holding

When anxiety hits, I don’t need someone to fix me.

I don’t need a list of things I “should” do or reasons why I “shouldn’t” feel this way.

I need silence.

But not the lonely kind.

The kind of silence where someone is beside me — not trying to change anything, just being there.

Anxiety is loud.

It screams inside my head with thoughts like:

“You’re not doing enough.”

“You’re a burden.”

“Something bad is going to happen.”

In those moments, advice feels like noise. Even if it’s well-meaning, it often adds another layer of pressure — like I now have to perform calmness to reassure the other person, too.

But when someone just sits with me… without judgment, without rushing me, without needing me to “get better” immediately — something shifts.

Their quiet presence says,

“You’re not broken.”

“I’m not scared of your feelings.”

“You don’t have to go through this alone.”

That kind of support — the still, grounded kind — is more powerful than any solution.

I’m not saying advice is never helpful.

But timing matters. And when I’m drowning, I don’t need a lecture on how to swim — I need someone to hold my hand until the waves calm down.

So if you know someone who struggles with anxiety,

Remember: sometimes, the kindest thing you can do is nothing — except stay.

And if you’re the one in the middle of the storm right now,

Know this:

You don’t need to explain yourself.

You don’t need to “fix” anything today.

You are worthy of love — even in silence.

#Anxiety # ##h #Mindfulness #mental Health #holding space

Thank-you for caring. I need/want to be useful. All my years and experience with my mental “foibles” kicks in for the most part and I can deal with life on life’s terms....but some days, weeks, etc....YIKES! Thanks again for reaching out. Makes me feel a part of more than my disease. 🙂 #Smiling