Anxiety is like running from a bear
Picture this… you’re walking through a forest, its dark, cold, you’re lost and alone. With each step comes the fear that you’ll never be found, and with each noise, you’re fearful of what’s lurking in the darkness. Then you turn and see it, a hulking silhouette moving towards you, and you just know it. It’s a bear. As quickly as you saw it, your brain kicks into flight-or-fight mode. You go into a state of high alert - your heart rate increases, your blood pressure increases, you start to sweat and begin to shake.
Then fearing for your life, you just run.
For people with chronic anxiety, life can be like walking through this dark forest. Always in a state of mild panic, always alert and everyday tasks such as; calling a friend, sending a work email, or a looming deadline can make you feel like you are face to face with the hungry bear in the forrest, and all you want to do is run.
So when you next think about your friends, family and colleagues consider what may come across as lazy and irresponsible behaviour on the surface, may be because they are just running from the bear. Be kind, be present, be patient.
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