Anna Dugan, Salem, MA
Artist statement: I think I’ve lived with varying degrees of anxiety my entire life. Well before I had a definition for it, I would feel its physical and mental effects and be so confused as to why I was feeling things so intensely.
In 2014, a bus accident (a story for another day) had caused me to develop panic attacks and PTSD, which elevated my anxiety and spiraled me into depression. Events over the next few years caused my PTSD to almost become “inflamed” on and off. Some days the inflammation is unbearable and crippling. Most days it’s bothersome, but I can get by. And on some days it’s almost imperceptible. But it’s always there.
Going to therapy, being open with my loved ones, and offering myself compassion have allowed me to live with these things. I understand myself well enough to allow myself the time, space, rest, queso, and patience that I need to get through the rough days. But one of the biggest break throughs for me to get to that point was to see I wasn’t alone. No one can fight this battle for me, but they can hold my hand through it.
And it’s not about invalidating your truth or competing in the trauma olympics or minimizing your pain. It’s knowing that you’re not the only one. You’re not crazy. You’re not being dramatic. And you sure as hell aren’t alone. 🖤🖤🖤