A Volunteer Story

My mom was known for her wise words, including teaching me that “many hands make light work.” And when it comes to helping people deal with anxiety problems, we certainly need all hands on deck.

To me, volunteerism is about finding a way to lend a hand to a good cause. I asked myself, “How can I contribute?” and “Where might my efforts do some good?”

As someone who has both personal and professional experience with managing anxiety problems using scientifically-based strategies, I thought I could help by sharing what I have learned.

When I experienced my first panic sensations 23 years ago, I was very lucky. You might be thinking, how could a racing heart, difficulty catching my breath, trembling, and an impending sense of doom be lucky? It’s true that experiencing uncomfortable thoughts and feelings related to anxiety is definitely not something anyone enjoys.

But I was lucky in that I understood what was happening because I had learned about anxiety and panic in psychology courses. I knew I was experiencing anxiety and that I wasn’t dying or losing my mind. A very uncomfortable experience could have been downright terrifying if I did not have the benefit of knowledge.

Over the years, I have been able to use my knowledge of anxiety and management strategies to help myself and others.

We can’t eliminate anxiety. Anxiety is a normal response to uncertainty and potential harm. But we can learn not to let it boss us around.

I chose to become involved with Anxiety Canada because I care passionately about helping people who are suffering because of anxiety.

I was, and continue to be, inspired by the purpose of Anxiety Canada and impressed with the people involved.

The psychologists who founded the organization, Dr. Maureen Whittal and the late Dr. Peter McLean, created the organization to help more people understand anxiety and access treatments that work. This was a mission I wanted to support.

As a psychologist, I was frustrated with how few people were able to access the treatments they needed. I saw how much Cognitive and Behavior Therapies could help my clients decrease their anxiety and live fuller, richer lives. And I really wanted more people to have that experience.

When I joined the organization over a decade ago, Anxiety Canada (which was Anxiety BC at the time) was an innovator in using technology to bring credible anxiety information to people.

In a sea of misinformation and ads trying to sell you gimmicks to “cure” your anxiety quick, people need a “go-to” source of proven resources.

There continues to be a gap between what scientific research has shown us works best to effectively manage anxiety in the long run and what the average person does in the moment to manage their distressing feelings.

Volunteering on the Scientific Advisory Committee allows me to contribute to bridging that gap by ensuring Anxiety Canada continues to be a source of trusted and helpful science-based anxiety resources.

In my history with the organization, I also served on the Board of Directors for 8 years. I have also supported Anxiety Canada staff in operations around treatment delivery, research, and knowledge mobilization over the years.

Through my involvement, I learned that there really is no such thing as a “free” resource. Time and money need to be shared to realize Anxiety Canada’s mission, which is to “To reduce the barrier of anxiety and related disorders so people can live the life they want.”

Everyone has something to offer. Whether you are considering volunteering your time or donating your money (or both!), you want to know that your contribution is going to make a difference. We don’t want to waste social capital or money.

In my experience, the team at Anxiety Canada has a proven track record of making the most of contributions.

As a volunteer for Anxiety Canada, I believe in the purpose of the organization and in the power of its people to make a difference. I am proud to be one of the people lending a hand to lift the stigma and help people learn effective strategies for dealing with anxiety problems.

Written by Dr. Melanie Badali