Bree Tomasel reveals anxiety struggle: ‘I broke out in hives all over my face’
Bree #Bree
ZM Drive host Bree Tomasel has opened up about her struggle with anxiety after revealing the stress of the coronavirus pandemic caused her to break out in hives.
The radio presenter shared her experience on Tuesday’s show, explaining that while it was something she had been “dreading” talking about, she felt compelled to speak out after posting on Instagram about her condition.
“Last week I actually broke out in hives all over my face,” she said.
“I have been known to get hives when I get to the point where I’m so stressed that my body is literally telling me physically, ‘you’re not ok, stop, slow down’.”
ZM Drive host Bree Tomasel said the stress of the coronavirus pandemic caused her to break out in hives.
Tomasel then told listeners she has been “struggling through this time that we’ve been going through”.
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She said she had been scared about what people might think or say about her, as she felt pressure to show the “positive parts of life”, both on social media and in her job as a radio host.
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ZM Drive hosts Bree Tomasel and Clint Roberts.
“But sometimes I think you also need to share the real moments,” she said.
Tomasel revealed she had struggled with anxiety “for a good majority” of her life.
“Panic attacks, social anxiety, insomnia… I’ve had all these things,” she said tearfully.
She said she knew that other people would be experiencing the same feelings.
“In the midst of one of the craziest times our generation will probably ever go through, I wanted to ask people listening out there, are you ok? And if your answer is no, that’s ok. Because I feel the same.”
She continued: “Right now I don’t feel ok. And it doesn’t mean we’re weird, it doesn’t mean we’re different. It just means we’re being honest.”
Her co-host Clint Roberts praised her for speaking out and asking for help.
“We support you, and we love you, and we want to help you get that help,” he said.
Tomasel replied saying she didn’t want people to worry about her. “But obviously getting hives on your face is a good sign you probably should do something.”
WHERE TO GET HELP:
1737, Need to talk? – Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor
Depression.org.nz – 0800 111 757 or text 4202
Lifeline – 0800 543 354
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 for people up to 18 years old. Open 24/7.
Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz, or find online chat and other support options here.
Rural Support Trust – 0800 787 254
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
What’s Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling available Monday-Friday, noon–11pm and weekends, 3pm–11pm. Online chat is available 3pm–10pm daily.
thelowdown.co.nz – Web chat, email chat or free text 5626
Anxiety New Zealand – 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)
Supporting Families in Mental Illness – 0800 732 825.
If it is an emergency click here to find the number for your local crisis assessment team. In a life-threatening situation call 111.