Who’s in Your Circle?
One of the most underrated parts of managing anxiety is your circle — the people you can reach out to when life feels like too much.
As tempting as it is to go full hermit mode and hide under a blanket with your favorite comfort show (hi, The Office reruns), isolating yourself usually just makes things worse.
Your circle should make you feel loved, understood, and calm. You shouldn’t have to walk on eggshells, fake being “fine,” or give a TED Talk just to feel validated. These are your people — the ones who remind you that you’re human and not a robot who needs “fixing.”
And guess what? Your circle doesn’t have to be a whole squad. It can be just one person, and that’s totally okay. Quality over quantity, always.
Your people might include parents, siblings, friends, teachers, mentors, or THERAPISTS (more on this next week 👀).
Basically, anyone you have a solid, supportive relationship with.
My Story: Building My Circle
As much as my family loves me, I realized they didn’t always get my anxiety. So I looked beyond my family and found two amazing women who changed everything — one was a work mentor, and the other was a therapist.
They helped me see that anxiety isn’t something to “fix.” It’s a part of me — a sometimes chaotic, overthinking, emotionally-aware part, sure — but also a superpower.
The ability to be empathetic, introspective, and resilient remain undefeated.
How to Find (and Use) Your Circle
I didn’t realize how much I needed a circle until I actually found one. Since then, mine has grown to include my siblings, close friends, and yes, my parents — who now understand that “just relax” is not a treatment plan.
If you already have your circle, take a second to think about what kind of support each person gives you. It’s not fair (or realistic) to expect one person to meet all your needs. Different people bring different superpowers.
For example, my family encourages me to be the best version of myself and always wants the best for me. I can always count on them to have a good time and laugh our problems away. On the other hand, my mentor and therapist can give me amazing anxiety-specific tips and new perspectives.
See? It takes a village — or at least a solid group chat.
Final Reminder
I’ll say it again: do not isolate yourself.
Blocking out the world might feel safe in the moment, but it’s not healthy or realistic. Connection is what keeps us grounded.
So, reach out. Text that friend. Call your sibling. Book that therapy session. Let people show up for you.
And most importantly — be kind to yourself. You’re doing your best, and that’s more than enough. 💛
Journal Prompt
List a few people in your life who are supportive of you and identify the specific ways they support you.
Is there anything or anyone you are missing from your circle? If so, how are some ways you can fix that?
Write a small thank you letter addressed to each person in your circle. You don’t have to give it to them if you don’t want to!