Anxiety was commonplace for me in 2020 especially being a transgender woman. Lockdown meant more working and socialising from home, which inevitably meant meeting more people for the first time. Switching on a webcam means everyone can see you for the first time and that can feel uncomfortable and fuel anxiety. But, remember you are beautiful and there is no one else like you.

CAN YOU SEE ME?

I cannot breathe,

I am frozen in space.

Will they seethe?

I feel so out of place.

I cannot find air,

My lungs are tight.

Thoughts are where?

My head feels light.

I am losing my voice.

How will I sound?

Do I have a choice?

My head starts to pound.

I check my reflection,

My skin is pale.

Do I have an infection?

I feel the urge to bail.

Panic setting in, STOP!

I am who I am!

Wipe away the tear drop,

And switch on the webcam.

You are beautiful,

You are true,

Your soul is immutable,

There is no one like you.

(c) Jay Rose Ana

Woman Volume 2 Photo by Aleksandar Pasaric from Pexels

Can You See Me? Photo by Wendy Wei from Pexels

#anxiety #mentalhealthawareness #jayroseana #webcam #fear