I have anxiety and depression (and dyslexia and am waiting for an ADHD assessment, if we are counting!).
I’ve had both for a long time. No trauma, or sad backstory, It’s just the way I’m wired; it runs in my family.
Over the years, I’ve had ups and downs, some more severe than others, all exhausting in their own way.
People around me handle this differently, some better than others and I get that; it’s tough for them.
It’s often assumed that I’m quite outgoing. I am happy speaking on massive stages to hundreds of people. I gig regularly. I have a YouTube channel, and so on.
The point is that the person on stage isn’t Andrzej; he’s Dave, ” the Man in the Hat.”
I put the hat on and I become Dave. Dave is a coping mechanism that allows me to enjoy the things I love because often Andrzej is far too anxious and introverted to do them. The guy wearing the silly hat absolutely can!
It works for me, along with anxiety medication.
What’s my point?
1. Anxiety and depression suck.
2. People don’t always get it.
3. You can live with them, and you can find coping mechanisms.
4. Get help. I have an amazing support network and medication.
5. I am always happy to talk to people about it if they ask or need help.