About Noor

Hi, I'm Noor

I'm a 29-year-old writer in Minneapolis, and I've lived with generalized anxiety disorder for more than half my life.

How This Started

I had my first panic attack when I was fifteen. I didn't know what it was. Neither did my parents — in my Somali community, mental health wasn't something we talked about. "Anxiety" was "worrying too much." "Panic attacks" were "being dramatic."

It took me four years, a failed semester, and a really bad night in my dorm room to finally see a therapist. Getting diagnosed — hearing "you have generalized anxiety disorder" — was terrifying and also the biggest relief of my life. Oh. This has a NAME. Other people have this.

I did CBT. I learned grounding techniques. I eventually started medication (sertraline), which I still take. I went back to college and finished. I'm not "cured" — I manage anxiety every single day. Some days are good. Some days I cancel plans and make tea and breathe through it.

Why I Write This Blog

When I was at my worst, I found a blog post by someone who described anxiety exactly the way I experienced it — the chest tightness, the catastrophizing, the 3am thought spirals. Reading those words, I thought: I'm not the only one.

That's what I want this blog to be. The voice that says "me too" when you're feeling alone in this.

I share:

Coping techniques that actually helped me (not "just think positive")
Personal essays about living with anxiety (honest, not curated)
Therapy and medication info from my own experience (not clinical advice)
Resources for finding professional help (because blog posts aren't enough)

What This Blog Is NOT

I want to be very clear about this:

I am NOT a therapist. I'm a person with anxiety sharing what I've learned.
This is NOT medical advice. If you're struggling, please see a professional.
This is NOT a substitute for therapy. It's a bridge — something to read while you find or wait for support.
This is NOT toxic positivity. I will never tell you to "just be positive." Anxiety is hard. I respect that.

If You're in Crisis Right Now

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Connect With Me

Disclaimer: I'm not a therapist or medical professional. Everything I share comes from my own experience with anxiety and what I've learned along the way. This is not medical advice. If you're struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional.