I realize that many people who read my content are younger than I am, in some cases much younger. Like I have children your age… that’s okay I’m glad you are here. I’m thankful for all the people who frequent my content, age is just a number but I am fascinated by generational trends etc.
So the “quick heads up?” Anxiety sucks and it strikes you at any time REGARDLESS of age. I started a new job this week, everything is fine but let me give you a run-down of what the week looked like for me at various points:
- I had an acne breakout on my forehead, yes at 50.
- I was 2 hours early on my first day for fear of my car breaking down or getting lost.
- Before bed during the week I studied a phone list so I could remember people’s names.
- I scrubbed my teeth every morning with hydrogen peroxide so they would be whiter.
- I doubled my dose of CBD oil so I could sleep Tuesday night because at 1AM I was having a panic attack that I forgot my password at work.
On and on. The point here is I have anxiety and worse I have intrusive thoughts that sometimes I can’t overcome. They consume me in a way that isn’t physically harmful but I cannot exercise myself from them no matter how hard I try. I am 50, I have been working since I was 14 years old. This isn’t my first new job.
On top of that, I am a middle manager. That in of itself doesn’t mean a whole lot, I still have to produce like everyone else but what I project and how I carry myself is important. Staff see it and some emulate it.
You might have anxiety too, you might be 20ish, and struggling with something and it might seem ridiculous to you. It isn’t. Moreover let this post serve as a reminder that anxiety is likely going to be a lifelong battle for you. I didn’t recognize early in my life I had it and medicated. Here I am decades later still from time to time struggling.
If you are struggling remember the person you see walking down the street who appears to have it all together might be struggling too. Keep attacking it every day, keep showing up and do your best to manage your specific circumstances. Hang in there, I am and if I can do it so can you.