“I’ve finally come to realize I’m not by myself.” ~ Allison
In this 8 minute vlog, Allison talks about her life living with two anxiety disorders: Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder.
Allison reflects on:
- her anxiety as a child;
- how her anxiety got worse after college;
- her experiences with medical professional when she went to seek help (twice);
- her denial over her diagnosis;
- her fear of workplace stigma and what she learned is the truth;
- her acceptance leading to a better quality of life and being active in the mental health community.
Allison Grange is a school communications professional who is married to her high school sweetheart. She’s passionate about mental health, education, social media, yoga and chocolate-eating.
Allison can be found on Twitter at www.twitter.com/allisongrange.
Rachel Miller
Fabulous post Allison. You’re a great example of someone showing that you don’t have to be a “quiet mouse” in order to have Social Anxiety. Like you I come across as fairly confident when talking, so nobody ever believes me when I say I have social anxiety issues!! I particularly have a phone phobia and have always had to swallow a lot of anxiety in previous jobs when I have had to phone people. Seems so silly to many, but it affected me quite a lot!
It’s great that you can talk to other people about your conditions- it really DOES help to lessen stigma and remind us all we are not alone and that there is nothing to be ashamed of in having a mental health condition. People like you and Trish are really pioneering a way forward in the community so that mental health issues can be seen as normal and nothing to be scared of, by those suffering from them, and those who don’t. Well done you.
Allison Grange
Rachel, thank you so much for your awesome comment! Your words mean so much.
I can totally relate to you! I had a serious phone phobia for quite some time that I’ve somehow gotten out of. You’re right, you don’t have to be a “quiet mouse” to have anxiety issues.
Sometimes, I get anxious about sharing my stories online, but I know that stories from other people have helped me so much. So, my initial anxiety fades. Talking about these types of issues is key! Breaking the stigma can make life so much better – and it can save lives.
Thanks again 🙂
Veva
I can completely relate to this vlog! For so long I had no idea what that “sick feeling” in my stomach was – the nausea, dizziness, irritability – there were many times when I was sure I had come down with a horrible stomach flu! I also get very anxious about sharing my stories on the world wide web. I tend to think, “oh my god, what if so-and-so finds out, and they hate me?” But it is stories like yours and mine that help individuals with mental health issues regain faith in themselves and their life, and that is worth the price of a few people thinking I’m completely loca. I admire you so much 🙂