A is for... Anxiety | Lauren and the Books

Hello all!
Today is the first in a new series where I work my way through the alphabet chatting about all different things, both serious and not so serious.
Today is A for Anxiety, next time, B is for Body Positivity!
If you fancy being all kinds of wonderful and buying a book from Book Depository of which I will earn a small commission, then please use this link... www.bookdeposit...
Lauren
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Twitter: @laurenthebooks

[@LaurenAndTheBooks]

Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who commented on this video, it means such a lot that you all shared your anxiety experiences with me. Let's keep talking about mental health and sharing, because my number one piece of advice to anyone dealing with mental health issues would be, chat about it! Love to each and everyone of you, thanks so much! xxxx

[@BohoBookworm]

I know you wanted to talk about yourself a bit, but sidenote: Oh my gosh your cat though... adorable!!!! ;) Thank you for sharing your anxiety story. I have just been put on anti-stress and anxiety meds because there is so much going on.. and honestly I'm noticing myself becoming more anxious for every day normal things.... like, the other day I was sitting in a food and craft market having some rice paper rolls and I was suddenly so scared to move.. to get up.. because I was so scared that I would fall or humiliate myself somehow and draw attention to myself and lately I just have this desire to go unnoticed??? don't know.. super weird. As for booze.. I love a glass of wine but I did a 6month break a while ago and at first my friends didn't get it but then they completely accepted me. I still hung out with them and they didn't stop their lifestyle but I felt comfortable drinking tea instead of wine or brandy with them! Friends are super important :)

[@reesesurace6904]

Thanks for sharing! I have anxiety and major depression and it sucks!! I have to be on medication permanently which Iv come to terms with, and it's nothing to be ashamed of. I also stop drinking and when I told my friends I lost a lot of them because we had nothing in common anymore. I agree that talking about it and having a strong support network around you is so important!!!! Going for walks and breathing deep breaths of fresh air also helps.

[@Tabata774]

I love this new series of video. Thanks for sharing such an important part of your life. I know many people who have anxiety problems. Everyone thinks he can solve them on their own at the beginning. I know that is difficult to trust this problem to family members, friends and to start a cure with a specialized doctor. Personally I suffered some disturbances when my parents died from a few years away from each other. It was terrible for me. I didn't know how to solve these problems. It's important to talk about this problem because we understand that we are not alone. I am glad that you had people who cared so much about you. Seasonal changes and climatic factors have a lot to do with this kind of disorders.

[@oliviaturner3345]

Thank you for this video! I feel like I understand anxiety a whole lot better listening to your experience and hope that if anyone I love suffers, I will be able to point them in the direction of this vid xx

[@vacantlots]

Know what you mean about excitement and anxiety mixing up in your body. I have shops that I get excited about going into, because they are full of things I love, and always after five minutes I start to feel anxious and need the loo. I think this is something to do with you nervous system speeding up when you are excited or anxious. E.g. Heart speeds up, sweat a bit more, hyper aware and your head interprets this as anxiety or fight mode when actually it's excitement.

[@jessicawatson7360]

vacantlots strangely, I find going to theme parks really helps for me cus, I learn to associate the anxious feelings with something good. Then, when I’m next anxious I try and think of it as a list of things happening in my body rather than the feeling of anxiety.

[@One_moor_for_luck]

Hi Lauren, thank you so much for sharing this. I've suffered form anxiety and panic attacks my whole life, the first I remember being about seven years old, and for a long time I didn't know what was happening to me. I can relate to the sense of impending doom and the feeling that you're dying, it feels so much like it and I was convinced of it for a long time. The thoughts feed the feelings and vice versa. I actually work in mental health care now so not only have I suffered with it but I support others to find coping strategies for varying conditions and I see so much stigma but also great hope when more people speak out as frankly as you have. I'm glad to hear you had counselling, in my experience talking therapy, getting deeper into ourselves and the knowledge of our emotions, learning how to function with more understanding of the physicality of what is happening to our bodies, is so beneficial. I like your advice about checking off sleep, hunger, stress etc when you're feeling anxious. Our bodies have reactions we cannot control and if we're hungry its a very primal fear that's evoked within us. It's a fight or flight reaction, an adrenaline rush that is very close to a panic or anxiety attack. Keeping on top of our wellbeing is key and in that sense, when we fall, it may not be from such a height. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and for your openess and honesty. To be more authentic with ourselves is to be more authentic with others and it can only be a benefit. I hope you have a stress free and calming great weekend :)

[@deeeebbbbbbbbb]

Xenomorphs!! I also get anxiety but mine is really odd and can be really productive for me. Which is strange but then it can just make me sick. I also get social anxiety.

[@Elinasmind]

thank you so much for sharing your story. I resonate with everything you said so much, pretty much all of this happened to me! I was on propranolol for a while but I had to stop taking it before the month was up because I got so anxious over taking a pill that I thought I would die from the side effects! I am exactly the same with seasonal changes too, just thought I would say if you didn't know that you can buy SAD lights which are AMAZING, totally worth getting one when the days get shorter again! I usually put it on when there is no daylight left and I still have work to do but feel so exhausted because my body tells me its time to sleep at like 5pm, same with waking up at 8am in the dark. Also, lack of sunlight results in a vitamin D3 deficiency as you get it from the sun so supplements are great to take. someone told me this advice and it totally saved me. that, and you can also get melatonin supplements which regulate your sleep cycle when short/long days interrupt it :) just thought I would comment for anyone out there going through the same thing :)

[@DaeronK]

Thank you for this video and sharing your story Lauren. I've suffered anxiety and other mental health issues most of my life, so I understand what it feels like. It always helps me to feel less alone when people share. I tentatively started doing videos (well one so far) on my channel a week ago, with the aim of slowly putting myself out there and meeting new people. You, David, Simon, Alena and others here on BookTube put a smile on my dial every week. As well as giving me awesome recommendations on books. Thank you again for sharing. 😊

[@leela864]

Great video, Lauren! I sat and nodded and even cried a little because I recognise myself so much in it. And how horrible it is to be alone with the anxiety and not know what it is or what to do. I didn't even know that it was anxiety until I was 25 or so and I had been suffering for maybe ten years. I also have depressions and suicidal tendencies. It started when I was about 15 and I'm 31 and still have these problems. Thank you so much for telling your story!

[@catherineeh3956]

Thank you so much for this video! I also suffer from anxiety and believe it started when I was 14. However, I didn't know what was happening to me and just thought I was weird and that there was something wrong with me because I wasn't like everyone else. It wasn't actually till I was about 22, I think (I'm now 25) and I discovered a bunch of KZbinrs, who all suffered from anxiety and explained the symptoms and experience of it that I realised what I was "sufffering" from. And it wasn't till then that I opened up about it to my parents. Though, it's not something I talk about with others, not even family, which I really regret but I'm terrible at opening up to others and talking about my emotions (always have been). Thanks again for making this video; it makes me feel not quite so alone. x (Instagram: @cassiehjertholmbooks).

[@jessicawatson7360]

Catherine EH who do u watch?

[@HelenRiggiBrumfield]

Good vid!! C needs to be for Cats LOL

[@CharrFrears]

Thanks for this video Lauren, and thank you for highlighting the differences between yours and your sisters anxiety!!! Anxiety manifests in so many different ways and I think it's common for people to disbelieve others about their anxiety based on the fact it's different to what they've been through. I've suffered from anxiety for 7 years since I was 15 and when I was 20 I had it the worst I've ever had it. I couldn't leave the house or go to uni and I was just so out of it. Mixed with severe depression at the time too, it was just horrendous. Thankfully I came out of that tunnel, but I often make the mistake of thinking 'yey I'm better' when actually it's still there. It wasn't until the last few weeks I realised my anxiety is very much out on me right now and that it's just manifested itself in a different way than before. I used to have all out panic attacks quite regularly (at one point, daily) and now it seems to appear more in a feeling of dread and impending doom. So yes, so important to highlight how different it can be fore everyone and even in yourself at different times.

[@jessicawatson7360]

Charr Frears you sounds so similar to me, I’m 22. I left uni ultimately because of anxiety and wasn’t going out etc. I feel allot better now but, only when I’m not doing much, if I think about work etc then, it all comes back...

[@randallisreading4561]

Thanks for talking so honestly in this video Lauren, I suffer from anxiety too and am having cognitive behavioural therapy at the moment with a very lovely counsellor. There was a really interesting programme on the bbc a couple of days ago called The Truth About Stress and one of the experts was actually teaching people to 'trick' their brain by saying out loud "I feel excited" when they were in a situation that made them anxious (because the bodily symptoms are almost identical, as you said!) Very much looking forward to the rest of your Alphabet series!

[@jessicawatson7360]

Randall is Reading ur so right, I have anxiety and love going to theme parks cus, it allows me to experience this.

[@MameysMedley]

Lauren, thank you so much for sharing this! Its so nice to be reassured that we are not alone in our anxiety/depression. I have suffered for years. I have gone on and off meds since my early 20's and I'm in my mid 40's now....I am currently on meds and feel SOOOOO much better mentally but the weight gain has been tremendous. Anyhoo, I just want you to know that I appreciate you doing such a candid video. I am sure it's going to help many.

[@jenvcampbell]

I was sure I'd commented on this but apparently not. Just want to say that I thought this was brilliant. And you are brilliant, too. xxxxx

[@SavidgeReads]

Great video Lauren. I think it's great that you've shared your story, I think the more people see that lots of other people have dealt with anxiety and other issues as it makes them less alone and also makes people more aware.

[@Georgesmomsu]

Thanks Lauren - great video - tough topic. Both my daughter and I suffer from mild anxiety. My daughters is worse - she had a really bad bout of depression (lots of therapy helped). She is now on a 20:1 strength CBD/THC drop. She takes 2 drops 3x a day and it has kept her anxiety at bay for the most part. We are in CA - so she has a medical marijuana card so she can get the drops. CBD is really an amazing product. We really need to talk more about anxiety and depression - B is for body image...

[@Georgesmomsu]

And who gives this a thumbs down?????

[@GinaStanyerBooks]

I know!

[@jessicawatson7360]

That’s amazing we need to talk more about the use of weed in the UK.

[@seonarella]

You are a role model! I also suffer but could not articulate it the way you do. You are a joy. You are probably told that all the time! B for body image? This can be a touchy subject. xxx

[@Georgesmomsu]

Raincoat days good idea for B - thats a hard one for most women.

[@MariaEntreLibros]

Hello Lauren! What a wonderful, touching, helpfull vídeo! Thank you for sharing your experience with the world. Really, THANK YOU! I also suffer of anxiety and I feel so identified with your experience. It is very hard to deal with it, especially nowadays when we are all so observed by others, so judged and many times misstreated... People usually don't understand what anxiety is and that criples you as much as anxiety itself. Thankfully, there is many people out there that also help and give support and love. And also there is people like you that share their experiences and help other people deal with this really awfull problem. As you say, anxiety can make you feel you are dying! I've been there and it is awfull. I found a lot of support on my family and husband but not everyone does. That is why your video is so, so important. Again, thank yo so much! I also wanted to tell you that I love your channel. I'm also a bookworm, I have my own booktube channel (in spanish) and you are always in my "videos to see" list. Thanks and congratulations from Madrid, Spain! xo

[@dawnlizreads]

I've had anxiety all of my adult life (I am now 37!) and manage it - with varying degrees of success - with CBT techniques. For me, the major problem with CBT is that you have to be thinking rationally to use it. For example, with CBT, you're supposed to figure out how likely the thing you're worried about will happen (ie. you're meant to realise that it's unlikely to happen or it does happen, it won't be bad as you think). I always find that I can't judge the likelihood of the "bad thing" is actually going to to happen because I am absolutely "convinced" that it is going to happen Therefore, my thinking is skewed and I struggle to objectively weigh up the probabilities that X is or is not going to happen!

[@magicalvelcro]

When you said you "confuse excitement and anxiety". ME ALL THE DAMN TIME. I find it really hard to separate them.

[@LeanneRose]

Thank you so much for sharing this, Lauren. I went through a period of time where I was suffering from panic attacks every day. Luckily, everything is a lot better now. It's so important to talk about these things! Really looking forward to the rest of this series :)

[@harrietm359]

Thanks for sharing your story Lauren - I've suffered from anxiety too and it's always nice to know that you're not alone and as you say, is very common! I try and go for a walk, have some down time or run a bath if I'm feeling a bit anxious now. I also have had mild SAD and found vitamin D supplements have really helped me feel a lot perkier, particularly in the darker months! Glad to hear you're feeling better x

[@emilyjane4761]

Thank you so much for sharing your story, I suffer from anxiety and hearing you talking about your anxiety has been comforting, that may sound odd. When you talked about work being a safety net and how if you are hungry or thirsty I just kept on thinking omg same! And the thing about excitement and anxiety I definitely find that too and have to tell myself you are just excited don't worry. And the SAD too honestly it was like watching me talk about myself! I see you as being so confident and funny and carefree and it's made me realise that anyone can suffer and it's not part of your personality it is an illness. Can't really put it all into words but thank you so much Lauren xxx

[@OliviaReadinglikeamadwomanPope]

Thank you for sharing your story. It's really interesting to hear that someone as outgoing and bubbly as yourself has had anxiety. I think it really does emphasise that it can happen to anyone! Also, very glad to hear you're feeling better now. :) xx

[@natsreadingcloudnatsreadin332]

Lauren you are amazing to do this video sharing this with your booktube family. I suffer from anxiety too and also mild depression. At the moment I am mid way through a talking therapy course, which is really helping. When I started telling people it was a like a weight had lifted from my shoulders Keep making your great content Nat x

[@catloverd3671]

Great video. Thank You! Your Cat is adorable❤️❤️❤️

[@clairesaunders3919]

Thank you for giving such an honest account of your experience 💜 I love how we have to parent ourselves with checking in if we're hungry/thirsty etc 😂 x P.S Have you tried a SAD lamp in the winter months? x

[@DawnBookreader]

Great video. Ive suffered from anxiety and depression for many years, some months are worse than others. It is so good that you are able to talk about this problem and I know that, being honest and open about anxiety, helps enormously as it takes away a lot of pressure to act 'normally' when, in fact, you are feeling like you can't get your breath or faint, dizzy etc. I found that, once I was able to be open about my anxiety, it decreased. We are definitely living in more enlightened times about mental health. Well done Lauren.

[@fleurdelis816]

Also, "B" ideas: body image (like someone mentioned in the comments already), boys (funny experiences or lighthearted chat), book covers, baked goods, Britain (your favorite or least favorite things or what it's like to live there)....

[@TheBookishReader]

Great video Lauren. It's so important to talk about things like this. I went through a phase a few years ago where I would get so nervous about things I'd make myself ill. It got to the point where I didn't want to go out at all. It passed for me, but I still get very nervous about all sorts of things. xx

[@jennifercahill7397]

[@janechan1914]

As a fellow sufferer I thank you for sharing your story with us, I look forward to your videos each week, book tube, but especially you and Simon have changed my life!! Your energy and love of books is contagious. 💝 xx

[@lyddie465]

i have anxiety too, and this video was so lovely and thoughtful. so happy you sought help and that it worked for you.

[@pippavanel4170]

Off topic but I really love the colour coding of the books in your top shelf. (In case you like to know where strangers to your channel have come from I havent had any links in KZbin recommended for you (why not?) I followed a link to your channel from SavidgeReads :))

[@myreadinglife8816]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with anxiety so honestly. I definitely can relate to feeling strange during change of seasons, especially when summer changes to fall and when we set the clocks back. That is the hardest time of year for me.

[@smittenforfiction]

Thank you for talking about anxiety. We can remove the stigma around mental health if we talk about it more. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder 4 years ago after I ended up in the ER having a panic attack (that I thought was a heart attack). My family Dr wanted to give me a prescription but I wanted to try natural solutions first. That's when I picked up knitting (learned from KZbin). That helped me a lot. Also, going for walks, or a jog. And like you, if I'm tired or hungry my anxiety is worse. Also like you, people think of me as being outgoing, positive, upbeat...I was doing a great job hiding it. I've also struggled with depression and when I was a young teen I was suicidal and ended up in therapy. Reading has also helped me escape reality which turns off the worry. I used to spend the majority of my day worrying about my family, especially my kids.

[@kimj8540]

thank you for your positive and approachable tales if your anxiety. Fellow sufferer here, and since I'm pretty confident and outgoing too I also found people were shocked to hear I had that problem. It's good to know triggers, and your boss sounds incredible.

[@bethreads3294]

I was diagnosed with SAD a few years ago. I had no idea there was even such a disorder. But medication definitely helps. Glad you don't feel anxiety most of the time now. :-) thanks for sharing your story gorgeous!

[@lindaw8958]

Thanks for being so brave, and explaining what you go through. It's not easy to open yourself up in such a personal way, but you did it brilliantly. Sending you hugs & best wishes!

[@sharonmead4830]

Thank you so much for this video Lauren I would never have known you suffered like that but obviously good at hiding your feelings but I am so pleased you sought help and are able to talk about things as you do because you will encourage many people to do the same. I suffer from anxiety and its horrible and I have had 3 big panic attacks in the last 4 years and its almost like I would imagine a heart attack would be on 2 occasions an ambulance was called the problem was I never talked to anyone I hid my feelings too, not a good idea !! I like to get out and walk and go to the beach and read and just be by myself till i start to relax . I hope your anxiety is under control at the moment and keep doing what your doing as your make a lot of people happy. Have to say Minnie is adorable and good on David for being such a lovely boyfriend . 😀😀 xx

[@leannmiller7974]

this was nice too know. I have anxiety in situations. public speaking, public transportation gets me everytime, airports are the worse, and experiencing new places by myself. It started in my 30s going back to college and it gets worse when I'm excited or stressed, it does not help that I'm also ADD.

[@AnItalianKnitter]

Thank you for sharing your story. I sometimes feel I cannot do anything productive, and I only want to stay in bed, I procrastinate and keep thinking about the same things over and over. I focus all my energies on work. I've not talked to anyone really about this, but after this video I think I should.

[@chboskyy]

Such a shame that you struggled with this! The video was great though, thanks for sharing your story! I sometimes struggle with this too, so it was great to hear about this, especially the checklist!

[@victoriataylor9978]

I suffered with my first panic attack when I was 12, and I had no idea what was happening. It's brilliant that it's becoming more and more commonplace to discuss mental health. Thanks so much for making this video. I've been watching your channel for ages, so it's really refreshing to hear you talk so frankly about your anxiety. I associate anxious feelings with being hungry or thirsty too, and I have never heard anyone else talk about that before!

[@risschortinghuis3632]

Thank you for this video! I am sorry to hear you went through it, but I am glad to see you have such a good handle on it. My way of dealing with anxiety was always to think about things I was proud of having done. Once I had to go on a plane and I was so stressed out about the journey (I'm not scared of flying, it's just such a hassle, you know?) I was literally sick and shaking. But then I started thinking about my audition for a music program and my degree and things like that and I was suddenly thinking: if I can do all that, I can do this. It really helped that time. These days, I just shut myself up and do everything I really like to do by myself and usually I feel better afterwards. Anxiety is annoying because it always comes back, but things like your checklist make it so much easier to deal with. Good luck and hopefully you will one day be anxiety free!

[@anyonebutemily22]

I very rarely comment on videos (due to my own issues with shyness and anxiety!) but felt compelled to thank you for being so open about your experiences. And for what it's worth, your lovely cheery videos have often been a wonderful resource when I've had wobbly moments myself :)

[@freddylowe4900]

Lauren you are bloody brilliant. This video is so excellent and I can completely connect to it. This is such a great chat xx 👍🏻❤️

[@siriuslysnape83]

really great video! Such an important issue that isn't talked about enough. I remember going to V festival with my sister about 7 years ago. we were queuing to get in when that familiar flutter of panic arrived. from that moment I knew there was nothing I could do. Cue St John's Ambulance! We lasted about an hour at the festival until I had to admit defeat. We can laugh about the dramatics of it all now! Hoping one day to ease myself off of the medication x

[@kylaesque1211]

Thank you so much for this video, and for specifically stating that everyone's experience is different. I have anxiety as well - had my first panic attack at 14 & went through a very rough year at the end of university - and at 28 can now stop things from spiralling out of control, even though I still go through rough patches, using various techniques that work for me. Hearing people's experiences just how you've shared yours is the thing I have found most helpful over the years because, even though no two experiences are the same, you can always piece together aspects of what others have experienced to form a picture of what you're experiencing...and sometimes just knowing that someone else has felt the way you do can be tremendously helpful.

[@jng66]

Lauren, this video is absolutely wonderful. It gives those of us who really have no clue about what others may be feeling an insight into what might be going on in someone else's life. What I loved most though was when you mentioned the 'dark side' and Minnie appeared in the shot with what looks like a 'dark' glare. I love the supercilious looks cats give :) How about B for Boredom? In our world of amazing technology I'd like to see more people embracing learning how to live without instant gratification. I'll look forward to watching the entire alphabet x

[@nickireads1060]

Thanks for sharing about your experiences with anxiety. I could relate to a lot of things you raised as I experience anxiety along with my autoimmune disease. Sometimes it's a struggle but taking a moment to sit back and just breathe and take in the little things that make us happy can help. Looking forward to "B".

[@fleurdelis816]

I deal with anxiety, and have for quite a long time. This video was wonderful and I just want to say thank you so much for putting your thoughts and feelings and experiences out there for all of us. I know it helped me, for one, feel less alone. BUT I also must say, and this is in no way to take away from the seriousness of this topic, but Minnie's random cameos are the most hilarious thing and just brightened my day so much. Every time she peeked in from the side of the video, I started to laugh. Cats are just the best.

[@jennifertenerowicz4231]

That is very courageous of you to speak about your anxiety and post it online. I'm glad to hear that there are people who will try to eliminate things before hoping on medication. Years ago we had a major fire in our city and we almost lost our house. For the longest time after this I would experience major chest pains whenever I smelled smoke or fire. I ended up having to go to my physician and get medications for when I experience this. Thankfully it stopped happening to me. I feel for those people that don't seek help for anxiety and keep it hidden. On a happier note....I am burning a candle that smells like XMAS. I think something might be wrong with me!!!

[@laceyjackson5469]

I love your channel so much 😍 i was having some not fun anxiety struggles this morning and I put your video on and was comforted in the reminder that I'm not alone. Thank you 👍🏼

[@Hmsolheim16]

Thank you so much for sharing! I also suffer from anxiety. It's amazing how once you start talking about mental health, how many other people feel comfortable discussing the state of their mental health, and also how many people kind of have that moment when they realize that that is what they're suffering from, but never knew exactly what it was that ailed them.

[@lisag618]

Thanks for sharing your story Lauren. I too suffer from anxiety and although mostly I can control it I do still have bad patches. It really does help to hear other people's stories not only to know that you're not alone but to share hints & tips on a) how to recognise the symptons (not always easy) and b) how to treat/cope with it. PS. I love all your vids! :)

[@kirazoe1320]

X is for... XENOPHOBIA? I'd love it!

[@treebranch2066]

Great video! I'm driving on the anxiety highway as well so it was helpful to hear your story.

[@Mahkmet]

Great video! I love the alphabet series idea and can't wait to see more. FYI for X you could cover xenophobia, the intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries.

[@lizbet69]

I had to giggle when you said about the dark side and then your cat appears on screen .. Came here from Simon’s link

[@JennyKing]

It's great the you shared this Lauren. It will have helped someone to feel that they're not alone and it can happen to anyone for no particular reason. We should talk about mental health more xx

[@jessicawatson7360]

So glad to see you’ve made this video, it’s so important to talk about! I had anxiety through uni and left as a result and I’m still not working. I got put on propananol too and eventually got CBT so, is now managed to stop taking it regularly.

[@RogersReads]

I have anxiety too, I started taking meds a few months ago and it has changed my life. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to stop, I've been in therapy for over a year and thats definitely helpful but my anxiety seems to be very much a brain chemical thing. I forgot to take my meds for a few days and it was like immediate meltdowns, progressively worse until I remembered to take my meds again. What helps me is going through what's going on in life and trying to figure out what it is that's making me feel "wobbly" (I really like that word). Even just reminding myself what it is, or not being able to find one specific thing, helps me feel better.

[@BilingualBookworm]

Oh my love, thanks so much for making this series and this video 😍 It was so reassuring and wonderful to hear your story I have woken up with that feeling of doom every day for seven whole years, on and off meds (which sometimes saved my life, mind) and, as you said, the most reassuring is always to know that someone else has felt it too

[@zinekatzines]

"first of all, i check that i don't need a wee" - lauren, you are brilliant. all thumbs up for the new series!

[@FrankieEm]

I love this new series! Thank you so much for sharing your story! It was very interesting and nice to see some of myself reflecting back ... especially the parts I don't feel so good about. It makes me feel better about them. I'm very excited to hear they put you on beta blockers for your anxiety. I'm actually getting set up with a heart monitor next week to check out my heart. They think I have to too many extra heartbeats. Apparently everyone has extra heartbeats, but some people have more of them and of those "some people" an even smaller group is affected by them. They think I may be one of those people, because I have shortness of breath, chest pains and a fluttering heart - in other words, anxiety - but also now I'm losing strength and the "tolerance for exercise," meaning my body won't gain strength from it and is even getting weaker from my attempts. So, I was excited to hear they put you on beta blockers, because if the heart monitor confirms my doctor's suspicions, then I'll be put on one of those as well and I was already considering going to my therapist for anxiety meds. I think I'll sit tight and see how things go with the cardiologist first. Whoo hoooo! I'm feeling better about all the things already! Love you!

[@TheMirrorWorld]

Thank you so much for this video! When I realised that other people have anxiety as well, it blew my mind. That moment changed my life and also hearing that people could work through it and that they could feel better gave me the strength to work on my anxiety. Because if other people could live with anxiety and still be happy and get on with their life so could I. What helps me the most is being unapologetically open and honest about my anxiety and well, I've got depression too. And talking to people, be that in my real life to my family and friends or on my channel, and just connecting with other people who got mental health issues. Thank you! I know it takes a lot of courage to go on the internet and tell everyone about the things you're working through. You're brave and lovely and I hope you're having a wonderful day! Xx

[@Sophril]

Thank you for this video. It really helps to not feel so alone.

[@BAMitsLOR]

Recently I’ve been feeling more ‘on edge’ for no apparent reason. It’s always comforting to hear that other people go through the same or similar things! xx

[@flippinpages6550]

B is for Books. LOL Thanks for sharing.

[@allaboutthepage1496]

I've made a self care box full of #lush goodies to help me have a mindful bath and some tlc especially after therapy sessions ❤

[@SilverbackCrafts]

What a great idea for a series! I love your channel and this just brings some extra fabulousness to it. 😊

[@drawyourbook876]

This series is so great! B is for balance. How do you balance all the interests, ups and downs in your life

[@laceyjackson5469]

What about X is for xenophobia?

[@lizbet69]

Yes yes yes to the too hot , need a wee or sleep ...glad that’s not just me that feels that

[@CuriousReader]

Thank you for this video! ♥

[@taylorhough620]

Thank you for doing this.

[@Anita-bs3mc]

Thanks for sharing. ❤️

[@gracetaylor7351]

Love this video !! Thanks! Suffer from depression and anxiety abit ! I like how u talk about it!

[@gracetaylor7351]

It's mild so not always that bad

[@gemmagolder]

Thankyou

[@elenareadsbooks88]

Love the idea of this new series and so wonderful that you shared your experience with anxiety 💖😘

[@elenareadsbooks88]

Btw Matilda loves the "lion kitty Kat" 😍

[@AmyJaneSmith90]

Love that you've made this Lauren 💙 You articulated your experience so well, and the idea of checklist to see if anything else going on was something I hadn't thought of. Find that idea really helpful so thank you for sharing. Really looking forward to the videos that will come out of this series. xx

[@AmyJaneSmith90]

And if you fancy a read, this is something I wrote about my anxiety a couple of years back: amyjanesmith.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/what-is-anxiety.html