Popular blogger Grace Mongey has spoken in-depth about her mental health struggles.
The face behind FacesByGrace delved into just how much her anxiety affected her everyday life.
“At the peak of my struggle with anxiety, everyday life seemed like a struggle,”
“I lost my appetite, I couldn’t sleep. When I did manage to sleep, I had night terrors. My panic attacks became so intense that I couldn’t work. Simple things like going to the shop became a struggle. I couldn’t leave the house without feeling completely paranoid. I was convinced everyone was looking at me.”
“If I was in a crowded place or a social situation, I would feel a pain in my chest or sudden waves of nausea and dizziness. I later learned this was a panic attack,” she told Independent.ie.
The mum-of-one added that she didn’t realise until later in life that she had anxiety as a child.
“Although I never knew the term ‘anxiety’ or what it meant when I was a child, I remember having the most extreme thoughts.
“I was convinced my house was going to be broken into or that it was going to go on fire. Everyone just thought I was a worrier and that I had an overactive imagination.”
PIC: Instagram/FacesbyGrace
When she was 17, Grace realised it was more than just stress or worry and was diagnosed by a doctor.
The 29-yer-old attended therapy around the time she started her now-well-known blog and said it made all the difference.
“It is so important to talk to people and if you don’t feel comfortable opening up for family or friends, I would highly recommend speaking to a trained professional,” she said.
Grace also revealed how she tackles panic attacks.
“When I am feeling particularly anxious or think that a panic attack is coming on, I take deep breathes and focus on living in the moment (not in my head). This is easier said then done – it takes practice. I try to practice mindfulness as much as I can and meditate when I am feeling overwhelmed. I also use sleep meditation when I am finding it hard to switch off.”
She added that “having a support system is so important.”
We love that Grace is speaking out and using her status to promote positive mental health.
