First of all, I’m a big advocate of mental wellness/therapy etc. I’ve actually worked in mental health for many years and I understand the stigma well. So it’s very ironic that I’ve had a hard time opening up to loved ones about my anxiety. I think part of it is pride and feeling like I need to make sure that they know I’m okay (single, independent woman living in an expensive city, etc) and that I got this. And I do, most of the time. But my anxiety is rearing it’s ugly head lately. I’m cancelling plans, I’m not sleeping well, I’m having panic attacks, not leaving the house (I work from home). I have a big family reunion out of town tomorrow and big family things like that stress me out on a good day. So, given the last week of anxiety misery, I had no choice but to tell my mom about what’s been going on. I felt a little embarrassed but ultimately it took a weight off my shoulders. So, if it helps anyone else…tell a loved one. Don’t bottle it all up and convince yourself that you can and should handle it by yourself all the time. We’re human and some of us have to deal with what feels like more than our fair share.