“Never worry alone.”

Dr. Ned Holloway

In an age where we are seeing more and more people talking about mental illness, and more and more people struggling with anxiety, depression, or some other mood challenges, when I heard this quote, I though it was simple, but so important.

I was listening to Marie Forleo who was interviewing Dr. Ned Holloway and he shared the simple concept.

He explained: “It is a fact of human nature that the intensity of worry diminishes the moment it is shared, even though the external reality hasn’t changed one bit.”

He goes on to talk about how this simple idea of not worrying alone can actually save your life.

He suggests that you share, then you collect the “facts” (because so many of our worries are not based on facts – or on things that have even happened yet), and then you make a plan. These things are so much easier to do when you are doing them with someone else.

Someone else who can sometimes see more clearly. Someone else who can let you know you are not alone. Someone else who can help lighten your load. Someone else who can help you see another perspective. Someone else who can help unpack the feelings. Or someone else to just stand by your side.

Doesn’t matter what they do, just having someone else helps.

(And helpful to remember that sometimes we will be the worrier and other times we will be the person called on to support the worrier.)

Never worry alone. Words to live by.