Anxiety stories
Anxiety can be super overwhelming. It can make things you do every day, like going to school or grocery shopping, feel scary and stressful. But, the good news is, anxiety is manageable.
Here's how Ben and Jasmine deal with their anxiety and find ways to feel better.
Ben's story: Finding peace on the farm
Growing up, Ben struggled with anxiety that affected every part of his life. He started The Naked Farmer, encouraging farmers to talk openly about mental health.
I'd have my shopping list, showing what aisles I could get in and out as quickly as I could...when I went to go through the checkout I'd always chicken out.
It wasn't until his grandmother noticed his struggles with shopping that he finally got help. After seeing a doctor, Ben learned he was experiencing anxiety attacks.
His turning point came when his family home was lost to fire, and he was put in charge of the rebuild. ‘I didn't want to let the family down...That's what really pushed me out of my shell.’
Today, Ben manages his anxiety through:
breaking big challenges into smaller goals, starting with simple steps
maintaining a balanced diet to help him feel energised and positive
taking mindful breaks in nature – when he checks on his sheep, he’ll put his phone on airplane mode to put his mind at ease.
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Jasmine's story: Finding support at school
I didn't know how to speak to anyone about it because I'd never been taught how to reach out.
Jasmine’s teachers and friends noticed changes in her behaviour and asked her about how she was feeling. Through their concern, Jasmine discovered ReachOut and realised she wasn't alone. ‘It was a massive release for me to find that it was normal and it happens to other people, people like me.’
These days, Jasmine manages her mental health by:
reaching out to trusted friends and family when she needs support
reading about mental health to understand what she's experiencing
connecting with other young people through online communities.
Want to know more about anxiety and depression? For answers to your questions, Ask ReachOut.
What can I do now?
Check out practical tips to manage anxiety and stress in your daily life.
Join discussions with other young people in the ReachOut Online Community.
Book a free session with ReachOut PeerChat to talk with someone who understands what you're going through.