Dealing with Anxiety as an Author | A Mental Health Update

[@alesswonderland]

Dang two really good prep tall videos first thing in the morning hit different. My anxiety is also extremely bad and has gotten worse this year. It's hard without any viable solutions to push through but this was the reminder to not force it. Work alongside it if I can.

[@nataliejaneshields]

I’m so happy this resonated 💛 Anxiety is a part of our lives, and so it’s important to learn about it and understand how it affects us and our creativity!

[@SDHegyes]

Just came across your video and I feel like it's right on time because I've been dealing with this of late. No official diagnosis but father officially diagnosed with anxiety and depression and I have similar symptoms, and have been dealing with panic attacks recently.

[@nataliejaneshields]

My heart goes out to you. It’s a difficult thing to struggle with especially when you are pursing writing. The only thing I can say is, be kind to yourself and listen to your body (not your brain, when you have anxiety or depression, sometimes your brain is lying to you). Breaks are okay and necessary, but don’t let too much time pass without interacting with your book. Your story needs you! 💛

[@CodyTheWriter]

I know this video wasn't easy for you to make, but I am so glad you took the time to be open and vulnerable about your own mental health. I hope that others can see this and feel less alone in their struggles. I have severe diagnosed ADHD, and one of the symptoms of that was anxiety/depression. It felt like my brain had so much to say and do, and my body couldn't keep up. I would get locked in spirals of thinking about all the things I needed/wanted to do, that I would get overwhelmed and not do any of them. Getting on medication was one of the best things I could have done for myself. I told myself for the longest time that if I took medication, I was "weak" but really it was the opposite. Being able to recognize an imbalance somewhere in your brain, and taking the initiative to work on it takes a strong person. YOU are a strong person! Wishing you nothing but the best :)

[@nataliejaneshields]

I feel like the tide is changing a bit, but yeah for so long getting on medication or going to therapy was seen as weak or disgraceful. Thanks for sharing your story too 💛

[@sshelbyshoee]

I just found your channel and I'm so glad I did. I felt like I was listening to myself while watching this. I think the hardest part for me is the shame when I can't show up and work on the book that I said I was writing, when it takes "too long" to finish projects because the mental health struggles are so real. When in reality, I know there is no time limit. Thanks for this ❤

[@nataliejaneshields]

I’m happy you’re here 💛 I feel like half of me made this video for others and the other half made it for myself, so that I can watch it back when I’m struggling. Sometimes we just need a reminder that rest is okay.

[@StephMonce-gj7zq]

I ran across your video and I’m currently going through some things and it’s comforting to know that you’re never alone.

[@nataliejaneshields]

Never, never. Reach out if you need support.

[@BonnieNicoleWrites]

I so admire and appreciate your openness and vulnerability. Mental health struggles are so very difficult on so many levels. I experienced my first panic attack a few years ago as an adult and have had many since then. It is absolutely miserable and I am so sorry that you experience them. The way you were still able to speak affirmations over yourself, your brain, and your writing is so inspiring to me. Your writing will be ready for you when you are able to write. And KZbin will be here when you have the margin. Take care of yourself however you need right now! ❤

[@nataliejaneshields]

Thank you so much for sharing, and thank you for pointing out that I did that, I didn’t even notice 😅 The years of therapy are finally starting to rewire my brain towards positivity I guess!

[@authoreloisebahr]

Sending so many hugs, nothing to tell you other than I can’t imagine how awful your panic attacks are and how anxiety makes you feel. I’ve had a couple of panic attacks and they’re AWFUL. So all the hugs and understanding from me to you ❤

[@authoreloisebahr]

Also you are NOT. A bad writer. You’re amazing. More hugs. ❤

[@nataliejaneshields]

Thank you 💛

[@meganshields6616]

I love you. I'm praying for you. I'm proud of you. *hugs when you want them*

[@nataliejaneshields]

Thank you Meg 💛

[@emmaincolor]

Appreciate you and appreciate you sharing this. 🧡

[@nataliejaneshields]

Thank you Emma 💛

[@AnnaRobbinsWrites]

I'm so sorry, Natalie. We have SO much in common 🧡 I also have a histroy of panic disorder that rewired my nervous system and vasovagal syncope was unfortunately all too common for me too 🫠 it's such an isolating experience and even therapsists and doctors didnt really understand me. Please reach out if you ever need to vent 🧡

[@nataliejaneshields]

I’m so sorry that you went through/are going through that, but it’s nice to hear that I’m not the only one! I don’t know another person who has it too. In my experience, most doctors don’t understand syncope as it relates to anxiety. Maybe talking about it will help 😅 Thank you for your comment, and I will reach out when I need to vent 💛

[@Miguel_Moss]

Thank you for being so open and trying to help others in such a hard time ❤️‍🩹. I’ve struggled a lot with mental illness over the years and it took me a long time to get back on my feet. Learning how to manage wanting to be creative with self care is a whole other beast that I’m still working on and hearing other people talk about it reminds me to keep going in a healthy way. I hope you take whatever time you need. KZbin will be here if/when you are ready.

[@nataliejaneshields]

Thank you. The key really is finding the balance between taking care of yourself, taking care of life, and taking care of your art. And unfortunately art sometimes has to come in last place… but it’s always there when you’re ready again.