More information on anxiety http://www.mind.org.uk/anxiety#.VYlu7hNViko
More mental health stories https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw8TLvRgeKJ7YFbklnGNn1CT46hxsLB86
Video “Talking about anxiety” https://youtu.be/lKWoIwgiLRk?list=PLw8TLvRgeKJ4U0IbynSzUKojAIeL-EcZ2

Transcription:

/"Hello, my name is Eden and this is my mental health selfie for Mind.

I have suffered from anxiety for most of my life, but it became extremely severe about eight years ago. I only went to my doctor and got diagnosed about 1 month ago. They diagnosed me with severe anxiety and mild social anxiety. Until recently, I never even understood what was wrong with me. I always thought I was just stupid or physically ill. It wasn't until I did some research that I realized I actually suffered from anxiety. There are specific situations in which I feel particularly anxious, like being at a restaurant or around food, but in general, anxiety can attack me in any situation, even random situations, like crossing the road or being on the phone.

I feel like anxiety has ruined my life and stopped me from doing so many things that I could and would like to do, but I just can't. One way to explain it is like you're trapped in your own mind, there's just no escape. Previously, I had never told anyone about my symptoms or my feelings. Not with the doctor, not with my friends, not with my family, because I didn't think I had any reason to feel this way or talk about it. However, once I told my friends about it, it was a relief because it helped me accept how I felt and helped them understand why I do certain things, why I can't do certain things. things or why I act the way I do. My friends gave me the courage to go to the doctor for help because anxiety was having a serious impact on my life and I was coping in a completely normal way. I can't do the everyday things that everyone else can do.

I would say talking to your friends and family can help as they begin to understand your mind. They may not fully understand it, but to some extent they will. By talking to people, they can give you courage
and accompanies you throughout your journey. Being with you as you accomplish the things your anxiety can stop you from doing. Just with the help of my friends, I have achieved things that I never thought I could achieve six months ago. These may only be very small things, but they make a difference.

So my message would be this: if you suffer from mental health problems
Talk to your friends and family because they will understand and support you along the way. Sometimes I still feel like I'm being ridiculous or that I shouldn't complain, but after such a long and exhausting time, I've gained courage and am about to start receiving CBT. So be brave and talk to people about your mental health issues, because it could help you a lot more than you think. /"

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