Claire Eastham talks about her decision to accept her feelings of anxiety. Despite what anyone says it is nothing to be ashamed of – and support is out there.

Claire Eastham talks about her decision to accept her feelings of anxiety. Despite what anyone says it is nothing to be ashamed of – and support is out there.

Imagine lying in hospital with two broken legs and hearing the doctor say, “what’s wrong with you? You’re pathetic. Can’t you just pull yourself together?” Anyone would feel outraged! If only a broken leg could be healed with a few stern words, the NHS would be under less pressure.

But the reality is very different. The body needs time and patience to heal itself.

Now imagine having a panic attack or feeling anxious, suddenly it’s more acceptable to be so harsh and unfeeling. The majority of the criticism comes from within ourselves. We feel frustrated and embarrassed by mental problems and often try and suppress them. If we can ignore those nasty thoughts and feelings for long enough then hopefully they’ll go away. Sadly this is one of the most damaging things that anyone with a mental condition can do. Rather than disappearing, the problems will only get worse.

Many people feel ashamed about their anxiety, and I use to be one of them. I thought that I was weak and a loser, and I wasted so much energy trying to act ‘normal.’ But eventually things came to a head, my body couldn’t take anymore punishment and I had a mini breakdown.

Despite feeling devastated that my secret had been exposed, I realise now that it was a very positive thing, because it forced me to face my problems. I’d been trying to walk on broken legs for years and now I was finally giving myself time to heal.

Think about it, would you feel embarrassed about a cold? Would you be ashamed of admitting that you have a headache? Of course not, you didn’t ask to fall ill it just happened, so why is anxiety any different? The more that I began to accept this idea, the stronger I grew.

The truth is, facing up to any illnesses is a daunting prospect. It takes time and great courage, but it can be done.

Facing up to any illnesses is a daunting prospect. It takes time and great courage, but it can be done.

Claire Eastham

Claire Eastham writes about her experiences with anxiety and panic attacks on her blog www.weallmadhere.com

Recommended reading: ‘Understanding Anxiety’ – a guide produced by Anxiety UK, priced £3.99, is available via www.anxietyuk.org.uk/products or by calling 08444 774774.

If you would like to speak to someone at Anxiety UK, please call them in 0844 332 9010. This is a free dedicated Anxiety UK helpline for PHA UK members if they are feeling depressed or anxious and need some to talk to. The helpline is open from 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday-Friday. You can also visit www.anxietyuk.org.uk