There’s something uniquely terrifying about standing on stage, holding your instrument, palms sweating, heart pounding, mind racing — all while pretending like everything’s fine. As a musician, I’ve lived through that moment more times than I’d like to admit. It’s not about forgetting your notes; it’s about forgetting how to breathe. Performance anxiety in musicians…
Getting laid off feels like getting the wind knocked out of you. I still remember the sharp panic the moment I read that email—subject line: “Organizational Restructuring.” You can brace yourself all you want, but when that kind of change blindsides you, it rattles your confidence and ignites an anxiety you didn’t know could sit…
Ever tried focusing on a task, only to have your brain hijacked by an endless loop of worries, irrational fears, or just a constant hum of unease? Yeah, same here. I remember sitting through meetings, nodding like I understood what was going on, while internally battling thoughts that had absolutely nothing to do with the…
If you’ve ever found yourself panicking in a crowded elevator or avoiding small rooms with no windows, you’ve likely asked yourself: is this claustrophobia or anxiety—or both? I used to confuse the two all the time. What started as a mild discomfort in tight spaces spiraled into full-blown anxiety attacks in places I wouldn’t have…
Starting a new job is stressful enough—but when you throw anxiety into the mix, it can feel downright paralyzing. I remember my first week at a new corporate role; my stomach would knot up before every team meeting, and even casual conversations with coworkers felt like high-stakes interviews. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone….
It crept up on me slowly. I didn’t even notice it at first—just skipped a few hangouts, dodged some calls, told myself I was “tired” or “busy.” Before I knew it, entire weekends would go by without talking to anyone. If you’ve experienced social withdrawal due to anxiety, you know it’s not just about being…
It’s wild how a routine check-up can spiral into something mentally exhausting. I remember sitting in my car after the doctor told me they found “something unusual.” No clear diagnosis yet, just the dreaded “We’ll wait for the results.” And boom—my brain took off. Racing thoughts. Tight chest. Couldn’t sleep. Couldn’t eat. If you’ve ever…
It’s wild how a simple melody can calm chaos. I used to think relaxation music was just spa background noise, but now, after years of navigating anxiety, it’s one of my go-to tools. Whether it’s winding down after a stressful workday or grounding myself mid-panic, music offers a kind of mental sanctuary that feels surprisingly…
If you’ve ever found yourself spiraling into anxious thoughts after a sugar crash or skipping meals, you’re not alone. I used to think anxiety was just about stress or overthinking — turns out, what I put on my plate played a much bigger role than I expected. When I started paying attention to nutrition, things…