I have suffered with severe anxiety disorder for over a year,  but I didn’t tell my friends or family until only recently. The only person who knew was my boyfriend and my boss (I only had to tell her as it was starting to affect me at work.) I kept this secret for so long and it was really starting to weigh me down, I hated lying to people, pretending everything was okay when it really wasn’t. Finally I am free of that secret and I don’t have to hide it anymore.

I truly have the best family in the world! I finally told my mum, dad and sisters about being diagnosed with severe anxiety disorder. I have been wanting to tell them for so long but my anxiety had always stopped me. I guess I am a little embarrassed by it too, I didn’t want them to think that I couldn’t cope. I could not have been more wrong! They were (and still are) so understanding and supportive. It is such a lovely feeling knowing that I can talk to them about everything now and that I can call them any time.

It may sound pathetic and it may be only a small step, but I am really proud of myself for opening up and admitting that I needed help. I just wish there wasn’t such a stigma around mental health that stops so many people from reaching out when they need help the most.