Emma’s story: How I regained control over anxiety

In this empowering blog, we have the privilege of speaking to Emma, a resilient marketing professional from London in her late twenties. Emma shares her inspiring story of battling anxiety and how, through dedication and determination, she regained control of her life. From her early teen years to her triumph over anxiety, Emma's journey is a testament to the power of embracing lifestyle changes and finding inner strength.

Here's Emma’s story:

As a young teenager, I was a bundle of nerves. I blamed it on the awkwardness of growing up, but little did I know that anxiety was slowly creeping into every aspect of my life. It began with the fear of talking to authority figures, like teachers and doctors. And then came the classroom moments - whenever a teacher put me on the spot, I felt like the whole world was watching me.

As the years passed, anxiety spread its roots deeper within me. I became fixated on what others thought of me, endlessly replaying conversations in my head, and obsessing over things I had said. It was exhausting, mentally and emotionally. At 16, my anxiety took a different turn, focusing on the safety and well-being of my parents and brother. I'd worry for hours about my brother driving or my father's health, convincing myself of the worst possible scenarios.

When I went to university, my anxiety hit an all-time high. Newfound freedom terrified me, and I couldn't shake off the worries about making friends, being far away from my family, and achieving good grades. I turned to medication - SSRIs - for help. They did offer some relief, but the side effects left me feeling disconnected from myself.

Fast forward to my post-graduation life in the events industry. The job was exhilarating but demanding, and anxiety sneaked back into my life. My doctor increased my dosage, hoping it would help, but it ended up making things worse.

It was a wake-up call when my boss noticed the decline in my performance and pulled me aside for a heart-to-heart. She suggested taking a break, and I decided to use that time to explore new ways of managing my anxiety. I devoured books, research papers, and countless YouTube videos, looking for alternatives to medication.

Three things kept popping up in my search: exercise, sleep, and diet. Determined to regain control, I embraced these lifestyle changes with full force. I started jogging every day, taking long walks in the evening, and prioritizing regular sleep. I also revamped my diet, cutting out processed food and sugar.

To my surprise, within just two weeks, I felt like a new person.

The transformation was incredible. I felt more energetic, happier, and my anxiety had significantly reduced. It was like I was finally back in the driver's seat of my life.

As I continued on this path, my improvements skyrocketed. I lost weight, gained confidence, and even got promoted at work. But it didn't stop there; I started incorporating mindfulness exercises into my routine and began volunteering, giving back to my community.

Feeling empowered and in control, I made a tough decision to gradually reduce my medication. I had open conversations with my doctor, explaining my lifestyle changes and how they had positively impacted me. With patience and time, I successfully weaned off SSRIs, and while there were some ups and downs, I embraced them as part of my natural journey.

Today, several years later, anxiety still visits me occasionally. But now, I know it's just a natural part of life, and I don't shy away from it. Instead, I embrace those feelings, acknowledge them, and move forward.

Life has taken a 180-degree turn. I recently ran the London Marathon - something I never thought possible during my anxious days. I've also formed amazing friendships through sports and volunteering, nurturing a strong support system.

If you're struggling with anxiety, my advice is to take a look at your lifestyle. Making positive changes in how I treated my body and mind had a profound impact on my anxiety levels and overall health. Remember, you have the strength to regain control and lead a fulfilling life. Embrace the journey; it's worth every step.