  24. Stephanie
    September 30, 2018 @ 1:24 pm

    This was such a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it with us. I’m so glad that you were able to find a way to control your anxiety!

    Reply

  25. Meg | Meg Will Run the World
    September 30, 2018 @ 1:45 pm

    I’ve always struggled with anxiety, but I feel it’s gotten worse the past couple of years. I’m taking steps toward managing it and am feeling better than I was 6 months ago. It’s always comforting to read others’ stories to see how they are moving forward and better controlling their anxiety; it makes it feel like it will one day be possible for me. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  26. Julie
    October 7, 2018 @ 8:53 am

    My sister in law suffers with anxiety and this has helped me to understand her andight even be able to help her more. Thank you ?

    Reply

  27. Michelle
    October 7, 2018 @ 12:20 pm

    Hi! Love this. I write about anxiety and I will have to say that word was enough to get me anxious! When I had my child by anxiety increased! I have done a ton of work over the last year and really feel like that weight of worry is lifted! It’s such a heavy thing to carry around. Thanks for writing this! ❤️

    Reply

  28. Lyn
    October 7, 2018 @ 1:10 pm

    This is a beautifully written post. It is so important that those of us that can, actually talk about these things. Too many people bottle up their feelings. I’m currently going through the same thing but a lot of it revolves around being a special needs mum to twins. My son has Autism with Demand Avoidance Traits (PDA) and has been out of school for a year. My daughter is dyslexic with undiagnosed ADHD. We have been fighting the system to get them help since they were 2 years old, they are now 12! It just all got too much. Anxiety and depression is nothing to be ashamed of and, by talking about it, hopefully more people will ask for help.

    Reply

  29. Laura
    October 18, 2018 @ 7:52 am

    Thankyou for be so vulnerable and opening up about your anxiety candice. It can mean so much to others ? I too suffer from depression/anxiety I take medication and exercise helps me a lot. Take care!

    Reply

  30. Erin
    October 18, 2018 @ 12:08 pm

    Thank you for sharing your story! I have struggled with postpartum anxiety and depression as well. I’ve felt so guilty for not being able to do what I’m “supposed” to do with my kids. I’ve been in counseling, which helps, and I recently started taking meds. I’m hoping it makes a difference.

    Reply

  31. Nan
    October 18, 2018 @ 12:30 pm

    This was like a flashback for me. In 2003, I suffered anxiety (although I didn’t know that’s what it was at the time) and depression so much that I ended up having to leave a job with a company that I really, really loved. I lost a marriage, a house, and any decent self-esteem in the process. With medication, exercise, and support of friends, it has become much more manageable. That critical stage–when it’s peaking and I’m lost in it–seems to have disappeared. I still have bouts of both anxiety and depression, but they’re far more manageable now.

    Thank you for posting this. This rawness is what makes a blog worth reading.

    Reply

  32. Quijuana
    October 22, 2018 @ 4:12 pm

    Very good read. I live with anxiety, most months better than others. Helping my children understand is difficult bc I don’t want to overload them. Thank you for the information

    Reply

  33. The Passive 100
    October 22, 2018 @ 4:38 pm

    Really great post and one that I relate to a great deal. Living with anxiety can be difficult but it’s nice to know that we’re not alone. Thanks for posting this.

    Reply

  34. Alison
    October 31, 2018 @ 7:58 pm

    Your post definitely resonates with me. I’ve been an anxious person pretty much all my life and like you I’ve had periods away from work (and school before that) because of it. I have a whole toolkit of things I use to manage it, but it can still be a bit of a battle at times! Glad to hear that you have also developed ways to keep it under control. Thanks for sharing your story.

    Reply

  35. Karletta
    November 15, 2018 @ 7:55 am

    What a lovely story of overcoming. I was interested in when you finished with your job at the supermarket – you said you felt free. What did you do to earn an income after that?

    Reply

  36. Bee - Bites 'N Pieces
    November 15, 2018 @ 8:17 am

    Wow, what an honest post! Thanks for sharing.
    ~
    Bee
    bitesnpieces.co

    Reply

  37. Kari
    January 7, 2019 @ 2:43 pm

    WOW! Your story is so similar to mine, only I’m still living it. I also work in a supermarket and my anxiety all started when I got back into retail after being out of it for over 10 years. Great post! This just clarifies that it is in fact my job that’s the main cause of my anxiety. Everything you described is me at this point in my life. I’ve cut down my hours at work also, because it’s just too suffocating and unbearable at times being there.

    Reply

  38. Jumpstart Positivity
    January 7, 2019 @ 4:25 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing! You’re a brave soul. Our story sounds similar to yours. And you’re right, it’s a fine balance between proper self-care and using the beloved comfort zone as an excuse to not grow or change. But as we move forward, we find we’re able to cope better. It’s not that life gets easier – we just become stronger.

    Reply

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