First of all let me explain what a bad day with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) looks like for me. It means waking up and feeling anxious and panicky as soon as I open my eyes . It means I am on the verge of an anxiety or panic attack that could happen at any moment.
The worst part of GAD is feeling like you have done everything wrong!
When I have bad days, it sucks. I feel like I have no control over my body, thoughts and feelings. I lose all my confidence and my energy levels are about as high as a tortiose.
The most accurate description is just feeling incredibly overwhelmed by everything and anything. The external world feels like a speeding car with no brakes!
But then I remember the magic of music can turn everything around.
MUSIC AS A HEALER
The first day back to school is a perfect example of a bad day.
Thoughts start to race through my head so fast I can't even process all of them. Thoughts like what if my teachers don't understand my adaptations. What if my courses are too hard and what if I have a panic attack and other students make fun of it! – Ya know, the standard student thoughts.
When I put Demi Lovato's song Skyscraper on and I start to sing along, I can finally breathe again. The lyrics calm my mind instantly. I start to feel like myself again, all the confidence and energy the anxiety has taken from me, starts to come back.
The song reminds me that although at times I feel like I have lost myself, I will always find my way back. It also reminds me that my mental illness doesn't control me. It can try to be sneaky and hope I don't notice it but I always will. I will always have the strength to rise above it and can get through bad days “like a Skyscraper”!
Thanks Demi Lovato for writing that incredible song, it has helped me feel less alone in my struggle with mental illness!
I GUESS WHAT I'M TRYING TO SAY IS:
No matter how overwhelmed I feel, music can always get me out of my head.
Demi Lovato’s music helps me make reasonable decisions.
Music and the celebrities who openly discuss their mental health through their art can make a big impact on a person's life.
If you would like to submit a story, anonymously or under your name, please get in touch! You can fill out the contact form on the website or email youmeandanxiety@outlook.com!