I Understand Your Suffering
I’ve been talking to many women lately of all ages who are feeling anxious about various things in their lives. Some have constant anxiety, even over minor things. Some have anxiety in the form of panic attacks. Some have anxiety that is so debilitating that it affects their motivation.
Most of them have no idea how to cope with the feelings that come along with anxiety.
I have struggled with anxiety ever since I can remember. Even as a one year old, my anxiety was noticed by my parents. It started in the form of separation anxiety. I despised going places without my parents by my side (school, sleepovers, etc.).
Because of my severe anxiety, I suffered from migraines and stomach aches throughout elementary and middle school. It came to a head in 7th grade when my family moved to Cape Cod. I began to not only suffer from anxiety, but I began to fall into a depression. I would suffer from panic attacks and even had suicidal thoughts. At 12 years old, I was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder and prescribed Prozac, an antidepressant.
You could say my life was a little different than the typical pre-teen who was worried about clothes, boys and chores.
Believe me, I wanted to be “normal”. I tried hard to fit in. I don’t think many people even knew the thoughts that were going through my head. I was smart, talented, polite and had big dreams, but that didn’t seem to matter or help my situation…
It can be hard to describe to people who haven’t experienced a constant state of anxiety. But for people who do understand, it can feel like it will always be that way. It’s hard to know what it would be like to go through a day without feelings of anxiety.
Does this seem familiar:
Anxiety is exhausting. Even if you’re sitting all day, your body and mind become drained from all of the anxious thoughts running through your head.
It can create constant butterflies, shakiness, fast heart-rate and shallow breathing.
It feels lonely, especially when you’re freaking out about something that isn’t really a big deal to anyone else.
Life is rushed, always feeling like you need to be doing something. It’s hard to relax and enjoy the present moment.
You wonder if you’re going to have to live like this for the rest of your life.
It affects your relationships, career, mood and health.
It feels impossible to stay motivated and reach your big goals and dreams.
Maybe life even looks good on the outside but you certainly don’t feel good on the inside.
Our bodies are not meant to be in this constant state of anxiety. When we are anxious, we are typically releasing stress hormones in our bodies, which can be very harmful. This messes with our hormones, digestion, immune system and energy.
After years of education, coaches, therapists, medication, and more, I decided I didn’t want anxiety to continue taking over my life. I no longer wanted to turn down exciting things because I was too worried and afraid. I used all of my knowledge and support to get me to a hopeful and happier place. Now I’m here to give you or a loved one HOPE.
I’m sad to see so many women struggling to get through a day with a smile on their face.
I’m angry that we are so quickly turned to medication without any additional guidance.
I’m afraid that if we don’t make these changes now, then our futures could really be damaged.
Imagine if the world had more happy, healthy, strong, confident and passionate women?
I think it would be pretty freaking amazing. The world would be a better place if women could learn to cope with their anxiety rather than turning to medication, caffeine, sugar, drugs, bad relationships or worse, suicide…
If you can relate to any of the feelings that I just described, I would like to invite you to check out my upcoming Hope and Peace Retreat that is taking place June 9-11, at the Craigville Retreat Center. This retreat is designed to teach you techniques to help live a life with less anxiety and more hope. The retreat is also meant to allow you to unplug and connect with other women in a comfortable and relaxing environment.
If you are looking for a sign to take action in your life and get help for you anxiety, this is it! Also, you can save $100 if you apply before April 1st, so there is no time to waste. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions you may have, and I look forward to connecting with you in the future.
Learn more and apply at:
Much love,
XOXO Shayna
