The Gift of Anxiety: How My Struggle Became My Strength as a Psychiatrist
I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder 25 years ago. I felt defective and weak.
It took me years to process and embrace this new reality.
Maybe anxiety could become a feature of mine instead of a bug?
My very own superpower?
Abraham Lincoln, the US’ 16th President, struggled with depression that historians trace back to childhood traumatic stress.
He reportedly lived through severe depressive episodes in 1835 and in 1841. His second occurred after a broken engagement and included suicidal thoughts.
Lincoln had the benefit of strong social supports and deep introspection. He relied on humor and storytelling in part to manage his distress.
He adopted coping skills that helped him survive the suffering.
Lincoln was considered a visionary, thoughtful, and empathic leader during his 4 years in office.
His experience with mental illness helped to mold his remarkable character. He leveraged that to transform the role of the US presidency.
I’m no Abraham Lincoln.
My experience with anxiety, however, has allowed me to connect more deeply with my patients.
My role as a patient is forever linked to how I practice psychiatry.
Anxiety still sucks. But it’s taught me a lot.
If you struggle with a mental health problem, I see you and your suffering is real.
And you are more resilient than you imagine. The world needs you.
Could it also be a feature of yours? Your very own superpower?
[Picture from Colorado State University yesterday. Dropping off my twin girls who start freshman year next week. Gulp.]
