It is normal to feel anxious from time to time, especially if you live a stressful life. But for many people, anxiety is a constant companion, always lurking behind the next corner. An estimated 2-5% of the population are living with the constant worrying and panic attacks that define one of the most common mental illnesses: generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Millions more live with social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and other anxiety conditions. However, too few people discuss these openly. Mental illness still has a social stigma, causing many people keep their condition a secret. For others, however, opening up is a way of coping with anxiety. Some have discovered writing to be helpful and started blogs that have become a source of inspiration for thousands of others who can relate: they show that there is a way back into an enjoyable life. We have selected 13 outstanding blogs that provide insight into daily life with anxiety disorders.
Anxious Lass
Anxious Lass is a lifestyle blog centered around mental health. Kel struggled with social anxiety for years before finding what worked for her. After scouring the internet for information related to social anxiety, and finding only medical based sources, she started this blog to help other people, and in the process found that her experiences weren’t uncommon. She documents the highs and lows of life with anxiety and chronic illness in a frank and open manner.
Anxiety Network
The Anxiety Network is the blog of the Anxiety and Stress Clinic. Featuring plenty of articles written by psychologists, they focus on the three major anxiety disorders: panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder, and how to distinguish between them.
Anxiety, Panic & Health
Anxiety, Panic & Health Blog offers articles, book reviews, and news about different types of anxiety disorders. Founder, Michael Nichols, aims to differentiate between the multiple kinds of anxiety disorders, and offers information and tools on how to cope with an anxiety disorder and how to feel better, and recover.
Anxiety Schmanxiety
Tanya Peterson is a Master of Counselling, and a Nationally Certified Counselor. She writes from the unique combination of a personal perspective combined with professional expertise. Bursting with pop culture references, the blog addresses all kinds of anxiety disorders.
healthyplace.com/blogs/anxiety-schmanxiety
Anxiety Slayer
Anxiety Slayer focuses on defeating anxiety in everyday situations, with tools to help you overcome common anxiety triggers, and tricks for specific situations. With a plethora of original content, their blog is definitely worth checking out.
Anxiety United
Anxiety United is not run by a single blogger, but shares stories from various people living with anxiety. The site offers articles, resources, and information on managing different types of anxiety disorders. Anxiety United also has a regular podcast that covers various topics in mental health and includes mindfulness and guided relaxation techniques.
Carl Vernon
Carl Vernon is a best-selling author, speaker, and coach renowned for his personal experience in overcoming anxiety after fifteen years. He has articles about different facets of anxiety, answers questions, and dispenses advice to those who write to him. His “tough on anxiety, but not tough on yourself” approach demonstrates how recovery is realistic and achievable.
Diary of a Social Phobic
Gemma chronicles her life living with social anxiety and depression, with the goal of making others in her situation feel less alone. Her awareness and discussion of cognitive dissonance, a state in which one person holds two or more contradicting beliefs, ideas, or values, is based on her own experiences, and is especially helpful for those who can relate to the challenges she faces.
diaryofasocialphobic.wordpress.com
Fiona Likes to Blog
Fiona's blog is a lifestyle one that is heavily influeced by her experience with mental illness. She has a lot of tips on self-care, and what you can do in the moment when confronted with anxiety and depression.
Let’s Talk Anxiety
Initiated by 24-year-old Stephen, Let’s Talk Anxiety is a mental health awareness site, focusing on anxiety disorders. They aim to focus on trigger points, treatment, self-help, and evidence-based resources of anxiety in order to pave the way for prevention and recovery.
My Anxiety
My Anxiety chronicles one person’s experiences dealing with anxiety, depression, and IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease / Ulcerative Colitis). My Anxiety offers a patient’s perspective on managing and recovering from mental illness, for the benefit of others living with such conditions, and their caregivers.
Relief from Anxiety
Amy began blogging in 2013 after being diagnosed with anxiety and depression. She writes about managing anxiety from her own and others’ experiences. Amy updates every Sunday, and aims to provide advice and support to those working on their own recovery.
We’re All Mad Here
After a nervous breakdown in 2013, Claire began writing about her experiences with social anxiety and panic attacks, and is now considered an expert in the field. During her recovery, she found that the majority of mental health resources she came across were too clinical. She decided to document her experiences without the use of medical jargon, and the results are witty, informative, and filled with dark humour. She offers information on how she deals with her anxiety, advice for caregivers, and offers reviews on books and products that have worked for her.
Take a look at some of our other blogs about mental health:
