Anxiety Chats

Anxiety Chats is a community focused on creating a safe environment for girls to share their anxiety stories and support each other. I'm Emily, your host, and I have been documenting my experience of anxiety online for over 10 years, always looking for new ways to understand it. ✨

Brooke shares her OCD disorder story | Anxiety Chats S02E69 07/17/2023

Anxiety: Things NOT to say | Anxiety Chats S02E68 07/14/2023

My fear of change during the pandemic | Anxiety Chats S02E67 07/12/2023

Alyce shares her anorexia story | Anxiety Chats S02E66 07/10/2023

Anxious people and the fear of recording | Anxiety Chats S02E65 07/07/2023

Test anxiety is AWFUL! | Anxiety Chats S02E64 07/05/2023

Anna shares her Emetophobia and OCD story | Anxiety Chats S2E63 07/03/2023

My fear of pregnancy | Anxiety Chats S02E62 06/30/2023

My breakup anxiety story | Anxiety Chats S02E61 06/28/2023

Jessica shares her story of postpartum anxiety | Anxiety Chats S02E60 06/26/2023

Overcoming anticipatory anxiety | Anxiety Chats S02E59 06/23/2023

Managing tattoo anxiety | Anxiety Chats S02E58 06/21/2023

What is it like to have a daughter with anxiety? | Anxiety Chats S2EP57 06/19/2023

What is it like to have a daughter with anxiety? | Anxiety Chats S2EP57 Get ready for an extra-special episode, my loves! Today, in honor of Father's Day, we are joined by my amazing dad, Dominic! He’s here to talk about what is like to have a daughter with anxiety (that's me!) and what parent support looks like for him. Interesting fact: this video was my first experience interviewing someone all by myself! I wanted to test how I would feel about it, so I called someone I trust and feel comfortable with. I couldn't have chosen better. 🧡 Well, anxiety has been a part of my life since I was 9 and I don’t know where I’d be now if weren’t for my family’s unwavering support and unconditional love. In particular my dad, even a few episodes ago I shared the moment I realized I could count on him for everything. He's been there for me through the toughest moments, and it got me thinking: what was it like for him? How did he handle raising a daughter with anxiety and what thoughts went through his mind? “I didn’t know that could be that debilitating. I didn’t know anxiety could be all consuming. […] Your mum and me, we didn’t know how to deal with this.” One thing's for sure: he did an amazing job and I'm forever grateful to have him by my side. Not everyone is lucky enough to have such an incredible support system. After all, our parents are human, and they have their own ways of dealing with these situations. But I really really hope this video inspires other parents to see the incredible impact kindness and compassion can make in their children’s mental health journey. 🧡 Are your parents supportive? I know how tricky it can be having a son or daughter with anxiety! I’d really love to hear your thoughts. Please, leave them below. 👇 🌟 Join the Chat! Contact us through e-mail or our social media and share your story! You can: ✨Schedule a time for a chat with me, Emily! ✨Write your story anonymously and send it to us! ✨Record your story on your own and send it to us! Connect with us: E-mail: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anxiety_chats/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anxiety_chats/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/anxiety_chats/ Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/37SSxj8 Follow us on Spotify: #anxietychats #anxiety #mentalhealth #wellbeing #wellness #anxietyproblems #agoraphobia /episode/index/show/150e74c6-52e6-4196-b736-dec0f72df735/id/27177774

Panic attack success story | Anxiety Chats S02E56 06/16/2023

One of the worst panic attacks of my life | Anxiety Chats S02E55 06/14/2023

One of the worst panic attacks of my life | Anxiety Chats S02E55 Today I'm opening up and sharing a deeply personal experience with you: the story of one of the most intense panic attacks episodes I've ever experienced. When I was about 19, my dad – who’s my anxiety rock – thought it was a great idea to go on a wee holiday, not too far away to a beautiful place up north Scotland. A lovely place where we could just chill out and relax for a couple of days – bless him! Oh boy, little did we know that I was about to have one of the biggest panic attacks ever… It turned out to be one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. From almost the moment we left until we finally got home – the same day we left, and through a snowstorm. Nothing I tried calmed me down and I truly felt like I could die. “Feeling physically horrific while also mentally battling all of these really really scary thoughts.” Looking back – although very scary, this trip is the reason I feel so safe with my dad and the moment he realized how serious anxiety can be. I’m definitely so lucky for having such an understanding and kind dad. “The silver lining was – I now know there is somebody that gets my specific anxiety and understands how hard it actually is.” But more than that – I want this story to serve as a gentle reminder that tough times come and go, and we always come out on the other side, stronger than before. It's all about pushing through and believing that we'll be okay. 🧡 If my story resonates with you? – Panic attacks are horrific! I love hearing your thoughts. Please share your comments below! 👇 👇 👇 Join the Chat! Contact us through e-mail or our social media and share your story! You can: ✨Schedule a time for a chat with me, Emily! ✨Write your story anonymously and send it to us! ✨Record your story on your own and send it to us! Connect with us: E-mail: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anxiety_chats/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anxiety_chats/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/anxiety_chats/ Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/37SSxj8 Follow us on Spotify: #anxietychats #anxiety #mentalhealth #wellbeing #wellness #anxietyproblems #panicattacks #disorder #panicattack #agoraphobia /episode/index/show/150e74c6-52e6-4196-b736-dec0f72df735/id/27138576

Georgia-Leah shares her journey as an autistic girl | Anxiety Chats S02E54 06/12/2023

Georgia-Leah shares her journey as an autistic girl | Anxiety Chats S02E54 Imagine: growing up, dealing with bullies, and constantly switching schools, all because of communication and social challenges. And then, one day, discovering that you're an amazing autistic girl! That’s the beginning of a story of resilience and bravery from the sweet Georgia-Leah, our dear guest in this episode. Georgia-Leah is an autistic girl who has experienced different anxiety disorders. She had really hard times in primary school even though she was trying hard. “I couldn’t speak in lessons, people used to ask me questions and I wouldn’t be able to speak”. The lack of support from the school made things even tougher, and she only found out about her diagnosis as an autistic girl when she was older, which made it even harder to adapt and cope. But like a lot of people with autism and anxiety, she found an escape in the arts – theater was her big passion! On stage, she felt safe and free to be her authentic self. In her 2020 journey working in the arts, she was invited by a teacher to join in a beautiful project dedicated to empowering and educating girls with autism and learning disabilities. Such important work! Having a heart-to-heart with Georgia-Leah and hearing about her journey as an autistic girl was beyond amazing. I hope her story resonates with many other girls and women, making them feel seen, validated, and inspired by this incredible warrior. 🧡 Maybe you’re an autistic girl or boy too? Please, leave your thoughts below, I’d really love to hear them. 👇 🌟 Join the Chat! Contact us through e-mail or our social media and share your story! You can: ✨Schedule a time for a chat with me, Emily! ✨Write your story anonymously and send it to us! ✨Record your story on your own and send it to us! Connect with us: E-mail: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anxiety_chats/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anxiety_chats/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/anxiety_chats/ Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/37SSxj8 Follow us on Spotify: Also follow Georgia-Leah on Instagram: #anxietychats #anxiety #mentalhealth #wellbeing #wellness #anxietyproblems #anxietytips #autism #autistic #socialanxiety /episode/index/show/150e74c6-52e6-4196-b736-dec0f72df735/id/27084039

Going for a walk by myself after 23 years of fear | Anxiety Chats S02E53 06/09/2023

Going for a walk by myself after 23 years of fear | Anxiety Chats S02E53 This episode is all about the power of hope, determination, and having “never give up” attitude when you live your life as anxious person. Believing that it is possible to live a healthy, happy, and fulfilled life alongside anxiety. Today we are reading a truly and inspiring success story from an anonymous person who has struggled with anxiety most of their life. Now 23 years with anxiety holding them back, they finally muster up the courage to go on a walk by themselves – something they’ve never being able to do EVER! “My anxiety a year ago wouldn’t even let me leave the house or drive a car”. In this story their pride and happiness are absolutely contagious! To make it even better, I’m joined by the lovely Shawna DeJong to discuss this anonymous story. Shawna, an anxiety advocate who in the past has also suffered with terrible health anxiety. We chat about some of the challenges of overcoming anxiety, and how important those “screw it – let’s just do it” moments are. This story also reminds us that practicing self-compassion can be hard but never impossible. That’s why it is so necessary to celebrate the victories along the way, after all, every tiny step is a step in the right direction! Thank you to this anonymous person who shared a story that inspires others to embrace their fears and seize the day! Now, it's your turn to share. When was the last time you faced your anxiety and conquered a challenging moment? I'd love to hear your experiences! Please, drop your comments below. 👇✨ Join the Chat! Contact us through e-mail or our social media and share your story! You can: ✨Schedule a time for a chat with me, Emily! ✨Write your story anonymously and send it to us! ✨Record your story on your own and send it to us! Connect with us: E-mail: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anxiety_chats/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anxiety_chats/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/anxiety_chats/ Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/37SSxj8 Follow us on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38r8r4k #anxietychats #anxiety #mentalhealth #wellbeing #wellness #anxietyproblems #agoraphobia /episode/index/show/150e74c6-52e6-4196-b736-dec0f72df735/id/27073980

What my anxiety feels like | Anxiety Chats S02E52 06/07/2023

OCD Intrusive Thoughts: an open conversation with Krista | Anxiety Chats S02E51 06/05/2023

Her dad made her have a panic attack | Anxiety Chats S2E50 06/02/2023

Her dad made her have a panic attack | Anxiety Chats S2E50 Today’s anonymous story is from an absolutely brave and amazing 16 year old. They find extremely difficult to cope with sudden changes to their normal routine, this often leads to a massive panic attack. When you deal with severe anxiety, it’s normal to develop some habits or behaviors to feel safe, and for this person it was drinking ice cold water. So an ice machine was the perfect gift to receive, this meant they always had super cold water after they felt a panic attack coming on or just to feel calm. It’s already hard enough trying to cope with mental health issues, but even more so when not everyone close to you is supportive. This story describes what happened when a family member starts using the ice machine without asking and how it triggered an anxiety attack. Made worse by the fact this family member didn’t seem to care and wasn’t interested in understanding. This heartbreaking story is not really about the “ice machine” but more about how important understanding, compassion and love are when supporting sufferers of crippling anxiety and what happens when those needs are not met. I was so thrilled to be joined by the lovely Yeliena, a hypnotherapist who helps woman with anxiety. Yelena also offered some beautiful heartfelt thoughts for this person and also touches on the importance of healthy communication and the impact of personal filters. Like this person at 16 I was also struggling with my mental health and I really understand that real need to feel safe, to feel supported, and to be understood. I felt really honored to read this story and offer my thoughts too. Does your family support you when you have panic attacks or are misunderstood? What do they do? Please, leave your comments below. 👇 👇 👇 Join the Chat! Contact us through e-mail or our social media and share your story! You can: ✨Schedule a time for a chat with me, Emily! ✨Write your story anonymously and send it to us! ✨Record your story on your own and send it to us! Connect with us: E-mail: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anxiety_chats/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anxiety_chats/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/anxiety_chats/ Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/37SSxj8 Follow us on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/38r8r4k #anxietychats #anxiety #mentalhealth #wellbeing #wellness #anxietyproblems #panicattacks #familysupport /episode/index/show/150e74c6-52e6-4196-b736-dec0f72df735/id/27016671