Comments on: Life with Anxiety

By: Geetha Slock

Geetha Slock — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 15:24:13 +0000

I’m so surprised, though honestly I shouldn’t be anymore, to read this post today, randomly and it so perfectly fits my situation. I’m not sure what I suffer from, but I’m pretty sure I’ve got some bipolarness going on and I’m way too much in my head, overanalysing, trying to prepare mostly for the worst because I’m so scared. I go from extremely happy to extremely stressed out very often, there is no middleground, just one or the other. Which is something I’m used to by now, but sometimes it’s really exhausting, because I have to constantly be mindful of my thoughts, of how I’m feeling and try to find balance.

I have darkness inside of me and I know it will always be a part of me, which is why I try to channel it by taking selfportraits. It started out as therapy really, something to keep me busy, but now I enjoy it so much, it genuinely makes me happy.

I have been contemplating for a while now whether to share publicly or not. The few friends I’ve shared it with are really supportive, but my confidence is low most of the time. Still I have this hope that someone might see an image of mine and will feel understood. Like I feel when I see your images or read your words. And so I’m taking the plunge in a few days. Because what’s the worst that will happen? That I have to deal with negative comments. One positive comment will outweigh the bad and at least I will give myself the chance to grow and deal with new situations.

So this blogpost couldn’t come at a more perfect time for me. Because I’m anxious, I don’t like my body, and I take selfportraits. Not because I’m a vain person, but because that’s how I can create best. Because I can be shy and uncomfortable and weird and still want to reach out. There. Weirdos for the win :p

Thank you so much Brooke!

By: Jill

Jill — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 06:29:59 +0000

WOW! I admire everything about you so much. I too suffer from social anxiety. I’m in a panic just typing this LOL! Have suffered my whole life and I am now 61yrs old. Nobody knows and most of the time I put on a reasonable act. On the very rare occasion I have tried to talk about it they simply do not understand to what extent I suffer and how crippling it is. My husband knows I suffer from anxiety but even he does not know or understand to what extent. I even suffer with my family and the couple of friends I have. Reading this I am in awe! OK, been sitting here for a minute thinking should I post or should I delete? LOL!

By: Paulo Carvalho

Paulo Carvalho — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 18:41:30 +0000

In reply to brookeshaden. To tell you the truth, I'm going through a difficult phase in terms of creativity and inspiration. It is being hard to overcome this phase! But I know I can do it and so I'm calm about it. I have read these thoughts and I must say they thrilled me. That's why I want to give you all a big and sincere hug. xx

By: Emma A.

Emma A. — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 17:36:54 +0000

Brooke, thank you so much for sharing this with all of us! You’ve inspired and motivated me since the moment I saw your work for the first time. So many times I wanted to tell you how much I admire you but I never could go past the fear of what would you or others think of what I have to say. I am very anxious right now while writing this, but when I saw this post I knew that it was time to overcome this illogical fear and just do it. I am anxiuos all the time for everything new or scary that I have to do. I am also scared about beeing at a party or just with a large grup of people that I don’t know or not very well, by myself or where there are few people that I know, always anxious about what I could say or do. I used to panic just thinking about talking to the phone with someone that I don’t know really really knew well, but now because of the job that I recently accepted, where I have to talk to strangers and use the phone a lot, it’s getting a better. I am trying to overcome my anxiety by doing over and over again those things that scare me to the point that I can’t breathe. One big fear of mine is to share my personal photography online, beacause of the fear of rejection, because maybe people won’t like what I do. It has been a real struggle for me between the fear of what others think about me and the fact that some days I feel so energyless I don’t even want to get out of my bed. This past two years I’ve learned so much from you and other beautiful people and I’ve come to some conclusions: one will almost never feel like it to do something 100%, some days we’re at 50% or lower, other days maybe 90%,and those are very good days, so it is better to just do what you really want to do than just waste your time waiting for good days. As a goal for this year I want to create images that I actually post for others to see, interact more with people and enjoy more what I do and what I have, rather then thinking about the things I don’t or can’t have and beeing sad about it. I would love to meet you some day in person, this year was not possible, but I know that one day I will make it to one of your workshops. And thank you for everything you do, you’re a wonderful person Brooke!

By: Tonnie Wolfe

Tonnie Wolfe — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 02:44:53 +0000

I have supported loved ones with mild to severe anxiety disorder (mother, husband, son. My son is my hero because of how he handles the experience of having an anxiety disorder and social phobia among other issues. He lives independently and is a pretty happy person. He is one of the most forgiving people I know and has had plenty of practice as others have not always been kind. At times, leaving his home is an act of bravery, yet he works through it. He occasionally asks for help; but more and more, he is doing things that used to be impossible. I deeply admire all who live with a brain disorder. Things that many take for granted can be a daily challenge for those with anxiety,depression, bipolar disorder and other conditions. I love your work, Brooke, and am very grateful that you have overcome the challenges so that you can share your gifts, talents, and beautiful art.

By: Fit BMX

Fit BMX — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 22:43:03 +0000

In reply to Leslie S.

I think it is because it is very personal, kinda the side of me no one really sees or knows about.
I have actually come close to deleting photos after posting them but them stop myself. The one place I always felt completely okay posting a photo, was posting it in one of Brooke’s FaceBook classes. 🙂
Thanks for you reply Leslie, it means a lot to me. 🙂

By: Tim Dunn

Tim Dunn — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 21:16:20 +0000

Brooke. I love this post and your work outside of being an amazing artist is a reason I’m incredibly excited for the conference this fall. I have suffered from anxiety and depression I’m realizing my whole life. Basically, I’m afraid of loss and loosing those I love most. Why wouldn’t they leave me? Many others have in the past, its only inevitable. However, I refused to admit it and recognize it. In fact, I hid it from all around me and attempted to mask it as something else, even to myself. Only recently when my wife almost left me because of it did I finally take a step back and look at myself and realize there was something wrong. Only took my 34 years to see it. And whenever I felt it, I would bury myself in art. Or even attempt to learn a new form of art. Anything to find an outlet to describe what I was truly feeling without actually saying it. Music was my first outlet. Writing, playing shows or just getting lost in other peoples songs. Songs that described how I felt. They must understand what I’m feeling if their singing about it. Then I found photography and now digital art. But thankfully, I found myself and I’m able to admit it now. My marriage is in the process of rebuilding and my wife now understands me and what I am going through, and thankfully, willing to help me. She realizes its not me being overbearing, but just afraid. We know it will be a long road for us and for me, but I’m happy to be finding myself again. And I’m excited to meet others during the conference that have similar demons and find ways to grow and express ourselves.

By: brookeshaden

brookeshaden — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 20:29:13 +0000

In reply to Cindy V.. Cindy, thank you so much. You are so fantastic. What an amazing what to approach life - brothers and sisters, yes! I love that and I'll keep that little tool in my pocket for sure! <3

By: Cindy V.

Cindy V. — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 19:59:40 +0000

I used to be painfully shy until after high school and then I outgrew it. The thing that helped me is that I always assume that everyone I meet is no different than a brother or a sister. Now it seems like I talk too much. But it is because I am so open. I still deal with feelings of self doubt because everyone wants to be liked. But now I am more apt to throw caution to the wind and not let it prevent me from doing what I want. You have proven that we all have moments of self doubt. It is just being human. Thank you for being you and sharing your heart. You are always awesome in my book.

By: brookeshaden

brookeshaden — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 19:25:11 +0000

In reply to Kori Eryn. Kori, I commend you not only for sharing and recognizing your own struggle, but for getting back in the game and finding your happiness. That is an amazing thing that inspires me so much today. Hugs and love!