Thanks for sharing. It's a very hard thing to say. I too have anxiety coupled with OCD. The way you described the feeling like your head floating and the fainting...this..this..this! And my anxiety would manifest into literally choking before a presentation. Like hyperventilating choking. Then there was the I can't drive my car phase. It's all a phase often presented with a new one. Therapy and SSRI's have saved me. I know my triggers now and literally just say breathe. I also pray when it's happening. It creates the calmness and diversion I need to regroup. You got this and if you don't that's ok too...
Bravo, Liz! I was diagnosed with anxiety about ten years ago and it was life-changing to begin to understand what was going on - and had been a struggle my whole life. 💜
Apr 12, 2023·edited Apr 12, 2023Liked by Liz Gumbinner
yes yes yes! general anxiety, meeting a new client or showing a first cut or a first date or walking into a big event, but sitting in the garden and suddenly feeling faint!? having to sit down for fear of falling? feeling your blood rushing from your fingers? Those unexplained attacks! Oy, thinking, "what was that about?" Sometimes there's an answer other times a shrug. And when you're an extrovert--at least you act like one--but hmm maybe you're not. And you know what? That means you're brave. You move through it, you face the challenge and win! So, something to feel good about. Bravery is a hell of a trait. Anxiety sucks and it's hereditary. Therapy is a good thing, at least it tells you, "It's OK, I'll be OK. It's just one of those things.
Thank you for spotlighting your mental health diagnosis. I've lived with anxiety and panic my entire life of 54 years. I received a diagnosis of generalized anxiety and panic disorder 25 years ago and it was wonderful to finally have the vocabulary to "understand &explain" me.
I still struggle and some years are more challenging than others. Just when I think I'm in control of my mental health, bam, my body will remind me otherwise.
(Raises hand) Three generations of anxiety and ADHD in this family! With late diagnosis of ADHD for this lady! They used to call me “the security guard” because I would go around the house each night and check each door to make sure it was locked. In many ways, it has driven me forward to the highest levels of achievement--until I get so worn out I can’t handle it for one more minute and collapse. Learning to control it, and the running internal monologue that comes with it, has been my lifelong challenge, and never worse than in these last 5-7 years.
Aw Melissa. You are one of the best examples I know of putting it to work in a healthy and productive way, so to hear this from you means a lot to me. I'm sorry it's gotten worse lately. Here's to the upswing! (We're due for it, right?)
Thank you thank you thank you. ❤️ We connected once on the low blood pressure/fainting thing - which I also think is a thing thing....but I think perhaps like you, I have anxiety. 2/3 of my kids do - and I wholly support them with it so it makes sense.
Genes, environment, history... I don't know exactly. But it does seem to be increasing and the research bears that out. I bet Morra knows more about that. xo
I so admire your emotional courage,Liz. It is no common thing. It is especially impressive in this society of ours that puts such a premium on “having our shit together”, even though it’s an illusion for the majority of us. We would all be better off if we could just admit that, no, as a matter of fact, I do not have my shit together but I’m working on it. Thanks for this.
Thank you so much Ernie. I think maybe we need to redefine "having our shit together!" Especially when so many high-achieving people (some right here in this comment section) seem to struggle. We just keep working on it and life goes on...
One more issue with anxiety and panic, not being to trust my judgment when it comes to my physical health. Especially as I age, I begin to question if my symptoms are due to a severe anxiety attack or maybe...this time it's a heart condition? Feeling faint? Same questions and a shred of doubt. Medical tests and procedures rule out other diagnosis, but the mind doesn't always play nice. 😵💫
That really is a fantastic point about aging. I always try to look at the evidence. "Doctor says my heart is good? Okay, it's good!" Facts and science are a big help for me.
Liz, I have anxiety & ADHD. They act like a continuous feedback loop. When I can't focus, the fear starts. "What am I forgetting? Is that the one thing I need to be remembering so things don't completely unravel right in front of me? Why can't I stay organized? Why is something that looks so easy for the rest of the world feel like slogging through mud for me? What's the matter with me? How can I hide how crumbling and chaotic I feel inside? I'll pretend and perform my way out of this so no one can tell I feel crumbling & chaotic inside..."
Oh Karen, it's so rough -- and the medicine shortage right now are making it extra tough on a lot of people in my life. Thinking of you and hope you're slogging through it okay. xo
I have suffered from anxiety, ADD, OCD, and depression my whole life. I hear you-my extraordinary, brilliant, brave, and beautiful stepdaughter. You have been such an incredible inspiration to me and I am proud, honored, privileged, and extremely grateful with love, to have you in my life.
I just teleported right back to writing my first blog post, saying out loud that I have anxiety. I wish I could hug you, Liz. Not only because I know this is hard, and that thing about talking or thinking or writing about panic being a trigger for panic? YES. But also, because this is a step toward healing and freedom, too. Sure, talking about anxiety out loud with others isn't a cure, but it's certainly a medicine. The more we stay silent on the outside, the more anxiety and depression and all the other mean things our brains fight get louder on the inside. Always here to hold space for you. Goodness knows you've supported me so much xoxo
Look at you with all the brilliance (again) that I need to hear. Medicine vs a cure, YES. Your honesty has always been an inspiration to me. I appreciate you so so much. ❤️
I have a 31-year-old son, who is coming to grips with his ADHD and anxiety issues. As we talk about things that he’s coping with, I recognize some of those traits in myself and it’s got me to thinking a whole lot about neurodiversity; we talk about things being on a spectrum, but I really think they’re more in a three-dimensional matrix with variations in multiple directions. And I wonder what “Neurotypical“ really means in psychology. When you take statistics it’s recognized that in a research study. No one’s subject will represent the values of the mean. I think that’s the same thing when I’m talking about here.
All to say thank you for naming your issue and bringing it out in the open because I think you’re right; the more we talk about it the more we can deal with all our feeling -some to amore greater degree and some to a lesser degree. The conversation is long overdue.
Thanks for sharing. It's a very hard thing to say. I too have anxiety coupled with OCD. The way you described the feeling like your head floating and the fainting...this..this..this! And my anxiety would manifest into literally choking before a presentation. Like hyperventilating choking. Then there was the I can't drive my car phase. It's all a phase often presented with a new one. Therapy and SSRI's have saved me. I know my triggers now and literally just say breathe. I also pray when it's happening. It creates the calmness and diversion I need to regroup. You got this and if you don't that's ok too...
"You got this and if you don't that's ok too..."
yes yes yes
I see you. You see me. Thanks for writing this. Looking forward to more.
thank you Robert. Always appreciate you.
Bravo, Liz! I was diagnosed with anxiety about ten years ago and it was life-changing to begin to understand what was going on - and had been a struggle my whole life. 💜
Having the words means so much.
yes yes yes! general anxiety, meeting a new client or showing a first cut or a first date or walking into a big event, but sitting in the garden and suddenly feeling faint!? having to sit down for fear of falling? feeling your blood rushing from your fingers? Those unexplained attacks! Oy, thinking, "what was that about?" Sometimes there's an answer other times a shrug. And when you're an extrovert--at least you act like one--but hmm maybe you're not. And you know what? That means you're brave. You move through it, you face the challenge and win! So, something to feel good about. Bravery is a hell of a trait. Anxiety sucks and it's hereditary. Therapy is a good thing, at least it tells you, "It's OK, I'll be OK. It's just one of those things.
I appreciate hearing from you. I know this impacts women more, and I appreciate the men here willing to be vulnerable and open up. ❤️
Thank you for spotlighting your mental health diagnosis. I've lived with anxiety and panic my entire life of 54 years. I received a diagnosis of generalized anxiety and panic disorder 25 years ago and it was wonderful to finally have the vocabulary to "understand &explain" me.
I still struggle and some years are more challenging than others. Just when I think I'm in control of my mental health, bam, my body will remind me otherwise.
Thanks for sharing that. Our bodies sure do have a way of saying, "not so fast there, brain!" Here's to the years with fewer challenges.
(Raises hand) Three generations of anxiety and ADHD in this family! With late diagnosis of ADHD for this lady! They used to call me “the security guard” because I would go around the house each night and check each door to make sure it was locked. In many ways, it has driven me forward to the highest levels of achievement--until I get so worn out I can’t handle it for one more minute and collapse. Learning to control it, and the running internal monologue that comes with it, has been my lifelong challenge, and never worse than in these last 5-7 years.
Aw Melissa. You are one of the best examples I know of putting it to work in a healthy and productive way, so to hear this from you means a lot to me. I'm sorry it's gotten worse lately. Here's to the upswing! (We're due for it, right?)
Thank you thank you thank you. ❤️ We connected once on the low blood pressure/fainting thing - which I also think is a thing thing....but I think perhaps like you, I have anxiety. 2/3 of my kids do - and I wholly support them with it so it makes sense.
Thank you. ❤️
Genes, environment, history... I don't know exactly. But it does seem to be increasing and the research bears that out. I bet Morra knows more about that. xo
Thank you for sharing so generously and bravely.
I so admire your emotional courage,Liz. It is no common thing. It is especially impressive in this society of ours that puts such a premium on “having our shit together”, even though it’s an illusion for the majority of us. We would all be better off if we could just admit that, no, as a matter of fact, I do not have my shit together but I’m working on it. Thanks for this.
Thank you so much Ernie. I think maybe we need to redefine "having our shit together!" Especially when so many high-achieving people (some right here in this comment section) seem to struggle. We just keep working on it and life goes on...
One more issue with anxiety and panic, not being to trust my judgment when it comes to my physical health. Especially as I age, I begin to question if my symptoms are due to a severe anxiety attack or maybe...this time it's a heart condition? Feeling faint? Same questions and a shred of doubt. Medical tests and procedures rule out other diagnosis, but the mind doesn't always play nice. 😵💫
That really is a fantastic point about aging. I always try to look at the evidence. "Doctor says my heart is good? Okay, it's good!" Facts and science are a big help for me.
Liz, I have anxiety & ADHD. They act like a continuous feedback loop. When I can't focus, the fear starts. "What am I forgetting? Is that the one thing I need to be remembering so things don't completely unravel right in front of me? Why can't I stay organized? Why is something that looks so easy for the rest of the world feel like slogging through mud for me? What's the matter with me? How can I hide how crumbling and chaotic I feel inside? I'll pretend and perform my way out of this so no one can tell I feel crumbling & chaotic inside..."
I see you, too.
Oh Karen, it's so rough -- and the medicine shortage right now are making it extra tough on a lot of people in my life. Thinking of you and hope you're slogging through it okay. xo
I have suffered from anxiety, ADD, OCD, and depression my whole life. I hear you-my extraordinary, brilliant, brave, and beautiful stepdaughter. You have been such an incredible inspiration to me and I am proud, honored, privileged, and extremely grateful with love, to have you in my life.
Thank you Amye. The honor goes right back atcha. ❤️
I just teleported right back to writing my first blog post, saying out loud that I have anxiety. I wish I could hug you, Liz. Not only because I know this is hard, and that thing about talking or thinking or writing about panic being a trigger for panic? YES. But also, because this is a step toward healing and freedom, too. Sure, talking about anxiety out loud with others isn't a cure, but it's certainly a medicine. The more we stay silent on the outside, the more anxiety and depression and all the other mean things our brains fight get louder on the inside. Always here to hold space for you. Goodness knows you've supported me so much xoxo
Look at you with all the brilliance (again) that I need to hear. Medicine vs a cure, YES. Your honesty has always been an inspiration to me. I appreciate you so so much. ❤️
Yes, the head-floaty feeling! I hate that!
I have a 31-year-old son, who is coming to grips with his ADHD and anxiety issues. As we talk about things that he’s coping with, I recognize some of those traits in myself and it’s got me to thinking a whole lot about neurodiversity; we talk about things being on a spectrum, but I really think they’re more in a three-dimensional matrix with variations in multiple directions. And I wonder what “Neurotypical“ really means in psychology. When you take statistics it’s recognized that in a research study. No one’s subject will represent the values of the mean. I think that’s the same thing when I’m talking about here.
All to say thank you for naming your issue and bringing it out in the open because I think you’re right; the more we talk about it the more we can deal with all our feeling -some to amore greater degree and some to a lesser degree. The conversation is long overdue.
Ugh – dictating my text and can’t fix the typos. Sorry!
Thank you for sharing yourself with others, Liz, so people have an opportunity to see themselves in your words. xoxoxo