Stop Pretending and Embrace Your Humanness: A Path to Anxiety Recovery, Peace, and Freedom
- Shannon Jackson
- Oct 8, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 25
When I was struggling with anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia, I did a lot of pretending. And when I say a lot, I mean every single day. I didn’t want to admit to myself or to others that I wasn’t okay. I didn’t want to let myself be human. If you're navigating anxiety recovery or supporting others with panic disorder, I can’t stress enough how important it is to embrace your humanness. Allowing yourself to be authentic is not only liberating, but it’s a crucial step in healing.
In this blog post, I’ll explore why we often feel the need to pretend we’re okay, how pretending can hinder anxiety recovery, and how embracing our true selves leads to more peace, joy, and freedom. It’s time to stop pretending and start healing.
Why Do We Pretend To Be Okay?
Many people with anxiety and panic disorder struggle with pretending to be okay, even when they’re clearly not. But why do we do this? Let’s break down two main reasons why pretending becomes a coping mechanism for so many of us.
Pretending is a Learned Behavior
For many of us, pretending is something we’ve learned over time. Growing up, I was often told not to worry, to “just get over it,” or to “keep going” even when things felt overwhelming. These messages create a belief that showing vulnerability is a sign of weakness, which leads us to hide our true feelings—especially when we’re struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, or agoraphobia. But this only suppresses emotions, which can worsen symptoms over time.
Pretending is a Coping Mechanism
When dealing with anxiety, pretending can feel like a temporary solution. It’s a way to avoid facing uncomfortable emotions, particularly when you don’t have the tools to process them. This avoidance reinforces feelings of isolation and anxiety, and ultimately, it delays recovery. The more we suppress, the more it can build up inside of us, intensifying our symptoms.
Leaning Into the “Not Okayness” for Anxiety Recovery
If you’re wondering whether you can really handle the discomfort of embracing your vulnerabilities, the answer is yes. Letting yourself feel “not okay” is not a sign of failure—it’s actually one of the most powerful steps toward healing from anxiety and panic disorder.
Embracing vulnerability can help you reconnect with yourself and start the healing process. It’s important to acknowledge that recovery from anxiety is not linear, and being open about your struggles is a healthy, necessary part of the journey.
One of my clients said it perfectly: “I wake up every day and put on a mask. But now, I don’t even recognize myself behind it.” If this sounds like you, it’s time to start peeling off the layers of pretense and discover who you truly are without the masks.
Embracing Your Human Experience in Anxiety Recovery
Here’s the truth: being human means embracing all parts of ourselves—our struggles, our imperfections, and our vulnerabilities. The more we do this, the more we experience the freedom to heal and grow. So, let’s talk about practical steps you can take to embrace your humanness on the road to anxiety recovery:
Resist Putting on the Mask
The first step to healing is to stop pretending. Be honest with yourself about how you’re feeling. If you’re not okay, it’s okay to acknowledge it. This is especially important for those of us dealing with anxiety or panic attacks. Don’t hide your true emotions—doing so will only prolong your healing process.
Practice Vulnerability with Trusted People
Opening up to others about your anxiety, panic attacks, or agoraphobia can feel daunting, but it’s essential to recovery. Start by being vulnerable with people you trust. It’s through these honest conversations that we can begin to heal. When you share your feelings with others, it fosters a sense of connection and support, making recovery easier and more fulfilling.
Ask for Help When You Need It
Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Whether it's reaching out to a therapist or talking to a friend, asking for support is a vital part of healing from anxiety. There’s no need to face this journey alone. When we let others in, we often find that the burden becomes much lighter.
Stop Comparing Your Anxiety Journey to Others
In today’s social media-driven world, it’s easy to compare your progress to others. But remember, everyone’s journey to anxiety recovery is different. Comparing yourself to others only creates feelings of inadequacy and slows down your healing. Focus on your own progress and celebrate small victories along the way.
Embrace Your Imperfections
Embracing your human experience means accepting your imperfections and mistakes without shame. Perfectionism only fuels anxiety, so release the need to be flawless. Healing from anxiety doesn’t require perfection—it requires authenticity. By letting go of the pressure to be “perfect,” you’ll start to feel more peace and joy.
The Healing Power of Being Honest in Anxiety Recovery
Imagine a world where we all embraced our humanness, especially when struggling with anxiety or panic attacks. What if we stopped pretending and allowed ourselves to be real and vulnerable? Honesty brings peace. By embracing vulnerability, you open the door to connection, compassion, and healing.
I recently heard a friend say, “When someone asks me how I’m doing, I’m always honest—even if they’re not close to me.” At first, I was curious if he was comfortable being this open. He responded, “Yes, because it’s about being honest with myself, not about how others respond.”
This is the key to healing. Being honest with yourself about your anxiety, your struggles, and your vulnerabilities is the first step to freeing yourself from the weight of pretending.
Final Thoughts on Embracing Your Humanness for Anxiety Recovery
You don’t have to pretend to be okay. You don’t have to hide your struggles. Embracing your humanness means being open about your feelings, accepting your imperfections, and seeking help when needed.
By embracing your authentic self, you open the door to more peace, joy, and freedom. So, I encourage you today: stop pretending and embrace your humanness. Your journey toward anxiety recovery begins with the simple act of being real.