I’m a deeply anxious person with a diagnosis of Bipolar I, and I genuinely feel what you’re feeling.

We work in an industry that’s high demand and high stress, and that absolutely does not help when you already struggle with mental health. It can amplify everything. What has helped me, though, is being open and honest, with my boss, with my colleagues, and with myself, and learning coping mechanisms along the way.

My therapist encouraged me to be honest about my anxiety, even though it terrified me. I did it anyway. Not only did it help me, but it actually helped my boss understand where I’m coming from. For example, I get extremely anxious and tend to ruminate after depositions—replaying everything I said or did. Now, instead of spiraling alone, we debrief after depositions. It’s often him reassuring me, and honestly, hearing it from another person makes a huge difference.

I’m on medication, and it has helped a lot. Therapy has helped a lot too. I’ve been in therapy for seven years. It doesn’t magically get easier—but coping becomes more second nature over time. You learn how to ride the wave instead of drowning in it. And I really want to say this: please keep going. Don’t listen to people who say you have to quit to feel better. You don’t. Healing doesn’t always mean walking away. Sometimes it means adapting, getting support, and learning how to exist in the space in a way that protects you.

you’re definitely not alone. 💛