No Filter on Me: A Raw Look at Anxiety and Stress

Fact: there’s no filter on either photo. Yes, one has better lighting and camera quality but no edits. And yes, one has make up and one doesn’t. But, let me just say, no amount of make up could help. And besides, when under extreme stress it’s hard to bring yourself to do make up.

Let’s talk about stress and how it effects, not only the way we live but the way we are. These photos were taken a month and 13 days apart. And boy, do I look different! These we’re taken at a time not too long ago that I felt like my whole life was crumbling; between losing my job, an injured pet, and countless other problems. I felt like I was losing my sanity. I couldn’t eat, I was oversleeping, I couldn’t emotionally connect with my friends. I felt so incredibly lost.

I wish I could say, “And here’s how I fixed it all! In three easy steps!” But, that’s not the case. I don’t have the answers to solving anxiety, stress, or depression. I really wish I did.

The reason I’m telling you all of this is because I don’t want you to feel alone. I can’t solve your problems but I can hold your hand through it. You’re not alone. I think it’s important to show raw anxiety. So much of our personas are made online, we only show what we want to show. All of a sudden, everyone seems happy and perfect but that means we’re missing out on the real conversations.

I hope this helps you feel more confident on your down days, because they happen and that’s okay. You’ve got support.

Life can be cruel, heartless, and cold. But, it can also be exhilarating, fantastical, and fulfilling. Don’t give up, because you’ve got someone in your corner (me, I’m in your corner).

Moral of the story: You’re not alone. I’m here. Let’s get a coffee or cry into pasta, as long as we do it together.

-Mikayla Olivia Orrson