Anna has been talking and thinking about this outloud for the last few weeks so said maybe she should share this story with the world as they might be someone out there that needs to hear it!
I cried so hard when you said Emilia saved your life. Because the reality is...she saved mine too. When Emilia was born, I had my one year old son. I suffered awfully with my mental health, I was so lonely and didn’t look after myself properly at all. Seeing you become such an incredible mummy to Emilia made me realise everything I could do. Watching your vlogs everyday with baby Emilia made me feel less alone and almost like I had a friend. I don’t know what place I’d be in if I never came across your vlogs just before Emilia was born. Last year, I gave birth to my second baby, a little girl. Her middle name is Emilia...after your Emilia. A reminder to myself that she is the reason I felt strong and capable enough to have a second baby. She is the reason I pulled myself out of such a dark place.xxxx
I suffered with anorexia and exercise bulimia for 8 years due to pressures of ballet and just life. It’s been awhile since the “thoughts” have effected me... but more recently they’ve come back strong and loud. My friends and loved ones have helped but the only thing that helps me is regular exercise and just journaling the thoughts away. I know I’ll get through them but Anna, watching your story and you having children has cleared my fear of having kids. Cause the fear of gaining weight still lingers. You’ve helped me ❤️ thank you so much!
I've recently just turned 19 and have struggled with depression since my grandad died when I was 6 years old. I've also struggled with really bad anxiety and eating issues like eating in public and eating if I see someone eating messy. I was bullied for a year in school when I was 8 and that affected my confidence causing me these issues and making my depression worse. for years I was alone scared to make friends and struggling through school. In 3rd year during my junior cert I ended up harming myself and lied to my family telling them my wrist was itchy instead of me scratching it raw on purpose. Eventually it got to much again and i hurt myself for the second time in sixth year. A few days later I told my mam and have been getting help. It's difficult but you guys have helped brighten my days. I started watching your videos two years ago and yous have inspired me so much. You've gave me the courage to tell my family my problems and have helped save my life. When I feel horrible I watch your videos and they make me feel really happy and have helped me start to enjoy life again. I still have a very long journey ahead of me but I know I can get through it. Thank you for Making me smile and laugh more in two years than i have in a very long time.
I’m in tears Anna. You are amazing I may not be dealing with what you are going through but I am dealing with mental health and sometimes not gonna lie it’s hard wonder if it worth it at times. My family tells me its all in your head buckle up when you just want them to understand. Thank you for sharing not sure if you’ll see this but again thank you for sharing! X
Anna you have no idea how many times you have helped me by sharing your stories, your journey... I cried with you and felt joy, this sounds strange but it is like that. I have been through a lot in my life and the last 3 years were the hardest probably but they also shaped me to who I am now... I always had so many issues with myself. And your words about Emilia touched me the most, because I always say my daughter saved my life, or it's better to say gave me a new life, new meaning... After years of self discovery, depressions and so many pain and nasty stuff I feel myself more comfortable in my life, in my own body and with who I am now, than I ever was. And that all I owe to my wonderful daughter... there is nothing impossible for me as long as I have her in my life...
All I can say is thank you Anna. Not only do you have a purpose with your family, your kids, and as an amazing woman. But you have a purpose to us ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for posting this video. I have been struggling for a while with anxiety and depression and it doesn’t help i’m in a long distance relationship with my bf. I have been struggling alone with my mental health and none of my family or friends know. My bf do know some what but I don’t think he knows the extend. So watching your video lets me know someone cares and though mine is not pregnancy related mental health issues but I feel you know what’s it like suffering from it. Love you Anna. Keep holding on. Hope time will help us get better.
I needed this as when i get really anxious i go from almost anorexic to belimic. Thank You!!! Because it does become OCD and its scary for me and my family!
I could not stop crying, because I do feel like this as well with my 2 years old growing up quickly, thank you for making me feel better and for being so honest and open xxx.
I get very emotional when my daughter just wants a hug from me, or she just wants to sit with me. She’s so independent and I feel like she doesn’t need me sometimes. She’ll always need me and I will always need her. I tell her thank you for loving me, thank you for needing me. Thank you for making me feel wanted when I don’t most days. Thank you for being in my life and making the world a better place because of it.
Anna, thanks so much for sharing this and continuing to share your story with us. Thanks for your thoughts and love. You're so strong and amazing! We're all here for you
Well from a perspective of not having kids and having suffered poor mental health, you 'Anna The individual', have the innate gifts of kindness and being very openly genuine, those are golden qualities that will NEVER leave you!!
They still need you ❤️my babies are 21 and 27 and they still call and ask and appreciate their mom. You are still growing them and you are doing amazing xoxo
Anna I honestly love you so so much and my heart is breaking for you. Your worth is sooo much bigger.....goes beyond your children... you matter even to me and I never met you... I feel your pain...do not listen to the voice in your head that is a lie...just pray in your heart and you know the truth... we all love you♥️
Wow incredible and so proud of you honestly I’ve been here from the start you should be so god dam proud of yourself your kids your work everything I support and understand you so much much love xx
Any mothers out there who are watching this and can relate should know that even if you are no longer growing your child, or feeding your child that your purpose now is to live. You might not be single handedly providing for your child through your own body but your child does not see your body as a means to survival. Your child will and will always see your body as the structure that carries the heart of thier mother. The arms that craddled them when they were sad, scared or lonely. The legs that walked beside them every step of the way. The brain that nurtures their brain. And the most important factor, the woman who loves them no matter what. What you think you look like does not matter to them. They need you always. My husband is almost 50 and he lost his mother almost 3 years ago... he still says that he would give anything for one more hug, one more piece of advice, one more walk, one more meal, one more of anything she had to offer him. My mother chose drugs over me at the age of 10, 18 years ago, and still does, but I still love her. She gave me life. Her well being still matters to me. If you hear anything from this message let it be that your body doesn't define who you are as a person and especially not who you are to your children. Live. For them. Peace and Love. Always Love.
I'm 19 and I still need my mummy ❤️ after watching this, I feel like hugging her and making it known that I need her ❤️ thank you Anna for sharing ,we love and support you always ❤️
Maybe you’re not breastfeeding BUT now you’re gonna be giving your beautiful children a different kind of nourishment- guidance, power, eternal happiness and uplifting them every day! They are ALWAYS going to need you Anna ❤️ you’re their mama x
I actually cried when the kids said “I love you mummy” at the end omg 😭 Anna you’re doing an incredible job, you’re an amazing mummy and even more than that such an inspirational woman. I know you will get through this because you are so much stronger than you think you are ❤️ We are all here for you x
You nourish your children's minds and souls everyday. They will always need you and love you, the degree and type of need is the only thing that changes.
“i don’t know who i am anymore” 🙁 you are an inspiring intelligent young lady who is also a role model to thousands and thousands of people. not because you’re perfect, but because you share things like these. so many youtubers put these things under the carpet and don’t talk about them because they think it’s weak. it’s not. you are strong and independent and you make me so happy every time you upload. don’t forget you are also a mother of 4 beautiful young children. that’s your purpose along with many other things. you will watch them grow into the beautiful human being that you set out for them to be. i love you and stay strong!! xxx
When you said Emilia saved you, it reminded me of Martina McBride's song "In My Daughter's Eyes." I've said the same about my first born. She saved me. In my daughter's eyes I am a hero I am strong and wise And I know no fear But the truth is plain to see She was sent to rescue me I see who I want to be In my daughter's eyes
Anna, I am nowhere near your life situation. Nevertheless your last few minutes of this video, adressing us moved me so much. Because you meant it! We are all struggling somehow, for me it is also body related as I have been struggling with being curvy/chubby forever and been telling myself that nobody could ever like me. And now there is someone and I am just manipulating it so much, planting thoughts in my head saying that I am not worth it and that he wouldn’t want a 22 year old who has never even been close to a relationship. Which also frightens me as just the thought of him being close to me amd seeing me makes me so anxious. Also.. how do I even feel about him? Do I just like him because he is the first one who likes me? Well okay that escalated quickly just wamted to thank you for your honesty and kind words ❤️
Please do not be ashamed of your body and change for YOU and only YOU. If that guy doesn’t like you for you then he’s not worth it and doesn’t know what he’s missing. I’ve struggled and still am with a curvy/fat/chubby (whatever people like to call it) body since I became a preteen. I hated my body and the hatred grew and grew because people used to call me fat, thought I wasn’t capable of this or that or would tell me to lose weight. Being short didn’t help either. Whenever I looked at myself, I never thought that I would be proud of my body one day even though I still have a lot of work to do. But guess what, nothing matters more than self love and when you start doing so and not caring about others thoughts, it helps so much. You feel more confident, you’re mental health is better and best of all you love yourself. I’ve experienced this myself so please love your body and change for you. The right person won’t care how you look, what’s inside is all that will matter for him.
This was beautiful. My post-breastfeeding hormones have been the root of my anxiety and depression and I am working every day to fight towards balance and happiness. Thank you for the reminder that we are all in this together!
Emilia saved you, and you are saving others by sharing your story again You are such a lovely caring person and a great mother So proud of you xx Aww well done Jonathan putting the kids in at the end We love you to Anna xx
Anna, when you apologised for the fan in the background at the start of the video I thought you meant like one of us!! 😂😂 Thank you for sharing your story with us, love you!! 💕😀 xxx
Love you Anna 😘 as a student midwife, I’m so pleased at the way that you have explained this and put this out into the world. A story that was very well said and very much a relatable thing for women in our care and people like myself who has had an ED and still in recovery
I have anorexia and bulimia I’ve been hospitalised twice and I’m back to struggling with behaviours but im trying to realise Recovery is hard but worth it. You’re beautiful x You could speak to your Gp and they can refer you to services where you can talk to people
Amy your such a strong person keeping fighting. I hope one day your recovery sticks. It's so tiring and emotional what your battling. Keep strong beautiful girl. I've been recovered fully I'd say for about seven years...so always keep up belief you can do this! Xxxx
Thank you for this video Anna! Saw your post on instagram and it really hit home. I don't have kids, but have had to miscarriages, which let me to doubting my every move. Feeling kind of better now, but it still hurts. Know that you are not alone. We love you. Jonathan loves you. Your kids love you. ❤❤
Rikki, I feel your pain. I struggled for years with infertility and miscarriages. It was devastating in many different ways including taking a toll on my body. I had four miscarriages, three of which were in my second trimester. I remember standing in front of a mirror and telling myself I was defective and not a “real woman”. The ways we question and punish ourselves can be terrible. I want you to know that I was finally blessed with two children. Be kind to yourself and hold onto hope.
I struggle with my mental health so incredibly much and especially recently and you and these videos have helped so much ❤️ here if anyone needs a chat
Remember your worth Anna, I understand the dark thoughts, I can’t have children & I struggle with what is my purpose I forget mothers can feel that as well xxx sending you love & know we will get through it together x 😘
A womans purpose on this earth is not just to be a wife and mother! don't let the patriarchal society brainwash you into thinking it is!! you are worth SO MUCH more, and capable of SO MUCH!
gosh it hurts me deeply that you don't see what I see in you. It really brings me to tears.. I wish I could hug you and that you could feel what I feel about you. I've been here watching you guys since the exact day Emilia was born, and I couldn't describe you as nothing different from a truly immensely valuable human being. And although you are my biggest inspiration as a mother, and I have literally cried so many times watching the way you treat your kids with such respect and absolute embracement of who they are, that is not what I admire the most about you. You are one heck of a brave and strong soul, yet you hold one undeniably gracious and kind heart. And I mean this. Somethings in life can't be hidden, and it is clear as water how good of a person you are. I know one day you'll be completely conscious about that
Even if your kids as teenagers seem distant, they still need you, especially in their 20s. No matter what, mommy, especially a good mom, is the most important in the world.
Thank you for being so honest Anna. One of the best things about social media is people share the crazy things inside themselves which also are the crazy things inside ourselves. Which makes us feel valued and less alone xxx
Hi Anna, I'm 25 years old I've been diagnosed with depression and anxiety a month ago I also deal with binge eating, I'm the heaviest I've ever been and its hard there are days that even getting out of bed is difficult...
Seek help Laura, I don’t know you but you are a precious soul! Try not to carry your burden alone. Anna has shared her burden and hopefully can feel the love that she deserves as a beautiful and unique person. Best wishes, Susan
Lau RA Hang in there. I have both anxiety & depression & an eating disorder I've had since 2012. I fear having children so much but I've come soo far & this video made me bawl like a baby❣️‼️
You will always have a purpose in your life! You are those babies’ mama and they will forever need you there for them! ❤️❤️ Stay strong for them and yourself and Jonathan!!
I started my first day in a brand new school today. I struggle badly with mental health issues (anxiety/panic attacks and OCD) so it wasn’t the easiest day for me. I spent most of the morning trying to hold back tears until the point where I felt I just couldn’t do it. Everything is alright now as I have the most loving, caring and supportive family in the whole world. I’m hoping tomorrow will be a better day. This video was perfectly timed and really made me feel as if I’m not alone. Anna, you are so strong and I truly look up to you. When you said you are there for me, I cried lots, it just means so much to me. Your videos completely brighten up my day and I can ALWAYS count on you guys to put a smile on my face and make me feel better! Love you guys so much SacconeJolys...❤️
Fiona O'Neill you don’t even understand how much that means to me! Thank you so so much for taking the time to reply to my comment, it really means the world, thank you! ❤️x
I understand what you're going through. I graduated from uni in 2016 and have really struggled to maintain a career since then due to anxiety. I spend every day fighting back the tears until I just fall apart and can't control it anymore. I often feel alone, as it seems everybody around me is doing just fine and are all so successful. You are not alone, we are all here for you. When you are finding it difficult just remember that you're doing your very best and everyone is cheering you on! And when things get too much and you're really not okay, that's okay too! I hope tomorrow is a good day. xx
Chloe Larkins thank you so so much for your reply Chloe. It really means the world to me to have such nice people responding to me. I hope you’re doing better now. Thank you so much! ❤️x
Your children are so lucky to have you! You are an amazing wife, mummy and person. This entire video melted my heart, all your children are so beautiful and the love you and Jonathon have for them, and they have for you and each other is so heart warming. 💖💞 Remember you are beautiful inside and out xx 😘
I'm 59 and still I find myself doubting my self worth within my family, so many conversations where I wonder if I'm interesting enough for my kids, who by the way are all in there 30's. It's a struggle every day for me, I had a very emotionally abusive mother who always made me feel unworthy, it's like I'm a child in an adult body. Thank you for making me see that I'm not alone in this struggle.❤
Crunchy Mayonnaise Wow!!!! Have you no empathy? I’m so glad you have lived such a perfect life that you can judge others so harshly. Who cares that she used the wrong spelling. We all knew what she meant.
@Crunchy Mayonnaise Is it that important to you? Good God you need to get a life. The lady was sharing her emotions with Anna and her audience and you pick up on a typo. I feel pity on you for having a lack of empathy!
please please know that you are so interesting and so loved by your family. you are worth so much. my amazing mum doubted her self worth and her place in the world. she killed herself in February. she was 54 and I would give absolutely everything to have one more conversation with her. she was the most fascinating person I knew and I never got tired of hearing stories of her past, present and future. she was my best friend and my World. you are proving every day that you are better than what you experienced when you were younger. you are raising your family no matter how old they are. we never stop needing you
You are an amazing Mom, and an amazing person generally. It’s hard for me to admit to this as a typical man but I too suffer from an ED and general anxiety. We’re all in this together.
Hey! I was hospitalised for anorexia a couple of years back, I’m now healthy and studying nursing at uni but am having to face trauma and found myself struggling a little. Thank you so much for opening up, it helps me feel a little less alone xx
I love u so much anna. broke down at this video. hate seeing you upset but so proud of how far you’ve come. I struggled with an eating disorder and them voices keep creeping back I hope I can be as strong as you❤️
Last Monday I attempted suicide because being 19 and homeless and taking my parents to court and struggling with my body I was struggling. I want to let you know that I’m taking tiny steps, things are difficult but it’s going to be okay. Thankyou for making me feel like I’m not alone. One day I’ll love my body but it’s tiny steps everyday❤️
Know your worth and know that you are not alone. Things will get better, just take it a day at a time and little by little you will see how beautiful you really are. Sending you lots of love and best wishes xx
You are going to be Mother for the rest of your life. Mother of four great human beings. But you are So many more things than that. Really glad that you speak up about it
You gave your children the greatest gift of all ‘life’ so every time you look at their perfect bodies say to yourself ‘ I made that. My body made that’ super empowering because nobody else could have. 💕
Wow.. just wow ❤️ this was so insightful with how you described your feelings and your thoughts. Thanks for sharing, I’ve always admired you and my respect levels just went through the roof just thinking of everyone this is going to help and how far you’ve come in your journey xox
You're so brave to talk about your eating disorder despite all of that drama you've had going on over the last two weeks. It shows what sort of person you are! You always think about your life first 🥰
In sheds of tears. I suffered with an ED (anorexia with bulimic tendencies) from 12-17, I was also diagnosed with manic depression & BPD, I then got into a relationship, fell in love with my now husband & started to love myself. I started feeling low again around 19/20, I re-started self harming & overeating day in day out. I managed to put that all to bed with help & started calming back down & not being so visible with my mental health at 24. Now at 26 I am still suffering, I have my own home, married in my best friend, I am a bank manager & about to start IVF because we have nearly saved the 10k!!!! but I still have this hole that I don’t think will ever be filled. I go through days when I hate myself & don’t understand why I am here, but most of the time I just feel like crying & staying in bed alone But I am FIGHTING everyday for myself, my husband & our (hopefully) soon babies ♥️
Please seek support from someone as a medical professional. I only say this as you go through IVF (which is so exciting) it is a hard process. Hormonally and mentally and having someone on your side to help you get through is super important. I wish you all the luck hun. X
