You are Not Alone: N's Social Anxiety Story
By popular demand, the “You Are Not Alone” series is back. Given the wide variety of anxiety signs and symptoms, I’m aware that what triggers my anxiety, how I react, and how I cope may not resonate with everyone. My hope is that if my story doesn’t click with you, someone else’s will. Today my friend “N” has decided to share her story on social anxiety. Ironically enough, she is a bartender that interacts with people for a living! So, she bravely faces her social anxiety head-on almost daily. As her friend, I would have never guessed that she has anxiety, especially social anxiety. Her and I both have generalized anxiety disorders, but have very different triggers. While I am about 50/50 on medication and holistic approaches to managing my anxiety, N relies heavily on holistic remedies. Read on for this babe’s story:
You are Not Alone: N's Social Anxiety Story
What forms of anxiety do you struggle with?
I struggle from social anxiety and have random anxiety attacks, usually only when I’m around people, whether I’m actually interacting with them or not. I rarely have serious anxiety alone or with close loved ones.
When did your anxiety start?
My anxiety (and depression) started in middle school, as I was bullied and tormented by the other pubescent assholes. My mom struggles from anxiety as well, so I think the root is both genetic and environmental. But really, who knows?
What situations trigger or make your anxiety worse?
I can be triggered by any social situation, a situation where I have to talk in front of a group, or even walking down the street if I feel like people are looking at me or watching me. Odds are, they aren’t. I hate being the center of attention. As a bartender, this is quite ironic. As I’m sure you’ve gathered, my job is a huge source of anxiety. Caffeine or a hangover also triggers my anxiety.
How do you manage your anxiety?
I am prescribed Xanax, although I go through phases of taking it and not taking it. I meditate for at least 20 to 30 minutes once a day. Twice if my anxiety is real. I also take supplements that help my anxiety, such as magnesium, b complex, Vitamin Aa, Vitamin C, DHA, and probiotics. I workout six days a week, and stick to a pretty strict routine/daily ritual that keeps me on track, motivated, and relatively anxiety free (until I leave the house, lol). My routine involves a lot of weekly self-care (baths, face masks, manis/pedis), exercise and stretching, eating a balanced diet, meditating, drinking close to a gallon of water a day, taking all my supplements, creative journaling, and various forms of spiritual work.
N - thank you so much for bravely sharing your story. The more we open up about mental health and anxiety, the faster we end the stigma surrounding it. You, my friend, are not alone!