Reading this felt like someone finally translated the silent storm I’ve been carrying into a language that doesn’t gaslight me.
The part about knowing it’s anxiety and still believing it—that right there. It’s like arguing with a fire alarm that won’t stop screaming, even though the toast isn’t even burnt.
Thank you for naming the exhaustion, the guilt, the strength it takes just to show up. This wasn’t just comforting—it was a mirror held up with compassion instead of judgment. I’m bookmarking this for the days when “trying” just means breathing through it.
You didn’t just write about anxiety—you created a soft place to land.
This sounds like grief that comes not just with the loss of a loved one but with the weight of the responsibilities that were not yours prior to the loss, but have been heaped upon you since that loss.
Keep writing… you are putting feelings into words for many who know not how to express those feelings.
Oh yes. It does! Journeying, trying to do what needs to be done without the other one. That made life’s tasks not such a big deal but fun. Like I’ll never get to the top of the mountain or cross the finish line. Always another step. Another obstacle. And anxiety wants to go along 🥺😫. Remembering that he would want me to take care of myself…do me me. He would say when here. Have to push myself to do this.
No one could write this who hasn’t experienced it firsthand. Anxiety and panic are beasts to manage. You are so generous to show up and share in the midst of struggling with this, Salwa.
My anxiety used to be severe. But let me tell you this - after a couple decades of it, it does get way better. Or we get better at stopping it before it begins. 💕
Thank you for posting this, Salwa. My son and I both have anxiety, his more challenging than mine at this point, and have been dealing with it for years. During that time, I've read a lot about anxiety, but your article stands out as the most helpful information I've come across. It's practical, helpful, and kind. We've found that even though it's a tough complication in life, the more we accept who we are and learn to treat ourselves with kindness, the better our lives become. This seems to be one of your foundation stones as well. Many thanks for sharing your insights.
This is one of the most compassionate, clear-eyed things I’ve read in a long time. Thank you. Every line, an exhale to let out.
As someone who moves through the world carrying both visible and invisible weight—caregiving, anxiety, creative longing—I want you to know: your words reached me. They made room.
“Even if that living is soft. Quiet. Messy.” Yes. That’s the kind of living I’m learning to trust more deeply.
Your tips are exquisite, many I practice to stay here, stay with, and keep listening. Beautiful truth-telling.
This was good to read. My daughter is very anxious currently and it stops her doing so much. It was great to have it affirmed that the slow, gentle support is thee right way forward. I kinda knew this but great to read it. Thank you Salwa.
I have severe anxiety very intensely in my body. I use tools to help regulate my nervous system. It comes back pretty quick. I am in therapy, which it does help to talk to someone that has studied the treatment for what I have. My anxiety comes from complex PTSD and I'm getting treatment for it. I feel like a walking raw nerve, most of the time. Thank you for writing about it!💜
I am not one you write of. I thank God for that, but it is good for me to know how others can and do feel when they have needs they can't meet. I might be one who can encourage or comfort someone in their time of need. I can't do it by myself, but from the God above who guides and directs his children in His ways. May God bless and help those in need.
Salwa, My heart is with you and me. I resonate with much of what you've said, especially trying to look normal and the reminder that it's okay to slow down and rest.
Oh, my gosh, Salwa! I love everything you write, and this was particularly powerful. It helps me understand my sister in a way i haven't before. And even though I don't feel severe anxiety myself, there was plenty here for me, too.
Thanks so much for the good work you're doing. It's so important.
Thank you, Salwa, you describe so well what it’s like to live day-by-day with a mental health challenge (& I especially like your list of Gentle Tools for coping). I’m an introvert; & from reading about autism over the years, I’m pretty sure (without any formal diagnosis) that as a child I was living “on the spectrum” — with sensitivity to noise, light, social events; & coping mechanisms like quirky routines, & just needing lots of “alone time” for recovery from stress. In my life I’ve adapted & have become “highly functional” — one advantage I have is that I can “read” & understand other people, like having ESP without even trying — it’s easy for me to feel empathy, for animals as well as people. But I still need alone time for recovery. I’ve learned to set boundaries & just say no when I need to, without guilt. I just tell people I’m an introvert & they can understand that.
Reading this felt like someone finally translated the silent storm I’ve been carrying into a language that doesn’t gaslight me.
The part about knowing it’s anxiety and still believing it—that right there. It’s like arguing with a fire alarm that won’t stop screaming, even though the toast isn’t even burnt.
Thank you for naming the exhaustion, the guilt, the strength it takes just to show up. This wasn’t just comforting—it was a mirror held up with compassion instead of judgment. I’m bookmarking this for the days when “trying” just means breathing through it.
You didn’t just write about anxiety—you created a soft place to land.
Oh my yes!
This sounds like grief that comes not just with the loss of a loved one but with the weight of the responsibilities that were not yours prior to the loss, but have been heaped upon you since that loss.
Keep writing… you are putting feelings into words for many who know not how to express those feelings.
Oh yes. It does! Journeying, trying to do what needs to be done without the other one. That made life’s tasks not such a big deal but fun. Like I’ll never get to the top of the mountain or cross the finish line. Always another step. Another obstacle. And anxiety wants to go along 🥺😫. Remembering that he would want me to take care of myself…do me me. He would say when here. Have to push myself to do this.
i am not fine today.
i am slowly mending.
and that is enough.
thank you for writing so well about hard things.
Agree!!
No one could write this who hasn’t experienced it firsthand. Anxiety and panic are beasts to manage. You are so generous to show up and share in the midst of struggling with this, Salwa.
Totally!!!! Yes!
My anxiety used to be severe. But let me tell you this - after a couple decades of it, it does get way better. Or we get better at stopping it before it begins. 💕
Thank you for posting this, Salwa. My son and I both have anxiety, his more challenging than mine at this point, and have been dealing with it for years. During that time, I've read a lot about anxiety, but your article stands out as the most helpful information I've come across. It's practical, helpful, and kind. We've found that even though it's a tough complication in life, the more we accept who we are and learn to treat ourselves with kindness, the better our lives become. This seems to be one of your foundation stones as well. Many thanks for sharing your insights.
Hello Salwa.
This is one of the most compassionate, clear-eyed things I’ve read in a long time. Thank you. Every line, an exhale to let out.
As someone who moves through the world carrying both visible and invisible weight—caregiving, anxiety, creative longing—I want you to know: your words reached me. They made room.
“Even if that living is soft. Quiet. Messy.” Yes. That’s the kind of living I’m learning to trust more deeply.
Your tips are exquisite, many I practice to stay here, stay with, and keep listening. Beautiful truth-telling.
Grateful to have found your voice again.
You’re doing something powerful—and profoundly kind.
with love, P
This was good to read. My daughter is very anxious currently and it stops her doing so much. It was great to have it affirmed that the slow, gentle support is thee right way forward. I kinda knew this but great to read it. Thank you Salwa.
I have severe anxiety very intensely in my body. I use tools to help regulate my nervous system. It comes back pretty quick. I am in therapy, which it does help to talk to someone that has studied the treatment for what I have. My anxiety comes from complex PTSD and I'm getting treatment for it. I feel like a walking raw nerve, most of the time. Thank you for writing about it!💜
I am not one you write of. I thank God for that, but it is good for me to know how others can and do feel when they have needs they can't meet. I might be one who can encourage or comfort someone in their time of need. I can't do it by myself, but from the God above who guides and directs his children in His ways. May God bless and help those in need.
Salwa, My heart is with you and me. I resonate with much of what you've said, especially trying to look normal and the reminder that it's okay to slow down and rest.
I like I feel anxious instead of i am anxious.
You feel like a burden. Even when people reassure you you’re not.
You question your worth.
You compare your “invisible” struggle to other people’s highlight reels.
Salwa, this. Is me.
Oh, my gosh, Salwa! I love everything you write, and this was particularly powerful. It helps me understand my sister in a way i haven't before. And even though I don't feel severe anxiety myself, there was plenty here for me, too.
Thanks so much for the good work you're doing. It's so important.
Thank you, Salwa, you describe so well what it’s like to live day-by-day with a mental health challenge (& I especially like your list of Gentle Tools for coping). I’m an introvert; & from reading about autism over the years, I’m pretty sure (without any formal diagnosis) that as a child I was living “on the spectrum” — with sensitivity to noise, light, social events; & coping mechanisms like quirky routines, & just needing lots of “alone time” for recovery from stress. In my life I’ve adapted & have become “highly functional” — one advantage I have is that I can “read” & understand other people, like having ESP without even trying — it’s easy for me to feel empathy, for animals as well as people. But I still need alone time for recovery. I’ve learned to set boundaries & just say no when I need to, without guilt. I just tell people I’m an introvert & they can understand that.
Come back home to your body, your mind, your soul. Anxiety rips us away from now. Return to presence. All is well.