A conversation with Sarah Wilson // Wed. 11 May // 7pm AEST

I just asked my partner what causes his anxiety and his immediate response was 'lack of control'. It causes his thoughts to become disordered, he can't focus, gets over-whelmed and angry.

He reckons it's inherited. Mother with mental health concerns.

I'm learning a lot about him tonight! Oh the shame of not already knowing this given my profession

@Sarah108 I don't have a diagnosis of OCD but identify as a "Type A perfectionist". My fears about not meeting my goals, of not measuring up, leads to anxiety. If I feel like I am not in control of my circumstances adds to that.

Lack of control is a huge factor for me. And not knowing absolutely every detail of everything. Work can be a huge trigger for me if I don't know what everyone is thinking or saying.

yes Sarah, I am multi talented which tends to cause problems, for complex reasons, but I am also very open and transparent in all things. People do not like this so that I get anxious because I wish that I was different.

I am unable to lie today and I must be fully transparent to stay well to have some control in my life. I think that transparency in all things is good. But difficult to be like that in today's world.

You are probably very talented and sensitive, being a writer, and that can also be a problem. And being a career woman, in this patriarchial world, is not easy as you know.

I need to find people like me, sensitive and understanding. It is not easy to find these people, but can be done. I have many sensitive and talented friends, my kind of people.

yes exactly, it is frightening, makes sense.

I think i was relieved when my lil girl chose.. it gave me a 'way out' of the choice... i think.

lj