High Anxiety

[00:00:00] In anticipation of World Mental Health Day later this week, today we take a look at the issue of social anxiety. Tune in for more.

[00:00:12] Hello and welcome to MoMo 634, the daily podcast chock full of faith-filled inspiration and motivation. Please like, share, and subscribe. MoMo 634, Motivational Moments, just for today.

[00:00:43] My late mother was a huge Mel Brooks fan, thus the title of this episode from his movie of the same name.

[00:00:52] My mom came from the era where you didn't discuss mental health issues, thus my diagnosis as an adult through my own efforts, and my realization in hindsight that she too suffered from OCD or possibly OCDP.

[00:01:08] I say this after cleaning out her apartment after her death, but also in little snippets I remembered from my childhood.

[00:01:16] Her extreme discomfort on public transportation when crowded, yet also a disinclination for getting a driver's license because driving was anxiety-provoking.

[00:01:28] I also despised driving, but as the homeschooling mom of three, I did it for many years, before COVID hit and my license expired.

[00:01:38] I chose not to renew it as we have other drivers in the family now.

[00:01:43] Mom also got very squirrely in crowds.

[00:01:46] When the San Francisco 49ers won the Super Bowl in 1982, we went to the parade, and we had to leave.

[00:01:56] In the recent episode, Sunshiny, I recounted another crowded situation that put mom off kilter.

[00:02:04] Thus, it should come as no surprise that in addition to the OCD, I also do suffer from social anxiety.

[00:02:12] I went to a gathering recently, and the hostess, who is also neurodiverse, asked me if crowds bothered me.

[00:02:20] They really don't. I just don't like anything social.

[00:02:25] I enjoy it while there, but both before and after.

[00:02:29] I have pretty strong anxiety.

[00:02:32] Before, because I don't want to go.

[00:02:34] I think of all the stuff that could go wrong.

[00:02:37] And that's not all in my head.

[00:02:39] In my younger days, I had no filter.

[00:02:43] And then after an event, because of all the things I perceived I did wrong.

[00:02:48] Case in point, at this gathering recently, I left my contribution in the oven so it would stay warm before we left.

[00:02:58] I thought it was overdone, and I was so embarrassed.

[00:03:03] Despite the dish being empty when we left, I mentioned my embarrassment in the car on the way home.

[00:03:09] And immediately and unanimously, everyone else offered some variation on,

[00:03:15] What do you mean? It was really good.

[00:03:18] I've mentioned that I have trouble sleeping the night before church or when I know I have to go to a meeting or event.

[00:03:26] I do try flipping the script, as in the episode of the same name.

[00:03:30] And I do, as mentioned, generally enjoy the time actually there.

[00:03:36] So it's just stupid old OCD messing with my amygdala, not letting the fight or flight switch go to the blessed off position.

[00:03:47] I don't enjoy leaving my home, but I don't meet the criteria for agoraphobia.

[00:03:54] So I'm sharing all of this in my transparent effort to end the stigma and let you know that you are not alone if you relate to any part of this.

[00:04:06] Since World Mental Health Day is coming up this week, followed by OCD Awareness Week next week, I wanted to share my stories and ask you to share yours to help show we are all in this together and there is no need for shame or stigma.

[00:04:24] With an estimated one in four with some sort of mental health diagnosis, we aren't alone.

[00:04:32] In the meanwhile, I anticipate that great day when this body, with its OCD and anxiety, are translated to that place where there is no more illness.

[00:04:53] Until then, our meme for today says,

[00:04:58] There are some blessings to neurodiversity.

[00:05:01] On the rough days, try to count them.

[00:05:05] Do you have a story of neurodiversity to share?

[00:05:09] Comment below.

[00:05:10] Thanks for listening to Momo 634.

[00:05:16] Motivational moments just for today.

[00:05:19] Please subscribe, give it a like or review, follow along on social media or your favorite podcast platform, and tell a friend.

[00:05:28] To have episodes and the corresponding meme emailed to you, subscribe at momo634.substack.com.

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