You are brave and inspiring. I went to the Municipal Public Library in Taipei, Taiwan yesterday to get new books for my students and found your book, Franklin’s Flying Bookshop. I liked it so much that I wanted to know more about the author. That is how I started watching your videos on fairytales last night and showed them to my teenager daughter. We both agree on how wonderful (funny, smart, charming, original, the list goes on and on but I don’t want to sound creepy) you are. Thank you for existing. Love from Taiwan and Brazil (We are Brazilians).
'We are multitudes' = life with anxiety! I feel there are two versions of me - my calm self, with my rational thoughts who can focus on my interests etc, and the anxious me who does everything the the other side of me wouldn't. Thank you for talking about this!
Jen thank you so much for sharing those experiences. I kind of want to physically hurt that horrible doctor. Your six year old self deserved so much more. It’s strange. Only this week have I started to realize that I’m an anxious person who catastrophizes. Mine are based around infertility and pregnancy. But it’s a little obsessive. I can’t believe I’ve dealt with it for 3 years but never realized what it was. I’m going to work on that. And maybe do some yoga with Adrienne. Thank you for being so honest and vulnerable here. It means so much that you trust us with your most vulnerable feelings. Sending you lots of love!
This was raw, honest and truthful and I'm thankful that you shared this with us. (By the way, Weird things customers say in bookshops was on a "Librarians recommend" display in my local library here in Finland and it made me very happy!)
omg... Jen. You are my realization. I was as a child hospitalised a lot. Constantly seeing doctors. Now I'm ok-ish - physically for the most parts and I tought mentally as well. oh how I was wrong. As you were talking my jaw was dropping. This controlling behavior and thinking about unrealistic catastrophes, it was like were talking about me. This was my epiphany. My light bulb turned on my wieres were connected. Thank you so much for this video.❤
Thank you so much for sharing your story. Talking about mental health is an important step in normalizing these conversations. As someone who also struggles with mental illness, I appreciate these kind of videos so much. Thank you again for being so open about these conversations.
Oh Jen, I was hospitalised quite a lot as a child too & really related to your experience with anaesthetic. It all came flooding back. I'm sure it probably explains a lot. Thanks for sharing.
Therapy has really helped me process an abusive childhood. I hope you found a good therapist. It was a helpful video. I like your lovely English accent. ❤️
Long time viewer but have never commented on a video. Just wanted to say that this content is powerful because you are so clear and straightforward in how you talk about really personal and complicated subjects. It's inspiring to hear. I have both high functioning anxiety and depression including replaying and intrusive thoughts and there is a lack of discussion about anxiety that stems from abstract vs. anxiety connected to things that have happened /are happening /shall happen (like operations for you or for me that I work in the building next to the person who abused me). It is such a relief to hear someone talk about work as a help as that is also my experience. Thank you! x
You are so eloquent, your descriptions were exactly on point with how I feel when I'm anxious and my mind is out of control. Thank you for talking about this, it probably helped a lot of people.
Dear jen. Thank you so much for making this video. I work as a counsellor and sometimes the worst part of trying to treat these issues is facing the massive amount of taboo that surrounds them. Making videos like this helps to normalise the conversation massively which everyone in my profession is forever grateful for. Keep up the good work.
Jen thanks for sharing your experience of mental health. In a small way I can understand a little of what you went through as a child. As a small child I was under the hospital for several years suffering with perthese disease (defect with the hip joint) and spent periods in hospital, in plaster, splints etc) which has had a knock on effect in my school life and into adulthood. As a child I was very withdrawn and very shy. Later i suffered with social anxiety and even now find it difficult to interact socially in large groups and express myself through my own voice. I think this is why poetry and writing has become so important in my life as it helps me express what I can’t through other means. And it helps me to process my internal thoughts and fears. Like you said In your video, I often give off a calm and relaxed vibe too but this can be deceiving, and I am more than likely panicking about what I’m going to say or do next when in a social gathering. I think a lot of this stems from being separated from other kids as a child and being over protected by my parents. Now, I just have to be careful when I’m in a new social situation with new people. I think a lot of this comes down to trying to live within a realm which is comfortable for you. Not necessarily what others may want but what you can deal with. Anyway, I really appreciate you taking the time to explain your own thoughts and feelings and how you cope with things. I wish more people could be so honest and open.
I suffer from debilitating anxiety. So thank you for sharing, because this kind of open honest discussions and conversations about anxiety are extremely helpful, especially when coming from someone as bright and thoughtful as you. Lots of love, dear Jen❤️
Here is a big hug for you. I personally find hugs help me a little when my anxiety, panic attack and all that fun stuffs occur. Thank you for sharing the memories, simply just listening to it is not easy, not to mention that you’re living it. I agree that playing (board) games requires different kinds of brain activity and it works when one is so anxious that he/she can’t focus on reading.
Thank you for sharing the truth about trauma of multiple hospitalizations when you were a child. That resonated all too well. I never knew when” and feel that that is one of my root causes of anxiety and intrusive thoughts. Thank you for powering through a conversation that is deep,y personal. You are truly a gem.
Hi Jen. I just wanted to say thank you so much for sharing your experiences and feelings. That can’t have been easy to do. I think it’s so valuable to have these mental health conversations, and you were so open and raw in doing so. I also just wanted to let you know that Your videos have helped me through some tough and anxious times and helped me feel more in control of my sometimes wayward brain and body, so thank you for that. And thank you for using your platform in such a brave way. 💚
How incredibly generous of you to create this video, and the one from today, Jen, to help other people. Your catastrophizing (not sure about the spelling or if it’s an actual word - it should be) is something I recognize well. Not being able to sustain concentration means I can’t read as many books as I want to, which is very frustrating. Unfortunately, this also affects me at work, which is not great. I really appreciate your thoughts and suggestions and your kindness in sharing them. xxx
thank you so much for sharing. I am like you. Different medical history - similar mental outcome. I am not even able to talk about it so openly as you did. I just want to give you a hug, because at least I feel that I am not alone. I've tried therapy so many times, so far it hasn't taken the anxiety from me. I don't think it will ever go away, since it's rooted in a real threat.
I have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression and never knew about intrusive thoughts and its been so amazing to hear that this what i have fairly regularly and to hear you talk about yours is so helpful knowing I'm not alone x
Thank you Jen for inviting us in and so honestly share your story and feelings. That takes courage and I admire you for it. I love your channel and the fact that you are being you and share that with us is one of the best things I know. I too am suffering from anxiety and the fear of not being able to support myself (in all kinds of ways). For so many years I resisted to seek help but now I see a therapist and take medication. One thing that also has helped tremendously is to talk about it, to let friends in and trust them. So when I feel too overwhelmed I reach out and the support system has proved to be amazing. Maybe this video can be that to you. Lots of hugs ❤
So grateful for this video. I can relate so much. I suffer from Fibromyalgia and I spent years going to the doctors not knowing what was going on and being diagnosed with lots of different and separate things. I suffer from anxiety and intrusive thoughts as well. Most of the time my intrusive thoughts and anxiety are not related to my health issues until the rare moment they do. Your video is really hitting home. Thank you for sharing xxx
I’m just so sorry Jen. It sounds like you have experienced real trauma. Realising that is hard because it involves lots of reliving those experiences. Thank you for talking about this. I think it has helped some people. Thank you for putting that trigger warning in. Would highly recommend anyone reading this before they reach that section and are worried about being triggered to be cautious with that section.
Thank you for being so honest --- You are a wonderful person --- I feel badly that you have gone through so much --- It seems you have risen above and are doing everything that can be done to assist yourself in times of need - I have enjoyed you since day one -- Keep being you xx
Great video and share! Awareness is so important on topics like this and make a difference! Subbed to your channel and found inspiration for mine here! Keep doing you!
I have dealt with this condition my entire life, although I’ve always referred to it as my Worst Case Scenario syndrome. It traces back to my mother leaving when I was 5, then came to the forefront again after my divorce. I also thought it was “normal” until I was in my 30’s and speaking about anxiety with a friend, going back and forth saying “you know when you ...” and I said “you know when you imagine your own funeral” and she looked at me like I’d grown another head! I appreciate you sharing your experiences and I hope it helps knowing you aren’t alone in this - I know it helps me 🤓
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I am someone who struggles with generalized anxiety, and I know many other people in my personal life who struggle with various mood disorders and mental illnesses, so there were many good reminders in here. Many blessings and much love to you from California, where it is also raining today.
I really appreciated this video. With my particular situation, I could end up in hospital at any time for emergency surgery, and I have several scares a year. It's so easy to worry about that and what would happen in that situation or when it might happen again. Video games while I listen to audiobooks are great. They seems to keep the different parts of my brain active. Thanks for sharing and hope today is a good day for you. xx
Thank you for sharing Jen. I think it truly helps. I discovered I had anxiety because one of my friend started to talk openly about it. It's always kind of comforting to know that you are not the only one who has gone through traumatic things (although i'm so sorry that they happened to you
Thank you for sharing this. I don't share my high functioning anxiety (coupled with what my doctor called situational depression) often but listening to you speak so rawly and openly had me both feeling close to tears but also comforted by someone with similar experiences. I also have had reoccurring kidney issues since I was about 11 years old and at 18 had a cystoscopy and I'm horrified by your experience. I was technically an adult having mine and was so distressed they offered to put me under an anesthetic and I took that option! I'm so so sorry your experience was so traumatic. Thank you again for sharing xx
Thank you for posting! This was so helpful for me. I have anxiety that ebbs and flows in intensity. I have intrusive thoughts similar to the ones you mentioned as well as in the form of bad memories and remembering past mistakes. Like you, I failed to mention these when I was getting counseling for my anxiety. It is reassuring to hear that others experience similar things. It’s so easy for me to get stuck in my own head and just think I’m crazy.
A mental battle is terrifying one. I wish longevity to your coping mechanisms. I too am not able to read when I am too anxious but take to games and videos. I desperately want to read but the words dance all over😣.
Thanks so much for sharing Jen. I’m also a “high functioning anxious person” with intrusive thoughts. I saw a video by Rowan Ellis on the same topic a while back & it made me realise that my horrible intrusive thoughts aren’t because I’m actually the worst person in the world, but it’s part of my anxiety. This video has made me realise those catastrophising ones I sometimes get about things I’m not actually worried about are probably a coping mechanism so my brain isn’t thinking about what it’s really anxious about (similarly - health shenanigans & implications, plus some childhood stuff). I think I just saw it as “welp, I’m just generally anxious I guess ”. I sometimes think the “high functioning” bit can get in the way of not just other people understanding how severe it can be, but also ourselves properly understanding/acknowledging it, at least for me! Thanks again for being so open x
You are such a lovely human. Thank you for your openness and being so real. Also, you may sing whenever you darn well please! That stupid Dr you saw when you were six was in the wrong damn profession. That lack of compassion for his patient was totally unacceptable-what BS! I’m so sorry you were put through that. I can relate to feeling out of control in medical situations, but I can’t imagine it at that age. Thank you for being so honest and wonderful with us.❤️❤️❤️❤️
I can completely understand your relief, so to speak, at knowing the name of your syndrome. I've cerebral palsy but I only found that out through googling when I was maybe around 12. Sadly my parents never explained to me what was different about me, maybe cos it was too emotionally difficult. I have only fully realised in recent years, like you did, that my way dealing with anxiety is not normal. I thought it was very brave of you to speak about such a raw and vulnerable subject and I truly admire you. I cried a little listening to you, because I connected to what you were saying so much, thank you x
Wow, watched your channel for awhile, I suffer from the worst Pure-O intrusive thoughts, they come in bouts and can be triggered randomly. It gives me a hard time but I will keep working on moving forward!
Hello Jen. Thank you for the video on Poem Writing. I found it useful. It will help me to be less anxious about writing my poems. I "discovered " you over this 2020 Xmas. I feel that is my gift. From you. Happy New year, 2021.
Thank you for talking about these intrusive thoughts. It's so incredible you talked about this, and it's so helpful. I also get them, and I kind of thought it was something everyone does, so it's nice to know I'm not the only one who thought that.
I really appreciate the video! I get quite anxious too and don't always have the best coping mechanisms. I am now starting to figure out what triggers me and what I can do to still get through the things I need to do. It is quite a balancing act!
You have so eloquently described what I've never been able to about my own thoughts. THANK YOU so much for this. I rarely re-watch anything however I will definitely be doing so as you've provided insights into my own mind. I wonder whether the anxiety and intrusive thoughts have attributed to your wonderful writing skills. There are so many creative things I want to do, especially writing poetry, however I find my mind gets so overwhelmed when I make a start that I stop - and continue to live in my head. Jen, you are a remarkable, inspiring young woman and I thank our lucky stars that youtube provides the platform for these types of connections. Sending so many good wishes for your future xx
Thank you, Jane. When I was younger, poetry was a cathartic thing. It isn’t anymore; I don’t find that I can create “good” things when I’m very anxious. I agree that thinking over situations again and again is a form of storytelling and I’m sure that it has, in some weird way, helped my writing. However I also think society does a lot of romanticisation when it comes to mental health and creativity, which I find unhelpful. I hope you have a lovely weekend xxxx
Oh gosh, hearing about tiny Jen in hospital made me emotional! It's too late at night to write anything of much use but I just wanted to say theres so much value in all you share.
I was sexually abused as a child by an older cousin. I have anxiety. I ended up with a visit to the cardiologist when my anxiety manifested as heart beat irregularities! You are not alone😘 I read to escape and always have lost myself in books. My daughter suffers from anxiety and OCD and self defeating behaviors and invasive thoughts. Some days she doesn’t know what there is to live for. She sees a weekly therapist and takes meds. It’s hard but we make it work.
Definitely useful, thank you for sharing. If my partner's late home or I haven't heard from someone, I even unlock the door and things ready in case the police comes. I also 100% know what you mean about anxiety which is linked to real things, because coping mechanisms just don't work in those cases. The joys of being anxious! I hope that therapy does help if you decide to take it. :) xx
Oh, lovely Jen. I’m so grateful for your willingness to share these things with us. I felt so comforted by this video. As someone who gets stuck in obsessive thought spirals and feels horribly anxious much more than not, it made my hand feel held. I’m sorry for what little tiny you went through. You are a lighthouse xxxxxx
Thanks for making yourself so vulnerable sharing your experiences. I know that must have been difficult, but kuddos for being so brave in the effort to help so many others.
Love the video! It’s always good to be talkative about things we can relate. Anxiety should give us all a break! I found so cute close to the end, you spoke like “Frances” from “Frances Ha”.
Jen, thank you for teaching me that it has a name, naming feelings have always help me to explain them, and now I know the name for those kind of thoughts
I really really appreciate you sharing about trauma from medical experiences. I don’t think people know enough about it and how real and long lasting it can be. I found the video very helpful!
Jen, thank you so much for sharing your experiences. I suffer with anxiety and have CPTSD. Fairly recent experiences triggered supressed memories from my childhood. Talking with a therapist and opening up about things and feelings that I had kept to myself for many years was very liberating and healing. I gave my therapist my 12 year old self and she heard me and took away the fears and feelings of being out of control. I hope you find a therapist who can help you in a similar way. Sending virtual hugs.
You're an amazing person, Jen. Thank you for sharing these thoughts, even though my experiences are completely different, what you said really resonated with me. I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder two weeks ago (I'm 28) and finally having a name to put to all these traits that cause me to have difficulty interpreting the world really helped me, so I completely understand how you felt when you discovered everything you've been through/are still going through is linked. When I was at primary school, I had a traumatic experience with one of the teachers, and I only realised a few years ago that it was what was causing a lot of my issues growing up and stepping into the adult world. What you've said has made me realise that I've never spoken about it in depth before with anyone other than my family, and perhaps I should.
Thank you for your talk Jen. Definitely helps to hear from someone I respect try and articulate their experience with intrusive thoughts and anxiety. I feel less alone, hope for you as well. So thank you for putting yourself out there in the open. Perhaps you're used to creating and uploading videos online to an international audience, but I think it takes a bit of bravery to be this open about your experiences. Makes me nervous just thinking about doing that myself! I'm humbled by your video, thanks again :)
My panic attacks are brought on by stress, frustration and bad time management. Mediation helps my room mate got me a grounding mala. I can tell when i havent used it in my mediation practice. Havent tried the calm app does it help. I wish you well have a good weekend Jen.
I've yet to watch one of your "chats" that was anything less than helpful. Anxiety is vastly underrecognized for the pain and hardship it causes, and especially for those dealing with past trauma. The folks I work with every day have used drugs and alcohol to escape or block their anxiety, depression, trauma, et.al., as did I, and anxiety in one form or another presents one of the biggest dangers of relapse. I also have a daughter with Klippel Trenaunay Weber Syndrome (KTS), and understand at least the parent's side of dealing with disfigurement.
Thank you Jen for sharing your experience. Must have been hard for you. As a person struggling with anxiety, intrusive and repetitive thoughts, this was sooo relatable.
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, I can't imagine it was easy. I genuinely wish you the very best for your future procedures and want to say how grateful I am that you make the content that you do (bookish or otherwise).
@@jenvcampbell when you talked about intrusive thoughts - on Instagram I think it was ? - I was like, yup, that's up my alley. And I basically stopped what I was doing to watch the video as soon as it came out. What I found the most difficult regarding anxiety and intrusive thoughts... is realizing that it's a problem, and not just part of how and who i am ? The moments when this realization occurs are always really upsetting and a relief at the same time. I'm still not quite sure what to do with those moments. Thanks again x
Wow, thank you so much for this video. As a child who had to have the procedure you mentioned regarding your kidney issues, it was very...surprising to hear? It's probably not the right word. But no one ever talks about it. I've known for a couple of years that some of my anxiety came from all those times I had to go to the hospital and had to go through that again. I just didn't 'know' other people had to go through that. Don't know if I'm making sense, but this video just made me think about it again. Not in a bad way necessarily but just remembering. Just wanted to say thank you. Hearing people talk about their mental health issues is always kind of nice when you are experiencing some things aswell.
Thank you for sharing your story. I can't imagine what it'd be like to be in those situations. That sounds really hard, and I'm thankful you're working at helping yourself. For me, I've had four different counselors (including my current one) for anxiety/suicidal/violent intrusive thoughts and my current counselor has been really helpful. It might be also because I was more willing to open up to her about the hard stuff than I was with my other counselors--my first counselor was more interested in finding out about what caused trauma in childhood, but it almost felt like she had more theories for me that I wasn't sure I agreed with, my second was a guy and I didn't feel comfortable and I didn't feel like he was taking me seriously either, my third counselor felt like she was just trying to "fix" me with advice that I'd grown up hearing from church, though she had some helpful advice too, but my current counselor is the head of the counseling department at my college and knows what she's doing and I feel like I can talk to her about weird things that I know aren't healthy and she doesn't judge me. When I started counseling with my current counselor, she immediately began teaching me coping skills, slowly, and many of them have been really helpful. The first thing she told me to do was just to notice when I'm having an intrusive thought, step back, and breathe, and let it pass. Over time I've begun to feel a lot more like I can handle hard things that before I didn't know how to handle and anxiety would get out of control, but now it's easier to think logically about things and step back and know when I need a distraction and know when I need to ask some friends for support. I've even been coming up with some coping skills of my own that help in certain situations. Right now, I'm taking some homeopathic things from a natural-path doctor that are really helping anxiety lessen too, and it helps me see that I don't have to have a living hell and that I can get to a better, happier and healthier state of being.
Thank you for sharing your experience! You are so brave!💙💙💙 I have anxiety disorder and panic attacks. It is hard for me to get through that period of time. I also use calm app and 7 cups app. Meditation and mindfulness are good ways to ease intrusive thoughts. Thanks again for your sharing, you are not alone. 💙
Yes this was definitely helpful. Thank you so much for chatting about it. I also get intrusive thoughts and catastrophise and all of that good stuff, but like you didn't really realise that other people dont...do...that? I feel like over the years I am coming to terms with the way my brain works and building a toolkit for handling bad patches. Thanks for your list of five - gonna go and do a couple of things off of it now! ♡
I do the same things. I imagine if me or someone I loved died, how they died, what would happen after, how I would react, etc. I do the same thing thinking about my house being burned to the ground when I come home, finding out I'm pregnant and not wanting the baby, what if my husband left me, walking in to someone else in my house, someone breaking into my house, thinking what would happen if my car just drove into this tree or went off this cliff. It's things that I would NEVER act on or WANT to happen, but they invade my head occasionally. I deal with anxiety too. I'm pretty good at shutting down these thoughts now and dealing with my anxiety. :)
Thank you so much for opening up and I am so sorry you experienced so many medical maladies as a child. The part where you spoke about the triggering hospital experience, ironically did become a trigger point, but not for sexual assault, but because I also had a similar invasive experience when I was about 14 that really stayed with me. Best wishes to you.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I relate to a lot of it. I deal with extensive mental health issues and was also sick a lot as a child/teen though not as young as you. I am so glad you've learned to manage it enough to be successful with your work. I was just wondering if, as a writer, you find yourself wanting to write about your experiences with trauma and anxiety and health. I find that I have a very strong desire to write about mental health and trauma. I honestly think that it's my passion to make those experiences known and hopefully connect people in their experiences with mental illness.
I do write about trauma, anxiety, health etc; it trickles into my work a lot, both in my short story collection: www.jen-campbell.co.uk/the-Beginning-of-the-world-in-the-Middle-of-the-night and my forthcoming poetry collection, The Girl Aquarium www.jen-Campbell.co.uk/The-girl-aquarium x
Hi Jen! Have you ever heard of Schema Therapy? A schema is a negative thought and behavior pattern created in childhood that we go back to when it is triggered by an event or a person. I understand that you have already have associated memories from your childhood. As a child, you created a coping mechanism for those memories which created a core belief that you are vulnerable to harm and illness. One of the schemas called Vulnerability to Harm and Illness! I went through schema therapy this past year and the approach resonated with me a lot and I started to understand where some of my negative behavior coming from and how I can develop a more healthy coping mechanism to calm my schemas. There is a book called "Reinventing Your Life: The Breakthrough Program to End Negative Behavior and Feel Great Again" by Jeffrey Young who developed this therapy method which you can look into. I finally have some sort of comfort in my mind, I hope everyone who seeks that would find it in their own way. Thank you for this video!
Dear Jen - Love you! I appreciate your openness and generosity and sharing what's going on in your head or elsewhere. I'm not sure how psychotherapy is in the UK, but I think you would like 'Jungian' or deeper long term psychotherapy (as opposed to cognitive behavior therapy or hypnotherapy etc) because it is an 'assigned time' for exploration or self reflection and you might find it deepens and enriches your work. Mastering anxiety in l0 sessions, etc. would be very different as an approach and would be much more 'medicalized.' Thank you for this video!
I would like to thank you for this very honest and interesting video. I often wonder if anyone "does not have" intrusive thoughts which get in the way of their full participation in relationships / their communities. Thinking about the online abuse which occurs I am of the opinion that the abuse may be one way for the responsible individuals to let out their thoughts in a way that can almost be seen as socially acceptable. Clearly anger is another trigger for the abuse but does the anger increase the frequency with which they experience the intrusive thoughts. I love your inputs and have become an admirer of your poetry. Thanks
Very interesting. I have acute anxiety disorder due to a very horrific childhood ( being brought up by a diabolical, abusive, sadistic alcoholic father. He was one person in the morning (nice) and afternoon a drunken monster. I have fear of medical test results from it. I put off going to doctors for fear, they will find cancer or something else bad. Of course I know I should go, and someday I will be very sorry and I'll hate myself for not catching things early. But if I make an appointment I either pass out from fear in the morning before the appointment, because I'm dreading the appointment or I go and can't get myself to call for results or petrified to get results and I'll be a nervous wreck. I don't have a support system of any kind. I did have my only child a son but he suddenly died. I loved him so very very much, he died so young. I am an older viewer of yours and I love your channel and I think you are great. I had gone to a therapist and basically I was told I was being childish and to put on my big girl panties and go see doctors. One time I was supposed to be given a breast biopsy, I was on the table with this horrible fear and the doctor was delayed and I started to panic while I was laying on the table and then I started to hyperventilate and I felt like I was floating and couldn't hear well. I got dressed and left, I had to pay all that money out of pocket cause I left, it wasn't covered cause I left. The fear is paralyzingly. I glad I'm not alone, it was good to hear your story. Thank you Jen, you are an angel. ( I don't have any family for emotional support, and unfortunately my best friend passed away 2 years ago) 🌻
How do inject your personal experiences and feelings into your writing? Do you have videos about how you first broke in to children’s books? I am an illustrator and I discovered your book/ channel through admiring Katie Harnett’s work and browsing Flying Eye Books and I love to hear your personal experiences and life outside of writing. Thank you for this video as it was very inspiring and helpful to look at my own life and where the anxiety may have come from, because I have honestly never thought about its origins.
Hello. I have a playlist of videos here about the publishing industry, where I talk about writing, including videos I have made with Katie. Hope they're helpful! ruclips.net/p/PLlRIaAzTjWi6RYiZBruyu0sPjgsSM8MKp I also run writing workshops and editorial services, which you can find on my website www.jen-campbell.co.uk x
Intrusive thoughts are normal!!!!!! It’s people’s reactions to them that may not be normal. I’ve been in treatment for ocd for years so I know a lot about them. Literally everyone has intrusive thoughts. From thinking you have left hair straighteners on, to thinking your mum has died on the way home, to thought of sexually assaulting someone vulnerable. Our reactions to these thoughts can be normal (some worry, checking etc) or abnormal (compulsively doing something such as checking, counting, obsessively repeating a behaviour to make the thoughts go away or to stop the perceived ‘bad thing’ from happening). I haven’t got very far in the video because I fear that after the introduction i will find it triggering but thanks for talking about mental health regardless x
Oops, sorry, pressed ok before I’d finished typing the comment - I meant to say; I spoke about how we all have intrusive comments later in the video, just that our reactions to those differ greatly. x
I stuck to the end. So... this is not normal, then... Damn. Because I experience similar things, and I assumed everybody had these thoughts! Although I never went through traumatic health issues or events in general (did I? that's the thing with brains. You can never be sure) I do live with anxiety and have those intrusive thoughts, especially at night. And those catastrophic thoughts are usually about my parents (I'm an only child and don't have much of a family). I worry, I panic, the 'what ifs' plague my daily life now and then. I sometimes wonder what a non anxious person's mind feels like... What do they fill their brains with? Because I can't remember, for the life of me, how it was before I realised I suffered from anxiety. When I was younger (90/00) nobody talked about this. You were dismised, 'oh, don't be nervous/impatient/etc' as if you could control anxiety, even worse, as if you could pin point it was anxiety! When I was around 26 I had therapy, for about 2 years. I think it helped a bit. But it's been more than 10 years since I was 'discharged' and anxiety is still there, morphing from one thing to another. It's milder than it was before... but never went away (and it won't, of course). Now I'm thinking... what do I do to cope with it, what helps me... I think that writing down my feelings and thoughts helps. I've been keeping a journal/diary for the past decade. Being busy, as you say, helps. And not forcing myself to do stuff I know will trigger my anxiety, which is mostly social/professional. I try to keep it at bay. I learned to accept it, to live with it. I am this person, with these invisible 'flaws'. If others can't understand it, too bad for them. Besides after many years living with anxiety I've noticed that...I sort of can see it coming. There's an alarm sound. Bleep! Bleep! And having gone through the therapy process you also learn to 'self analyse' the distress. You notice the reasons more easily. It's like seeing a familiar face. I've probably written too much and digressed a lot. Sorry! It's that... it's not easy, anxiety. I understand.Truly do. And I hope you find the help you need! bookish love for you too xx
Thank you for sharing as I'm sure that was hard. I myself also deal with anxiety. Even though our anxieties are different I feel more connected with you. You are not alone. Sending lots of love.
Hope this is useful/helpful :) Also, forgot to mention Calm App and Yoga with Adrienne. Both of those help me, too. xx
You are brave and inspiring. I went to the Municipal Public Library in Taipei, Taiwan yesterday to get new books for my students and found your book, Franklin’s Flying Bookshop. I liked it so much that I wanted to know more about the author. That is how I started watching your videos on fairytales last night and showed them to my teenager daughter. We both agree on how wonderful (funny, smart, charming, original, the list goes on and on but I don’t want to sound creepy) you are. Thank you for existing. Love from Taiwan and Brazil (We are Brazilians).
'We are multitudes' = life with anxiety! I feel there are two versions of me - my calm self, with my rational thoughts who can focus on my interests etc, and the anxious me who does everything the the other side of me wouldn't. Thank you for talking about this!
Jen thank you so much for sharing those experiences. I kind of want to physically hurt that horrible doctor. Your six year old self deserved so much more.
It’s strange. Only this week have I started to realize that I’m an anxious person who catastrophizes. Mine are based around infertility and pregnancy. But it’s a little obsessive. I can’t believe I’ve dealt with it for 3 years but never realized what it was. I’m going to work on that. And maybe do some yoga with Adrienne.
Thank you for being so honest and vulnerable here. It means so much that you trust us with your most vulnerable feelings. Sending you lots of love!
It’s strange how we can do these things for so long and not realise, isn’t it? Sending you love, April xxxx
This was raw, honest and truthful and I'm thankful that you shared this with us. (By the way, Weird things customers say in bookshops was on a "Librarians recommend" display in my local library here in Finland and it made me very happy!)
I’d have so much to comment, but in a nutshell, what a beautiful soul you are.
omg... Jen. You are my realization. I was as a child hospitalised a lot. Constantly seeing doctors. Now I'm ok-ish - physically for the most parts and I tought mentally as well. oh how I was wrong. As you were talking my jaw was dropping. This controlling behavior and thinking about unrealistic catastrophes, it was like were talking about me. This was my epiphany. My light bulb turned on my wieres were connected. Thank you so much for this video.❤
Thank you so much for sharing your story. Talking about mental health is an important step in normalizing these conversations. As someone who also struggles with mental illness, I appreciate these kind of videos so much. Thank you again for being so open about these conversations.
Yes! I can relate. Its like you make up a whole movie in your head and it gets distracting! I get so overwhelmed and cant concentrate.
Oh Jen, I was hospitalised quite a lot as a child too & really related to your experience with anaesthetic. It all came flooding back. I'm sure it probably explains a lot. Thanks for sharing.
Therapy has really helped me process an abusive childhood. I hope you found a good therapist. It was a helpful video. I like your lovely English accent. ❤️
Long time viewer but have never commented on a video. Just wanted to say that this content is powerful because you are so clear and straightforward in how you talk about really personal and complicated subjects. It's inspiring to hear. I have both high functioning anxiety and depression including replaying and intrusive thoughts and there is a lack of discussion about anxiety that stems from abstract vs. anxiety connected to things that have happened /are happening /shall happen (like operations for you or for me that I work in the building next to the person who abused me). It is such a relief to hear someone talk about work as a help as that is also my experience. Thank you! x
Thank you, Hannah. Sendings warm wishes your way x
You are so eloquent, your descriptions were exactly on point with how I feel when I'm anxious and my mind is out of control.
Thank you for talking about this, it probably helped a lot of people.
♥️
Dear jen. Thank you so much for making this video. I work as a counsellor and sometimes the worst part of trying to treat these issues is facing the massive amount of taboo that surrounds them. Making videos like this helps to normalise the conversation massively which everyone in my profession is forever grateful for. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for your openness and for sharing your thoughts, Jen. Have a cozy, calm weekend!
Jen thanks for sharing your experience of mental health. In a small way I can understand a little of what you went through as a child. As a small child I was under the hospital for several years suffering with perthese disease (defect with the hip joint) and spent periods in hospital, in plaster, splints etc) which has had a knock on effect in my school life and into adulthood. As a child I was very withdrawn and very shy. Later i suffered with social anxiety and even now find it difficult to interact socially in large groups and express myself through my own voice. I think this is why poetry and writing has become so important in my life as it helps me express what I can’t through other means. And it helps me to process my internal thoughts and fears. Like you said In your video, I often give off a calm and relaxed vibe too but this can be deceiving, and I am more than likely panicking about what I’m going to say or do next when in a social gathering. I think a lot of this stems from being separated from other kids as a child and being over protected by my parents. Now, I just have to be careful when I’m in a new social situation with new people. I think a lot of this comes down to trying to live within a realm which is comfortable for you. Not necessarily what others may want but what you can deal with. Anyway, I really appreciate you taking the time to explain your own thoughts and feelings and how you cope with things. I wish more people could be so honest and open.
Thank you for sharing all of this, Nic. xx
I suffer from debilitating anxiety. So thank you for sharing, because this kind of open honest discussions and conversations about anxiety are extremely helpful, especially when coming from someone as bright and thoughtful as you. Lots of love, dear Jen❤️
Here is a big hug for you. I personally find hugs help me a little when my anxiety, panic attack and all that fun stuffs occur. Thank you for sharing the memories, simply just listening to it is not easy, not to mention that you’re living it. I agree that playing (board) games requires different kinds of brain activity and it works when one is so anxious that he/she can’t focus on reading.
Thank you for sharing the truth about trauma of multiple hospitalizations when you were a child. That resonated all too well. I never knew when” and feel that that is one of my root causes of anxiety and intrusive thoughts. Thank you for powering through a conversation that is deep,y personal. You are truly a gem.
Hi Jen. I just wanted to say thank you so much for sharing your experiences and feelings. That can’t have been easy to do. I think it’s so valuable to have these mental health conversations, and you were so open and raw in doing so. I also just wanted to let you know that Your videos have helped me through some tough and anxious times and helped me feel more in control of my sometimes wayward brain and body, so thank you for that. And thank you for using your platform in such a brave way. 💚
How incredibly generous of you to create this video, and the one from today, Jen, to help other people. Your catastrophizing (not sure about the spelling or if it’s an actual word - it should be) is something I recognize well. Not being able to sustain concentration means I can’t read as many books as I want to, which is very frustrating. Unfortunately, this also affects me at work, which is not great. I really appreciate your thoughts and suggestions and your kindness in sharing them. xxx
thank you so much for sharing. I am like you. Different medical history - similar mental outcome. I am not even able to talk about it so openly as you did. I just want to give you a hug, because at least I feel that I am not alone. I've tried therapy so many times, so far it hasn't taken the anxiety from me. I don't think it will ever go away, since it's rooted in a real threat.
I have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression and never knew about intrusive thoughts and its been so amazing to hear that this what i have fairly regularly and to hear you talk about yours is so helpful knowing I'm not alone x
Thank you Jen for inviting us in and so honestly share your story and feelings. That takes courage and I admire you for it. I love your channel and the fact that you are being you and share that with us is one of the best things I know. I too am suffering from anxiety and the fear of not being able to support myself (in all kinds of ways). For so many years I resisted to seek help but now I see a therapist and take medication. One thing that also has helped tremendously is to talk about it, to let friends in and trust them. So when I feel too overwhelmed I reach out and the support system has proved to be amazing. Maybe this video can be that to you. Lots of hugs ❤
So grateful for this video. I can relate so much. I suffer from Fibromyalgia and I spent years going to the doctors not knowing what was going on and being diagnosed with lots of different and separate things. I suffer from anxiety and intrusive thoughts as well. Most of the time my intrusive thoughts and anxiety are not related to my health issues until the rare moment they do. Your video is really hitting home. Thank you for sharing xxx
I’m just so sorry Jen. It sounds like you have experienced real trauma. Realising that is hard because it involves lots of reliving those experiences. Thank you for talking about this. I think it has helped some people. Thank you for putting that trigger warning in. Would highly recommend anyone reading this before they reach that section and are worried about being triggered to be cautious with that section.
We love you Jen and I feel lucky that I can hear your experience. THANK YOU and lots of love and care. Take care of yourself.
Thank you for being so honest --- You are a wonderful person --- I feel badly that you have gone through so much --- It seems you have risen above and are doing everything that can be done to assist yourself in times of need - I have enjoyed you since day one -- Keep being you xx
Great video and share! Awareness is so important on topics like this and make a difference! Subbed to your channel and found inspiration for mine here! Keep doing you!
I have dealt with this condition my entire life, although I’ve always referred to it as my Worst Case Scenario syndrome. It traces back to my mother leaving when I was 5, then came to the forefront again after my divorce. I also thought it was “normal” until I was in my 30’s and speaking about anxiety with a friend, going back and forth saying “you know when you ...” and I said “you know when you imagine your own funeral” and she looked at me like I’d grown another head! I appreciate you sharing your experiences and I hope it helps knowing you aren’t alone in this - I know it helps me 🤓
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I am someone who struggles with generalized anxiety, and I know many other people in my personal life who struggle with various mood disorders and mental illnesses, so there were many good reminders in here. Many blessings and much love to you from California, where it is also raining today.
I really appreciated this video. With my particular situation, I could end up in hospital at any time for emergency surgery, and I have several scares a year. It's so easy to worry about that and what would happen in that situation or when it might happen again. Video games while I listen to audiobooks are great. They seems to keep the different parts of my brain active. Thanks for sharing and hope today is a good day for you. xx
Thank you for sharing Jen. I think it truly helps. I discovered I had anxiety because one of my friend started to talk openly about it. It's always kind of comforting to know that you are not the only one who has gone through traumatic things (although i'm so sorry that they happened to you
Thank you for sharing this. I don't share my high functioning anxiety (coupled with what my doctor called situational depression) often but listening to you speak so rawly and openly had me both feeling close to tears but also comforted by someone with similar experiences. I also have had reoccurring kidney issues since I was about 11 years old and at 18 had a cystoscopy and I'm horrified by your experience. I was technically an adult having mine and was so distressed they offered to put me under an anesthetic and I took that option! I'm so so sorry your experience was so traumatic. Thank you again for sharing xx
Thank you for posting! This was so helpful for me. I have anxiety that ebbs and flows in intensity. I have intrusive thoughts similar to the ones you mentioned as well as in the form of bad memories and remembering past mistakes. Like you, I failed to mention these when I was getting counseling for my anxiety. It is reassuring to hear that others experience similar things. It’s so easy for me to get stuck in my own head and just think I’m crazy.
A mental battle is terrifying one. I wish longevity to your coping mechanisms. I too am not able to read when I am too anxious but take to games and videos. I desperately want to read but the words dance all over😣.
Thank you ..
Thanks so much for sharing Jen. I’m also a “high functioning anxious person” with intrusive thoughts. I saw a video by Rowan Ellis on the same topic a while back & it made me realise that my horrible intrusive thoughts aren’t because I’m actually the worst person in the world, but it’s part of my anxiety. This video has made me realise those catastrophising ones I sometimes get about things I’m not actually worried about are probably a coping mechanism so my brain isn’t thinking about what it’s really anxious about (similarly - health shenanigans & implications, plus some childhood stuff). I think I just saw it as “welp, I’m just generally anxious I guess ”. I sometimes think the “high functioning” bit can get in the way of not just other people understanding how severe it can be, but also ourselves properly understanding/acknowledging it, at least for me! Thanks again for being so open x
You are such a lovely human. Thank you for your openness and being so real. Also, you may sing whenever you darn well please! That stupid Dr you saw when you were six was in the wrong damn profession. That lack of compassion for his patient was totally unacceptable-what BS! I’m so sorry you were put through that. I can relate to feeling out of control in medical situations, but I can’t imagine it at that age. Thank you for being so honest and wonderful with us.❤️❤️❤️❤️
I can completely understand your relief, so to speak, at knowing the name of your syndrome. I've cerebral palsy but I only found that out through googling when I was maybe around 12. Sadly my parents never explained to me what was different about me, maybe cos it was too emotionally difficult. I have only fully realised in recent years, like you did, that my way dealing with anxiety is not normal. I thought it was very brave of you to speak about such a raw and vulnerable subject and I truly admire you. I cried a little listening to you, because I connected to what you were saying so much, thank you x
Thank you sharing! This is helpful because it gave me advice and a name for what I’ve been feeling. Peace.
You’re welcome. Sending hugs x
Wow, watched your channel for awhile, I suffer from the worst Pure-O intrusive thoughts, they come in bouts and can be triggered randomly. It gives me a hard time but I will keep working on moving forward!
Thanks for sharing your experiences so honestly, Jen. I really admire you. Be well!
Hello Jen. Thank you for the video on Poem Writing. I found it useful. It will help me to be less anxious about writing my poems. I "discovered " you over this 2020 Xmas. I feel that is my gift. From you. Happy New year, 2021.
Thank you for talking about these intrusive thoughts. It's so incredible you talked about this, and it's so helpful. I also get them, and I kind of thought it was something everyone does, so it's nice to know I'm not the only one who thought that.
Thank you for sharing as always. Words are failing me, but I am beyond moved by your words.
You are an awesome human Jen. Thank you for the video! X
I really appreciate the video! I get quite anxious too and don't always have the best coping mechanisms. I am now starting to figure out what triggers me and what I can do to still get through the things I need to do. It is quite a balancing act!
Thank you for sharing. This helps. X
You have so eloquently described what I've never been able to about my own thoughts. THANK YOU so much for this. I rarely re-watch anything however I will definitely be doing so as you've provided insights into my own mind. I wonder whether the anxiety and intrusive thoughts have attributed to your wonderful writing skills. There are so many creative things I want to do, especially writing poetry, however I find my mind gets so overwhelmed when I make a start that I stop - and continue to live in my head. Jen, you are a remarkable, inspiring young woman and I thank our lucky stars that youtube provides the platform for these types of connections. Sending so many good wishes for your future xx
Thank you, Jane. When I was younger, poetry was a cathartic thing. It isn’t anymore; I don’t find that I can create “good” things when I’m very anxious. I agree that thinking over situations again and again is a form of storytelling and I’m sure that it has, in some weird way, helped my writing. However I also think society does a lot of romanticisation when it comes to mental health and creativity, which I find unhelpful. I hope you have a lovely weekend xxxx
Oh gosh, hearing about tiny Jen in hospital made me emotional! It's too late at night to write anything of much use but I just wanted to say theres so much value in all you share.
Thank you, Holly xxx
You are a very brave woman Jen, thank you.
Thank you
I was sexually abused as a child by an older cousin. I have anxiety. I ended up with a visit to the cardiologist when my anxiety manifested as heart beat irregularities! You are not alone😘
I read to escape and always have lost myself in books. My daughter suffers from anxiety and OCD and self defeating behaviors and invasive thoughts. Some days she doesn’t know what there is to live for. She sees a weekly therapist and takes meds. It’s hard but we make it work.
Definitely useful, thank you for sharing. If my partner's late home or I haven't heard from someone, I even unlock the door and things ready in case the police comes. I also 100% know what you mean about anxiety which is linked to real things, because coping mechanisms just don't work in those cases. The joys of being anxious! I hope that therapy does help if you decide to take it. :) xx
Oh, lovely Jen. I’m so grateful for your willingness to share these things with us. I felt so comforted by this video. As someone who gets stuck in obsessive thought spirals and feels horribly anxious much more than not, it made my hand feel held. I’m sorry for what little tiny you went through. You are a lighthouse xxxxxx
Love to you, you fabulous human. xx
Thanks for making yourself so vulnerable sharing your experiences. I know that must have been difficult, but kuddos for being so brave in the effort to help so many others.
Thank you for talking about this. I don't know why but I found this video extremely calming so thank you for that, too.
Love the video! It’s always good to be talkative about things we can relate. Anxiety should give us all a break! I found so cute close to the end, you spoke like “Frances” from “Frances Ha”.
Thank you Jen 🙂 Just hearing you talk makes me calm
Jen, thank you for teaching me that it has a name, naming feelings have always help me to explain them, and now I know the name for those kind of thoughts
I am very grateful for you.
I really really appreciate you sharing about trauma from medical experiences. I don’t think people know enough about it and how real and long lasting it can be. I found the video very helpful!
Jen, thank you so much for sharing your experiences. I suffer with anxiety and have CPTSD. Fairly recent experiences triggered supressed memories from my childhood. Talking with a therapist and opening up about things and feelings that I had kept to myself for many years was very liberating and healing. I gave my therapist my 12 year old self and she heard me and took away the fears and feelings of being out of control. I hope you find a therapist who can help you in a similar way. Sending virtual hugs.
You're an amazing person, Jen. Thank you for sharing these thoughts, even though my experiences are completely different, what you said really resonated with me. I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder two weeks ago (I'm 28) and finally having a name to put to all these traits that cause me to have difficulty interpreting the world really helped me, so I completely understand how you felt when you discovered everything you've been through/are still going through is linked. When I was at primary school, I had a traumatic experience with one of the teachers, and I only realised a few years ago that it was what was causing a lot of my issues growing up and stepping into the adult world. What you've said has made me realise that I've never spoken about it in depth before with anyone other than my family, and perhaps I should.
Thank you so much for being so honest with your feelings and thoughts, Jen. I admire your courage and your strength. Sending you the warmest hugs xo
Thank you for your talk Jen. Definitely helps to hear from someone I respect try and articulate their experience with intrusive thoughts and anxiety. I feel less alone, hope for you as well. So thank you for putting yourself out there in the open. Perhaps you're used to creating and uploading videos online to an international audience, but I think it takes a bit of bravery to be this open about your experiences. Makes me nervous just thinking about doing that myself! I'm humbled by your video, thanks again :)
Thank you Jen for sharing this. I found it very comforting x
Jen, thank you for sharing. This video is one the most important ones that you've created.
My panic attacks are brought on by stress, frustration and bad time management. Mediation helps my room mate got me a grounding mala. I can tell when i havent used it in my mediation practice. Havent tried the calm app does it help. I wish you well have a good weekend Jen.
Thank you.
You’re welcome x
I didn't realise that I had intrusive thoughts until I watched this video. Always thought it was normal. Thanks for making this video 💜
I've yet to watch one of your "chats" that was anything less than helpful. Anxiety is vastly underrecognized for the pain and hardship it causes, and especially for those dealing with past trauma. The folks I work with every day have used drugs and alcohol to escape or block their anxiety, depression, trauma, et.al., as did I, and anxiety in one form or another presents one of the biggest dangers of relapse. I also have a daughter with Klippel Trenaunay Weber Syndrome (KTS), and understand at least the parent's side of dealing with disfigurement.
Thank you Jen for sharing your experience. Must have been hard for you. As a person struggling with anxiety, intrusive and repetitive thoughts, this was sooo relatable.
Gosh you’ve been through a lot. I hope things are going well for you. X
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, I can't imagine it was easy. I genuinely wish you the very best for your future procedures and want to say how grateful I am that you make the content that you do (bookish or otherwise).
Thank you x
Sharing your experience is very helpful, thank you
Thanks for listening x
@@jenvcampbell when you talked about intrusive thoughts - on Instagram I think it was ? - I was like, yup, that's up my alley. And I basically stopped what I was doing to watch the video as soon as it came out.
What I found the most difficult regarding anxiety and intrusive thoughts... is realizing that it's a problem, and not just part of how and who i am ? The moments when this realization occurs are always really upsetting and a relief at the same time. I'm still not quite sure what to do with those moments.
Thanks again x
Thank you so much for sharing!
Wow, thank you so much for this video. As a child who had to have the procedure you mentioned regarding your kidney issues, it was very...surprising to hear? It's probably not the right word. But no one ever talks about it. I've known for a couple of years that some of my anxiety came from all those times I had to go to the hospital and had to go through that again. I just didn't 'know' other people had to go through that. Don't know if I'm making sense, but this video just made me think about it again. Not in a bad way necessarily but just remembering.
Just wanted to say thank you. Hearing people talk about their mental health issues is always kind of nice when you are experiencing some things aswell.
Distraction is powerful. I have found that the most useful tool but it’s not very helpful at night when you need to sleep. That my hardest time.
Thank you, beautiful lady ...
Thank you for sharing your story. I can't imagine what it'd be like to be in those situations. That sounds really hard, and I'm thankful you're working at helping yourself.
For me, I've had four different counselors (including my current one) for anxiety/suicidal/violent intrusive thoughts and my current counselor has been really helpful. It might be also because I was more willing to open up to her about the hard stuff than I was with my other counselors--my first counselor was more interested in finding out about what caused trauma in childhood, but it almost felt like she had more theories for me that I wasn't sure I agreed with, my second was a guy and I didn't feel comfortable and I didn't feel like he was taking me seriously either, my third counselor felt like she was just trying to "fix" me with advice that I'd grown up hearing from church, though she had some helpful advice too, but my current counselor is the head of the counseling department at my college and knows what she's doing and I feel like I can talk to her about weird things that I know aren't healthy and she doesn't judge me.
When I started counseling with my current counselor, she immediately began teaching me coping skills, slowly, and many of them have been really helpful. The first thing she told me to do was just to notice when I'm having an intrusive thought, step back, and breathe, and let it pass. Over time I've begun to feel a lot more like I can handle hard things that before I didn't know how to handle and anxiety would get out of control, but now it's easier to think logically about things and step back and know when I need a distraction and know when I need to ask some friends for support. I've even been coming up with some coping skills of my own that help in certain situations.
Right now, I'm taking some homeopathic things from a natural-path doctor that are really helping anxiety lessen too, and it helps me see that I don't have to have a living hell and that I can get to a better, happier and healthier state of being.
I'm glad that you've finally found a counselor that works for you :) Wishing you all the best. xx
Thank you very much for sharing this.
Thank you for sharing your experience! You are so brave!💙💙💙 I have anxiety disorder and panic attacks. It is hard for me to get through that period of time. I also use calm app and 7 cups app. Meditation and mindfulness are good ways to ease intrusive thoughts. Thanks again for your sharing, you are not alone. 💙
Yes this was definitely helpful. Thank you so much for chatting about it. I also get intrusive thoughts and catastrophise and all of that good stuff, but like you didn't really realise that other people dont...do...that? I feel like over the years I am coming to terms with the way my brain works and building a toolkit for handling bad patches. Thanks for your list of five - gonna go and do a couple of things off of it now! ♡
Calm App and Yoga with Adrienne help me, too ☺️ good luck xx
thank you for this, Jen 💗
Thankyou 🥰
Thank you and your warm heart for this. It was very helpful. I hope to share this was helpful for you, as well.
First of all: thank you, as always, for sharing so honestly with us
I also would love to know: what board games and video games do you like to play? I remember you mentioning Sushi Go in a previous video.
I like LINKEE, Triominoes, Scrabble and Rummikub :)
I do the same things. I imagine if me or someone I loved died, how they died, what would happen after, how I would react, etc. I do the same thing thinking about my house being burned to the ground when I come home, finding out I'm pregnant and not wanting the baby, what if my husband left me, walking in to someone else in my house, someone breaking into my house, thinking what would happen if my car just drove into this tree or went off this cliff. It's things that I would NEVER act on or WANT to happen, but they invade my head occasionally. I deal with anxiety too. I'm pretty good at shutting down these thoughts now and dealing with my anxiety. :)
Thank you so much for opening up and I am so sorry you experienced so many medical maladies as a child. The part where you spoke about the triggering hospital experience, ironically did become a trigger point, but not for sexual assault, but because I also had a similar invasive experience when I was about 14 that really stayed with me. Best wishes to you.
OH oh oh! The singing, in a musical people sing when words can't express your feelings. A song does feelings s much better in some ways than prose.
I wanted to comment, but I don’t have the words right now. I just wanted you to know I watched the whole video & can relate to catastrophising.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I relate to a lot of it. I deal with extensive mental health issues and was also sick a lot as a child/teen though not as young as you. I am so glad you've learned to manage it enough to be successful with your work.
I was just wondering if, as a writer, you find yourself wanting to write about your experiences with trauma and anxiety and health. I find that I have a very strong desire to write about mental health and trauma. I honestly think that it's my passion to make those experiences known and hopefully connect people in their experiences with mental illness.
I do write about trauma, anxiety, health etc; it trickles into my work a lot, both in my short story collection: www.jen-campbell.co.uk/the-Beginning-of-the-world-in-the-Middle-of-the-night and my forthcoming poetry collection, The Girl Aquarium www.jen-Campbell.co.uk/The-girl-aquarium x
Hi Jen! Have you ever heard of Schema Therapy? A schema is a negative thought and behavior pattern created in childhood that we go back to when it is triggered by an event or a person. I understand that you have already have associated memories from your childhood. As a child, you created a coping mechanism for those memories which created a core belief that you are vulnerable to harm and illness. One of the schemas called Vulnerability to Harm and Illness! I went through schema therapy this past year and the approach resonated with me a lot and I started to understand where some of my negative behavior coming from and how I can develop a more healthy coping mechanism to calm my schemas. There is a book called "Reinventing Your Life: The Breakthrough Program to End Negative Behavior and Feel Great Again" by Jeffrey Young who developed this therapy method which you can look into. I finally have some sort of comfort in my mind, I hope everyone who seeks that would find it in their own way. Thank you for this video!
Dear Jen - Love you! I appreciate your openness and generosity and sharing what's going on in your head or elsewhere. I'm not sure how psychotherapy is in the UK, but I think you would like 'Jungian' or deeper long term psychotherapy (as opposed to cognitive behavior therapy or hypnotherapy etc) because it is an 'assigned time' for exploration or self reflection and you might find it deepens and enriches your work. Mastering anxiety in l0 sessions, etc. would be very different as an approach and would be much more 'medicalized.' Thank you for this video!
I would like to thank you for this very honest and interesting video. I often wonder if anyone "does not have" intrusive thoughts which get in the way of their full participation in relationships / their communities. Thinking about the online abuse which occurs I am of the opinion that the abuse may be one way for the responsible individuals to let out their thoughts in a way that can almost be seen as socially acceptable. Clearly anger is another trigger for the abuse but does the anger increase the frequency with which they experience the intrusive thoughts. I love your inputs and have become an admirer of your poetry. Thanks
Very interesting. I have acute anxiety disorder due to a very horrific childhood ( being brought up by a diabolical, abusive, sadistic alcoholic father. He was one person in the morning (nice) and afternoon a drunken monster. I have fear of medical test results from it. I put off going to doctors for fear, they will find cancer or something else bad. Of course I know I should go, and someday I will be very sorry and I'll hate myself for not catching things early. But if I make an appointment I either pass out from fear in the morning before the appointment, because I'm dreading the appointment or I go and can't get myself to call for results or petrified to get results and I'll be a nervous wreck. I don't have a support system of any kind. I did have my only child a son but he suddenly died. I loved him so very very much, he died so young. I am an older viewer of yours and I love your channel and I think you are great. I had gone to a therapist and basically I was told I was being childish and to put on my big girl panties and go see doctors. One time I was supposed to be given a breast biopsy, I was on the table with this horrible fear and the doctor was delayed and I started to panic while I was laying on the table and then I started to hyperventilate and I felt like I was floating and couldn't hear well. I got dressed and left, I had to pay all that money out of pocket cause I left, it wasn't covered cause I left. The fear is paralyzingly. I glad I'm not alone, it was good to hear your story. Thank you Jen, you are an angel. ( I don't have any family for emotional support, and unfortunately my best friend passed away 2 years ago) 🌻
How do inject your personal experiences and feelings into your writing? Do you have videos about how you first broke in to children’s books? I am an illustrator and I discovered your book/ channel through admiring Katie Harnett’s work and browsing Flying Eye Books and I love to hear your personal experiences and life outside of writing. Thank you for this video as it was very inspiring and helpful to look at my own life and where the anxiety may have come from, because I have honestly never thought about its origins.
Hello. I have a playlist of videos here about the publishing industry, where I talk about writing, including videos I have made with Katie. Hope they're helpful! ruclips.net/p/PLlRIaAzTjWi6RYiZBruyu0sPjgsSM8MKp I also run writing workshops and editorial services, which you can find on my website www.jen-campbell.co.uk x
Intrusive thoughts are normal!!!!!! It’s people’s reactions to them that may not be normal. I’ve been in treatment for ocd for years so I know a lot about them. Literally everyone has intrusive thoughts. From thinking you have left hair straighteners on, to thinking your mum has died on the way home, to thought of sexually assaulting someone vulnerable. Our reactions to these thoughts can be normal (some worry, checking etc) or abnormal (compulsively doing something such as checking, counting, obsessively repeating a behaviour to make the thoughts go away or to stop the perceived ‘bad thing’ from happening).
I haven’t got very far in the video because I fear that after the introduction i will find it triggering but thanks for talking about mental health regardless x
I talk about how we all have these thoughts in the video.
Oops, sorry, pressed ok before I’d finished typing the comment - I meant to say; I spoke about how we all have intrusive comments later in the video, just that our reactions to those differ greatly. x
I stuck to the end. So... this is not normal, then... Damn. Because I experience similar things, and I assumed everybody had these thoughts! Although I never went through traumatic health issues or events in general (did I? that's the thing with brains. You can never be sure) I do live with anxiety and have those intrusive thoughts, especially at night. And those catastrophic thoughts are usually about my parents (I'm an only child and don't have much of a family). I worry, I panic, the 'what ifs' plague my daily life now and then. I sometimes wonder what a non anxious person's mind feels like... What do they fill their brains with? Because I can't remember, for the life of me, how it was before I realised I suffered from anxiety. When I was younger (90/00) nobody talked about this. You were dismised, 'oh, don't be nervous/impatient/etc' as if you could control anxiety, even worse, as if you could pin point it was anxiety! When I was around 26 I had therapy, for about 2 years. I think it helped a bit. But it's been more than 10 years since I was 'discharged' and anxiety is still there, morphing from one thing to another. It's milder than it was before... but never went away (and it won't, of course). Now I'm thinking... what do I do to cope with it, what helps me... I think that writing down my feelings and thoughts helps. I've been keeping a journal/diary for the past decade. Being busy, as you say, helps. And not forcing myself to do stuff I know will trigger my anxiety, which is mostly social/professional. I try to keep it at bay. I learned to accept it, to live with it. I am this person, with these invisible 'flaws'. If others can't understand it, too bad for them. Besides after many years living with anxiety I've noticed that...I sort of can see it coming. There's an alarm sound. Bleep! Bleep! And having gone through the therapy process you also learn to 'self analyse' the distress. You notice the reasons more easily. It's like seeing a familiar face. I've probably written too much and digressed a lot. Sorry! It's that... it's not easy, anxiety. I understand.Truly do. And I hope you find the help you need! bookish love for you too xx
Thank you for sharing as I'm sure that was hard. I myself also deal with anxiety. Even though our anxieties are different I feel more connected with you. You are not alone. Sending lots of love.