Well it was a year ago today that my desire to “Do something about it” kicked in and the first post to the blog took place. I can’t believe how fast a year goes by and I also smile when I think of all the good things that have come forward as a direct result of this site.

The blog connected me with:

A university student who did a segment for A-Channel news on Sydney’s anxiety in February.

The Anxiety Disorder Association of Canada -  I wrote an article for them about raising a child with anxiety

The facebook group connected me with the The Globe and Mail – “Breakdown: Canada’s Mental Health Crisis – Raising a child with mental illness - we were featured on the series.

The first response from the Breakdown series was a lovely lady in Brazil that commended us on our hard work and our dedication.

I’ve guest blogged on the Canadian Living – Mom Blog.

WOW! (Women on writing) had authors guest blog for me in the month of February 2009.

The list goes on for so many little things that have brought so much pleasure and a feeling of accomplishment. The comments from people all over the world amazes me each and every time. There is something so amazing about getting a comment from someone I don’t know saying that they read the blog all the time and it has provided them with hope. To think that someone in Brazil, China or South Africa has to suffered the challenges of anxiety and has found this blog makes it all worth while.  

There is still lots to come for the coming year and I thank all of you for reading the blog, sending over fantastic resources for me to add and for proving that together we can “Do something about it”.  I’d like to share a post from a few months ago that truly encapsulates exactly why this blog is so important to me. What was most impressive from this post was the response I received from the father of a child whose son is suffering with anxiety. Strength in numbers! Thanks for all your support and here’s to a spectacular 2009/2010 blog!

Originally posted February 5th, 2009

“Without fear and illness, I could never have accomplished all I have.”
Edvard Munch quotes (Norwegian Painter and printmaker. 1863-1944)

Some of the most beautiful songs are written in the face of adversity, fear and isolation like Angel by Sarah McLachlan or Good riddance – time of your life by Green Day. Great things have been done in an effort to bring together people with a common cause. Take Megan’s Walk for example. A brave little girl who lost her fight to cancer at a very young age. Every year people gather to walk in honour of Megan. At the end of the walk there is a circle of hope.

The “circle of hope” around the hospital was overflowing with hands reaching out, faces turned up to the windows of the hospital, giving that big “hug of hope” to all those within.

I realize that in the grand scheme of things social anxiety is not nearly as devastating a journey in the life of a child as Leukemia, Brain Tumors or even Bipolar Disorder and Autism. What people need to realize is that Social Anxiety and other Anxiety disorders are still disorders and still require constant attention. I started last year with on a purpose. I did not want other parents to feel as hopeless as I did. I admit I have a lot to be grateful for and trust me when I wake up in the morning I am indeed thankful that we are all well and alive.

My analogy on social anxiety is much like a paper cut. It happens when you least expect it and it stings. It lasts for a long time and can be bothersome because it’s not big enough for a band-aid but causes an annoyance. Social anxiety is not as recognized or understood as other disorders and it is that very reason that I am trying to make some noise to make people realize that you need to treat situations and circumstances a little differently. Those who are experiencing life as I have I thank you for all of your comments and encouragement. So why is my life engrossed right now by social anxiety?Why am I doing this blog, have the facebook group and why am I trying to get a book published. Why would I expose our family’s situation in the Globe and Mail article? It is so that parents just like me, who feel like they are at the end of their rope and just need someone who understands to say it’s okay to feel supported and comforted.

For those of you who think that they would be happy and/or relieved if all they had to deal with was the occasional breakdown and worries of whether their child will walk into school or not than I have only one thing to say, perhaps this blog is not the right place for you.

I am in the process of doing wonderful things and I wouldn’t change my life for a second. I am a better person for all that I have been through and I hope that my parenting ability has reflected all that I have learned from the village of people who have encircled me.

Yes, to some my life has been a walk in the park but that doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t fight for what I believe is right for Sydney and all those other children who need help. So you’ll have to forgive me my friends if you don’t think my cause is worth the effort because clearly you haven’t spent the time with my daughter in recent months. All children are worth a tremendous effort and as long as I have people connecting to this blog and sending me emails telling me that what I have described is like I was sitting in their kitchen that very morning I will continue doing what I do.