Anxiety Has Been Cancelled (Effective Immediately)

Let’s Talk About Anxiety– Please note I am not a therapist or a doctor but I am someone who has suffered anxiety for over 20 year. And these are my options the subject.

Anxiety is something many of us live with, yet so few of us feel able to talk about openly. It can creep in quietly, sit in the background, or storm in uninvited and take over, leaving us feeling powerless and alone. And here’s the thing — it doesn’t look the same for everyone.
There’s no generic face for anxiety. There’s no manual, and definitely no one-size-fits-all version. We are the authors and illustrators of what our anxiety looks like, how it shows up, and how it behaves.

I live with health anxiety, and I have lived with it for almost 20 years. Most of the time, it lingers quietly in the background. But at least once a year, it turns itself up and refuses to leave for months at a time. Some days, I can almost forget it’s there. Other days, it sits heavily on my chest, making even the simplest tasks feel impossible.
My last major anxiety episode was in 2025, and it was the worst I’ve ever experienced. I had so much going on — moving home, managing my children’s challenging behaviour, starting a new job — And I think my mind just said “enough” and hit mute. That’s when it started: the palpitations, the panic attacks, the fearful thoughts, the dread that seeps into every corner of your mind.

During these episodes, fear dictated almost every decision I made. I changed my diet, researched foods to “boost” my mood, and cut out alcohol and caffeine completely — all in the hope that it would make me better. And in my head, it sometimes did.

But what I didn’t realise was that these were actually safety behaviours, ways my mind was trying to protect me while still acting out of fear.

Anxiety was acknowledged by my GPs and therapist, but I don’t believe there is enough open conversation about it. Anxiety needs to be exposed for what it really is — panic dressed as protection. because if you don’t fight back, it can quietly take over your life.
There were times I thought I was gone — like anxiety had taken over everything. I had to keep reminding myself that I was still me, even when it didn’t feel that way.

I kept a diary during those times. Reading it now fills me with sadness, knowing how scared I was — scared to sleep in case I didn’t wake, scared of my own thoughts. And heartbroken for my family, who watched someone they love struggle and didn’t always know how to help. Families need more information too — tools and understanding to support someone living with anxiety, because it doesn’t just affect one person, it affects everyone around them.
I used to sleep a lot just to escape the noise in my head.

I found myself visiting the GP and the hospital more times than I’d like to admit, seeking reassurance that I was okay. Then one evening, I met a nurse who really listened — and that conversation changed me more than she probably realised. She referred me for therapy.

The wait for therapy was long — thirteen weeks (not that I was counting… ) But I was given an interactive journal to work through while I waited, something to focus on when my mind was spiralling.

My therapist, Y.R was kind, patient, and understanding. She knew exactly when to push me gently and when to slow things down. But more than that, she was genuinely invested in me — in my progress, in my wellbeing, and in helping me find myself again. I honestly don’t think I would have come this far without her support.
I know it’s her job, but she is so much more than that. She was amazing, knowledgeable, and, above all, truly caring. At my lowest moments, she helped me see a way forward when I couldn’t even see it for myself. I wish I could have shown her how much she changed my life, but all I could manage to say was “thank you.” And even that didn’t feel like enough.
So, Y.R — thank you. Thank you for being yourself, for choosing a path where you help people when they need it most, and for doing it with so much heart. You’ve made a difference I’ll carry you with me forever.
And honestly… if anyone asks, I’ll tell them you’re like a superhero, wandering around with a toolkit, patching up hearts, fixing minds, and somehow making it all look effortless. Capes are optional, but your magic? Totally real.

If you’re reading this, I want you to know you’re not alone. Take a moment to check in with yourself — how are you feeling today? What’s anxiety doing to you right now?
You can share a word, a thought, or simply sit with these questions quietly. There’s no judgment here, only understanding and a space where your feelings matter.
And now… I’d love to hear from you:

• What does anxiety look like for you?

• What helps you get through the hardest moments?

• Have you ever felt like you have to “perform” being okay?

• Or if today feels heavy, what’s one word that describes how you’re feeling right now?

  No judgement. No pressure. No fixing required.
  We’re not doctors — but we are very good listeners. And sometimes, being heard is exactly what we need.
  If anyone wants to reach out personally, leave a comment or email me. I would be more than happy to talk, listen, and offer support. You’re not alone. You’re welcome here. 🤍

Let me leave this with you.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:7.

Love Shana xx