this Action Anxiety Day, An advocate reminds management anxiety They weren’t the only ones launching Blue and Orange rallies.
Scott McFadyen is Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba (ADAM) said the rally will be held at 4 Fort Street from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday.
McFadden said participants are asked to wear blue and orange – Anxiety Disorders in Canada.
“We want to bring attention to the work we do, but also make people aware that one in four Manitobans will have an anxiety (disorder) in their lifetime, so people are not alone.”
He said mental illness was indiscriminate and affected people from all walks of life.
“No matter who you are, that anxiety-ridden person is someone you can relate to. He's your neighbor. He's your brother or sister. He's the love of your life,” he said. “What happened today affects everyone.”
While everyone's experience is different, the first step might be to call your doctor, McFadden said — adding that he didn't take action on his anxiety until he was 49.
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“It really has to come from the heart: You really want to get out of this darkness,” he said. “My first step was to go to the doctor, get a referral, wait a while, be patient, try medications that don’t work, and then try medications that do work.”
For friends and family members who are looking for ways to support a loved one who is managing anxiety, McFadden said there are several things that may help.
“Give people something tangible to keep them in your thoughts. Like write them a note,” he said, “buy them a bar of chocolate. Do some tangible act of kindness. Maybe don’t do other things like, ‘Hey, if you need anything, just call me.’ And then when people do need help and call, it’s like, ‘Oh, hey, sorry, the kids have to play soccer.’”
Sometimes, it’s just a matter of listening.
“It's really painful. People start looking at themselves, and that's why this conversation is so difficult. We're all afraid to do it because, you know, with anxiety disorders, there are some demons inside,” McFadden said.
Being kind to others and yourself can also make a big difference, he added.
He noted that drinks and food will be provided at the June 10 rally.
Additional resources and information can be found online: Adam Network.
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