There’s a lot of noise out there about what anxiety is and isn’t — and honestly, most of it just makes those of us who live with it feel worse.
So today I’m breaking down five of the biggest myths I’ve personally run into — the ones that made me feel ashamed, misunderstood, or weak. If you’ve believed any of these, you’re not alone.
Let’s clear it up.
🧠 Myth #1: “It’s all in your head.”
Reality:
Yes, anxiety starts in the brain — but it affects the entire body. I’ve had full-on panic attacks that felt like heart attacks. My chest tightened, hands tingled, head spun. This isn’t imaginary — it’s physiological. And it deserves to be taken seriously.
😐 Myth #2: “Just calm down.”
Reality:
If calming down were that easy, we wouldn’t be here. Telling someone to “calm down” during an anxiety episode is like telling someone underwater to “just breathe.” What we need is support, not dismissal.
💪 Myth #3: “You’re just not strong enough.”
Reality:
Living with anxiety takes incredible strength. Do you know how much energy it takes to fight your own thoughts and still show up for life? We are strong. Strong in a quiet, constant, courageous way.
😳 Myth #4: “Anxiety only happens during big events.”
Reality:
I’ve had anxiety attacks folding laundry, walking to the mailbox, or watching a movie. Anxiety doesn’t wait for the “right moment.” It can show up anywhere, anytime — often when you least expect it.
🤐 Myth #5: “Talking about anxiety makes it worse.”
Reality:
Talking about anxiety is what helps us heal. Shame grows in silence. When we open up, we let light in. That’s why I started this blog — because someone out there needs to know they’re not broken. They’re just human.
If you’ve been told (or told yourself) any of these myths, I hope you know this now:
You’re not alone. You’re not overreacting. You’re not weak.
You’re just doing your best with a heavy thing.
Want more real talk and tools that help?
💌 Join the Anxiety Momster fam here and get my free anxiety tracker too.
🖤
— Shanice
Anxiety Momster
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