Releasing Shame

“Shame is the intensely painful feeling that we are unworthy of love and belonging.” – Brene Brown

The stigma associated with mental illnesses unfortunately instills strong feelings of shame in many of us who struggle with anxiety. In this blog I first delve into some anxiety statistics. Many of us with anxiety feel isolated, but this information will help show that you are not alone. Then I examine the mental health stigma.  I explore the detrimental emotional impacts of the mental health stigma and how this affects healing and recovering from anxiety. It’s helpful to discuss the facts and information about anxiety to help release shame for good. By fully releasing shame, we make room for divine healing to take place.  

I was shocked to learn that 42 million people suffer with anxiety, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. At least 20% of Americans have an anxiety disorder! Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health illness. Furthermore, some studies suggest that this year alone has seen a triple increase in anxiety compared to previous years. These statistics both comfort and sadden me. It’s wonderful to know that I’m not the only one who’s struggled with anxiety. It’s much more common than I thought! Unfortunately, the stigma associated with anxiety and all mental illnesses, left me feeling alone and isolated during my hardest times with anxiety.

The mental health stigma prevents many people from reaching out and getting the help and support they very much need. Historically mental health issues have been poorly received and understood. There is a strong misperception that anxiety is all in our heads and therefore we can just make it stop. This creates shame in us who have anxiety because it wrongly appears that we are choosing to have anxiety.

According to author and researcher Brene Brown whom I quoted at the beginning of this blog, the pain we feel because of shame is cataloged by our brain as the same as physical pain. This further demonstrates how destructive shame and the mental health stigma are. Unlike most physical pain which eventually abates, the pain we feel with the disgrace of anxiety strengthens and further perpetuates anxiety. This real continual pain detrimentally affects our physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies. The constant pain from shame further adds to the stress and adrenaline that creates anxiety in the first place.

Many anxiety sufferers who feel the repercussions of the mental health stigma feel not only shame but also unworthy. Feeling less than because of anxiety only adds fuel to anxiety. By not embracing our self-worth, many of us hide our true selves and people-please. We’re placing our self-worth into the hands of others. The truth is that we are all worthy. Period! There is nothing you need to say or do to earn your worth. You are worthy and are loved unconditionally. It’s our feelings of worthiness that paves the way for us to heal and live authentically.

Anxiety is one of the most misunderstood illnesses today. Anxiety and other mental illnesses are physical illnesses just as any other physical condition such as high cholesterol, diabetes, or Lyme disease. It’s important to remember that you have done nothing wrong and you are not alone. Openly and honestly talking about anxiety gives a voice to those of us who deal with this illness. Honest and vulnerable discussions about our struggles as well as our successes continues to break down the mental health stigma, release shame, and embrace our self-worth. Always know that your angels are here for you.

Lots of love!