Mom’s post about anxiety in relationships goes viral
With one in four Canadians experiencing anxiety, the disorder is becoming more common and, as a result, less taboo to talk about. For some, anxiety means feeling their heart race during a stressful situation, for others it is an overwhelming feeling of discomfort that doesn’t allow them to get out of bed. While it manifests differently in everyone, most can think to a time when anxiety was present in their lives.
One mom took to social media to share how having a supportive partner changes the way we manage anxiety. Laura Mazza is the driving force behind the popular blog, Mum on the Run. In her Facebook post addressing the partners of women who suffer from anxiety, she highlights how the support of a loved one can completely transform the way anxiety presents itself.
“To the man whose wife or partner has anxiety, you might have heard that she has anxiety from sitting by her side in a doctors office, holding her hands while the tears steam down her face. You might have seen her get angry and explode because she’s overwhelmed. Wondering where this rage has come from. You might have seen her sit quietly staring into the distance with a panic in her eye,” wrote Mazza.
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The mother of two wrote the post as a thank you to her partner for supporting her through the tough times, reflecting on how those days impacted him.
“I want you to know I see that this is tough on you, tough to see your loved one hurt, tough on you, the pressure for you would be immense. But don’t think for a second she doesn’t see you, don’t think for a second she doesn’t worry about you too… you can see what gets too much for her, the crowds of people or bed time, dinner time, see it and help her by holding her hand and tell her you’re with her… sometimes the answer won’t be so obvious. Sometimes she won’t even know what she needs, but so long as you’re patient with her, she will feel your love,” she wrote.
The post has gone viral, resonating with Mazza’s followers and social media users around the world. With more than 16,000 likes and 12,000 comments, the Facebook post has been shared more than 41,000 times with support for the mommy blogger only growing.
“Holy hell. How have you organized all my jumbled thoughts and put them into something understandable? Everything that I’ve tried to explain a thousand times but can never get out… I think a lot of ladies are right now thinking pure gratitude towards you. Thank you for finding the words and sharing them,” commented one user.
“I have never read such an accurate description of myself, my feelings and my everyday thoughts… thank you, thank you, thank you for reminding me that I am not alone,” added another.
Some followers even went as far to share their own personal experiences with anxiety, commending Mazza for describing exactly what they have been feeling.
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“I don’t leave the house often because of anxiety but the last week I have been able to cut down on anxiety medication… I still get scared but not as often anymore,” posted one follower.
“I cried reading this.. as if you’ve taken it directly from my mind and written it down. Thank you for not making me feel alone and allowing me to remember how much appreciation I have for my husband. Anxiety has affected every aspect of my life for so long… something I hope to overcome in time.”
Mazza’s post explores the different ways anxiety can present itself, either through anger or sadness, overreacting or complete silence. While the post compliments and encourages partners to be supportive, she concludes with a reminder for those who may be in a relationship with someone living with anxiety.
“She appreciates you, she loves you. She’s vulnerable and scared… and just as you are by her side she will be fiercely loyal to yours. Forever and ever, you just to need take her hand and tell her, ‘I am with you.'”
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