In this episode of Us Anxious Folk, I share my recent mental health struggles - which saw an increase in panic but most notably, a heavy feeling of hopelessness.

I discuss the pressure and weight of expectation, the need to keep up a facade of being 'okay', the compartmentalising that a lot of us tend to do (especially parents) and how when you lose yourself to a mental health dip, it seems like the more you grasp at wellness, the further away you fall.

I talk about the non-negotiables for when I'm feeling this way - the things I know I need to do in order to safeguard myself, and the tiny little changes I made to start finding mental space again.

Trigger Warning: this episode touches on feelings of hopelessness and suicidal ideation.

Books mentioned in this episode: Go As A River, Shelley Read

If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, PLEASE don't be afraid to seek help. You can get help RIGHT NOW from Beyond Blue - call 1300 22 4636, or visit https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support?&gclid=CjwKEAjwkPS6BRD2ioKR7K245jASJAD1ZqHOKpibw-KeAuRr2anqlMlyC8Kg0qn04AeBkubgTE1xhBoCN0Xw_wcB

In this requested episode of Us Anxious Folk, I talk all about how to cope with and navigate the idea of "time wasted". Spending years bound by panic and fear can leave you feeling as if you've missed out on your own life. Grief, guilt, regret, shame....these are all emotions that tend to arise when it comes to anxiety disorders.

This episode covers how and why we need to acknowledge grief, what happens when grief turns into resentment, and what we can do to shift and grief and release those emotions from our body.

I hope you enjoy this episode, and as always, if you would like to be a guest on Us Anxious Folk to share your anxiety story, please get in touch with me at hello@iamlaurenrose.com

In this episode of Us Anxious Folk, I am joined by Raymond - all the way from New Jersey - who shares his anxiety story.

Raymond talks about his experiences with panic attacks and agoraphobia in a way that so many of us can relate to - from his first panic attack as a teenager (and the consequent hospital trip) to facing derealisation, fear of dying and bodily sensations, and a deep fear of being alone.

We discuss the use of alcohol as a coping mechanism, staying in comfort zones, and navigating relationships when you are someone who deals with panic and limitations, and Raymond shares how he worked through his SVT (Supraventricular tachycardia) diagnosis, which can cause heart palpitations and an erratic and rapid heartbeat.

There was so much about this conversation that I loved - Raymond is a very real and intensely likeable human, and I hope you get as much joy out of this episode as I did.

You can find Raymond on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/therealraymondmichael

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I hope you enjoy this episode, and as always, if you would like to be a guest on the podcast and share your anxiety story, please get in touch with me at hello@iamlaurenrose.com.

I would love to have you!

iamlaurenrose.com

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For all enquiries, please email me at "hello@iamlaurenrose.com"