"Anxiety is more than nothing. It's extremely exhausting and debilitating. It's okay not to be okay."

Anxiety doesn't always need a reason and it's never "nothing." In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob speaks with Carly Considine, an autistic adult and mother of autistic children, about the reality of living with heightened anxiety.

Carly shares personal stories of panic attacks, the struggle to find rationality in anxious moments, and practical coping strategies that help her family navigate daily challenges.

From mindfulness techniques to the exhaustion of masking, this conversation offers validation and hope for anyone whose anxiety feels overwhelming.

Key takeaways:

• You don't need something specific to be anxious about. Sometimes anxiety comes from nowhere, and that's valid.
• When anxiety takes over, logical thinking becomes nearly impossible. Having a calm, rational person nearby can help ground you.
• Racing heart, shaking, feeling hot, stomach aches etc. Anxiety shows up in the body in powerful ways that can't be dismissed.
• Hiding anxiety to fit in or get through social situations uses enormous energy and leads to exhaustion afterward.
• Walking, breathing exercises, mindfulness activities and keeping busy with small tasks can help regulate during anxious moments.

"If you can be anything in this world, be kind."

About Carly:

Carly Considine is an autistic adult and a mother to autistic children. She is an online advocate passionate about raising awareness of anxiety as a common comorbidity with autism. Through her platform, Carly shares the realities of navigating neurodivergence as both a parent and an individual, emphasising the importance of understanding, acceptance, and kindness. Her honest approach to discussing panic attacks, school anxiety, and the exhaustion of masking helps others feel less alone in their experiences.

Learn more about Achievable Journey.

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