Last month, I shared a post on my Facebook wall entitled “What It’s Like to Have ‘High Functioning’ Anxiety” via The Mighty.  I remember reading the article and how much I could relate.  I wanted to share it, but became anxious about the thought of doing so.  Not surprising, since I suffer from anxiety myself.  It presents itself in various ways in my personal and professional life, but I’ve managed to be successful in both.  I don’t tend to share it for fear of being judged or treated differently.  But as a person of integrity and passion, I felt I needed to challenge myself and say “Why Not Share?!?”

In my role as an account manager for Anthem’s Employee Assistance Program, my job is to educate our clients on their vast available benefits and resources.   I tout the statistics that indicate that one in five people will experience a mental health condition in a given year.  I compare it to the prevalence of the common cold and the lack of inhibition regarding both sharing our physical problems like a cold and offering assistance to colleagues with physical conditions.  I’ve even shared the compelling You Tube video “If Physical Health Problems Were Treated Like Mental Health Problems”.  I champion the cause of reducing the stigma any chance I get.

But this was about me.  And I was struggling with being vulnerable.  But I kept hearing the words “Be the change you wish to be in this world”, a compelling quote by Mahatma Gandhi.  After taking a deep breath, with the hair tingling on my arms, I posted it, and even included the post “This resonates so much with me.” And that was that.  I had three likes, and that was it.  No big deal.

But then a week ago I ran into an old boyfriend from high school in the grocery store.  And he mentioned my post.  He said he couldn’t believe it about me.  I braced myself and tensed up for the conversation.  But he was smiling, and surprised, and said that he knew who I was as a person and knew it must be true.  We had a great conversation about how everyone has their own struggles that many don’t know about or could ever imagine.

I’ve also had colleagues and family members act dumbfounded when I tell them how anxious I become before a big meeting or presentation.  I cope and perform successfully, but it can be a struggle.  I have a hard time watching action movies/shows with my husband, his entertainment of choice.  During those times I’ve explained my physical feelings while the shows are on, and what I’m experiencing so he can better understand why I’d rather not watch them.  I try to find out in advance what’s going to happen in the show or movie so I can stop worrying about the outcome and fearing the worst.

So I’m taking another deep breath and publishing this article.  I want to continue to champion the cause.  I encourage you all to try to feel more comfortable sharing your struggles with your family and friends; not to burden or seek sympathy but to educate and increase understanding.  We need to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental illness and to normalize it like the common cold.  We have many tools at our fingertips to share and educate today.  But we also live in a time of quick judgments and stereotypes, so it may be difficult.  Won’t you take a deep breath and join me?

Lynn is the dedicated Behavioral Health and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resource for one of Anthem’s largest groups. She has worked for Anthem over 17 years and has over 30 years’ experience in behavioral health.  Lynn received a dual bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.