Anxiety Stories: Jess B.
Welcome to ‘Anxiety Stories!’ I (Laura of The Mindful Mom Blographer), started Anxiety Stories after I read Brene’ Brown’s book ‘Daring Greatly’. In the book, Brown talks extensively about shame, which is something I think many people who suffer from anxiety feel – as well as feeling alone.
We all know there is a mental health stigma in today’s society. So how can we remove that stigma? By removing people’s shame, and let them know they’re not alone.
Anxiety is a lot more common than people realize – I know this from all the comments and DMs I get whenever I get vulnerable about my anxiety experiences. Yet still, the stigma!
My hope with Anxiety Stories is that we can normalize anxiety by showing people’s stories from all walks of life. I ask that each person who conducts an interview be willing to be a little bit vulnerable, and each person who reads these interviews holds the interviewee in a loving space, knowing they’ve put themselves out there for a good cause.
*If you are dealing with anxiety or another type of mental illness, please talk with a
doctor.
Today I am talking with Jess B. Here is her Anxiety Story.
Tell us a little bit about yourself! Who are you? Where are you from? What types of things do you enjoy doing?
I’m Jess, I’m 22 and live in Nottingham, England. I went to university in Nottingham and stayed here because I love the city. I did Computer Science at uni and now work for a large company designing websites and supporting start-up businesses in a wide range of things. In my spare time, I like to blog, play video games (both Xbox and pc), cook, read when I get a chance and go to the gym each week.
What does the anxiety you experience look like (obsessive thoughts, extreme worry, intrusive thoughts, anxiety disorder, etc)?
I worry a lot (still) and used to have intrusive thoughts. From a doctors point of view, I have
Do you see a therapist/psychologist?
I used to see both a therapist and a counselor when I was a teenager. They were both a great help and would advise anyone struggling to seek guidance from either.
Do you take medication for
I used to take diazepam when my anxiety was really bad – it would help me calm down from a panic attack. Now I take over the counter ‘calming’ tablets if and when I need them.
How long have you been dealing with anxiety?
Since I was around 13.
What are some triggers for the anxiety you experience?
It depends really. When I was younger, I used to have panic attacks at night because I was terrified of the dark. My anxiety flares up now when I have a lack of confidence in myself. When my self-esteem hits rock bottom and I’m doing things I haven’t done before, my anxiety gets out of control.
Have you ever dealt with the dreaded anxiety spiral?
Yes, quite a few. These happen when I mainly alone, as people like my boyfriend aren’t there to talk me down.
Do you experience panic attacks?
Yes, but not as much as when I was a teenager.
What are some things you do while you’re having a panic attack or are in an anxiety spiral to help pull yourself out of it?
Breathe slowly and count to 10 – it really helps. Try and think about all the things you are grateful for in life or think about your
Related resources: 5 Ways to Meditate without Actually Meditating & Why you Need Gratitude in your Life Right. Now.
What are some preventative measures that you take to help prevent the anxiety you experience?
Currently, I am happy, and I think that is because I dealt with the underlying issue. I dealt with these issues by talking to a
What are some of your favorite anxiety resources (websites, books, etc) that other people could reference if they’re struggling as well?
This is a strange answer, but Youtube helped me a lot. To calm myself down, I would watch some of my
Thank you,
About Jess:
Bio: I am 22, living and working in Nottingham, UK. I live with my boyfriend and visit my mum and sister when I can. I enjoy playing video games, cooking/baking, writing/blogging
Find Jess through her blog (Through my Eyes) or on Instagram.
Want to share your own anxiety story? Check out the guidelines here!