‘So what? Nobody cares. Just move on.’ We NEED to erase that shame.’: Woman shares powerful message for those dealing with anxiety, panic attacks

“I started to write a post about panic attacks as I am no stranger to having them in the past.

Almost deleted this…and then said, ‘No, screw it.’

Anxiety is not a fun topic, and it’s important we open up channels about this.

Why?

To erase the shame.

You know that voice, ‘You should have done ______ differently’ or

‘So what⁠? Deal with it. Move on.’

Have you experienced that straggly, sickly shame before? For having a mental breakdown or being in a place of anxiety or depression, and then when you feel an ounce of courage that you can talk about it or share your story, the enemy pops in and says,

‘So what? Nobody cares. Just move on.’

So you hide.

Or binge Prime or Netflix by the season, or scroll aimlessly on here, or grab the bottle in the cupboard.

And…it becomes a numbing habit that creates further anxiousness.

The sheer uncertainty of the world today is forcing our nervous systems to try and adapt to by-the-second changes.

Massive, massive changes.

We are being fed nothing but FEAR minute by minute.

Our minds and bodies have to keep up at this unbelievable rate, and before we know it, we are swimming in confusion, trying to decipher what is real, what is imagined, what is true, what is not true, what is safe, who is safe, who is ‘dangerous’, and what to believe at all!

If you have ever experienced depression, anxiety, or a panic attack, I want you to know something.

It’s okay to feel whatever you do during and afterward.

It’s okay to want to hide that part of your life.

It’s also okay to ask for help.

It’s okay for your kids to witness what you’re going through.

It’s okay to pray that you never experience one again.

It’s okay to feel lost, alone, angry, sad, and confused.

What’s not okay is to stay there long term.

My friend, know this.

You are the one who gets to make the choice to shift how you see fear, how you interpret your surroundings, how you hear/read the news, or live on social media.

Even though this is a hard pill to swallow, it is truly your responsibility, to own your time, who and what you give your attention to, and who you surround yourself with.

Nobody else can do that work for you.

And you’re NEVER alone.

Allow your mind to crave LIGHT and love and laughter in times of chaos.

Simple little things can crack a smile and slowly chip away at the built-up anxiety and tension building up inside.

The same way a loving conversation can bring you back to your feet.

My door is always open around this topic, to listen, to advocate, to coach.

Let’s snuff out the shame that comes with depression, anxiety, and panic attacks so we can renew the sense of humanity and honor each other’s experiences with love and listening.”

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Erin Vogt from Alberta, Canada. You can follow her journey on Instagram, Facebook, and her website. Submit your own story here and be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and YouTube for our best videos.

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