Laura Mvula Opens Up About Anxiety Disorder To Show Others They're 'Not Alone'

The singer first spoke about mental health last year.

Singer Laura Mvula has opened up about her mental health to reassure other sufferers that they are “not alone” in their struggle.

The 30-year-old, who revealed her anxiety disorder in an interview with The Guardian last year, took to Instagram to update fans about her progress coping with her mental health. 

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Dave J Hogan via Getty Images

The ‘Green Garden’ singer posted a photo of Marble Arch London Underground platform with a caption entitled “Progress”. 

“A while ago I was open about my struggle with an ongoing anxiety disorder I’ve had for years,” she wrote. “Travelling alone on the tube alone was a big no no but in the last couple of weeks I made a choice to do what had felt impossible for a long time. Here I am doing it!”

She urged anyone with anxiety to “take small steps”. 

“Anything is possible! You’re not alone,” she advised.

Mvula joins a whole host of famous faces, such as Lena Dunham, Ellie Goulding and Emma Stone opening up about their struggles with anxiety over the past few years.

Fans have thanked Mvula for her honesty and have been sharing their own experiences of anxiety in the comments.

One wrote: “I did exactly the same thing in December. I challenged myself and I went in a lift on my own and I went on the Underground on my own. Petrified. Heart thumping. Pulse racing. I did it!!! Not sure how quick I will be to repeat the experiences but little steps count. Well done!”

Another said: “I still struggle with this but appreciate the strength I get from hearing others push themselves too!”

Ways to Tell if You're Suffering From an Anxiety Disorder
Trouble sleeping(01 of05)
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Many individuals who suffer from anxiety report trouble sleeping. This may be due to their excessive worry or anxiousness. I’m sure we have all experienced this at one point – trying to fall asleep with a million things running through your head, stressing about the past, present or future events. Those who have an anxiety disorder experience this frequently. In many cases this results in sleep deprivation and insomnia.Photo Credit: PixabayClick Here to See Ways to Tell if You’re Suffering From an Anxiety Disorder
Muscle tension(02 of05)
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Muscle tension is said to be one of the most common physical symptoms of stress and anxiety. “When your fight or flight system is activated - which occurs during times of stress and anxiety - your muscles contract,” according to CalmClinic. In addition, those who suffer from an anxiety disorder find it difficult for the tension to go away because they have trouble worrying about the pain and feeling anything other than the discomfort it is causing them.Photo Credit: Thinkstock
Restlessness(03 of05)
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You’re constantly restless and feeling on edge. You have trouble sitting still and staying in a calm state of mind. This symptom may be caused due to the fight or flight system. Since you are not fighting anything and are not running from anything, all of that adrenalin sits with you. This in turn makes you wired and restless (CalmClinic).Photo Credit: ThinkstockClick Here to See Ways to Tell if You’re Suffering From an Anxiety Disorder
Digestive problems(04 of05)
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Your digestive system may be directly related to your emotions. Have you ever had “gut feelings,” or butterflies in your stomach? This is one of the many ways your brain and digestive system are related. Stress and anxiety have the ability to release hormones that affect the entire digestive system. It can cause indigestion, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers and changes in serotonin levels.Photo Credit: Thinkstock
Excessive/Irrational fear(05 of05)
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People suffering from anxiety disorders may have intrusive thoughts that constantly appear in their mind. They usually need to constantly check on others or items because they live with the fear that if they stop, something bad will happen. For instance, an individual with OCD may constantly walk through their home to make sure all of the windows and doors are locked because they are afraid someone may try to break in (psychguides.com). Click Here to See Ways to Tell if You’re Suffering From an Anxiety DisorderPhoto Credit: Pixabay