Struggling to spark meaningful conversation in your anxiety support community? Our Experience Share templates make it easy for members to open up, connect, and feel seen. Use these prompts to encourage storytelling and strengthen your community bond.
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Experience Share content taps into the power of personal storytelling, which naturally fosters empathy and connection. When members share their own journeys, others see themselves reflected and feel less alone in their struggles. This breaks down barriers, creates trust, and deepens engagement.
Psychologically, sharing experiences helps members process their feelings and realize that their challenges are valid. For anxiety communities, this is especially vital since isolation and stigma can be overwhelming. Prompts that invite reflection empower members to voice their stories at their own pace, making participation accessible for everyone.
Share a recent moment when you felt anxious and how you responded.
💡 Example: "Last week I felt anxious before a work call. I took three deep breaths to calm down. How did you respond in your last anxious moment?"
What is one thing that helps you get through anxious days?
💡 Example: "Listening to music always helps me. What about you?"
Describe a time when you overcame anxiety even for a short while.
💡 Example: "I managed to attend a party last month even though I was anxious. Has this happened for you?"
When did you first realize anxiety was impacting your life?
💡 Example: "I noticed in college I was avoiding social events because of anxiety."
Share a small victory you had over anxiety this week.
💡 Example: "I called my dentist to book an appointment. What small win did you have this week?"
What is your go-to grounding technique when anxiety strikes?
💡 Example: "I count backwards from 100. What do you do?"
Tell us about a place where you feel calm during anxious moments.
💡 Example: "My bedroom is my safe haven. Where is yours?"
How do you explain anxiety to your friends or family?
💡 Example: "I tell my friends it feels like my mind is racing. How do you explain it?"
Share a quote or mantra that helps you manage anxiety.
💡 Example: "I repeat 'This too shall pass.' Do you have a favorite?"
What does anxiety feel like for you in your body?
💡 Example: "My heart races and my hands get sweaty."
Describe a challenging situation that triggered your anxiety and how you handled it.
💡 Example: "Presenting at work triggered me, but I prepared notes to ease my nerves. What about you?"
When do you notice your anxiety is at its worst?
💡 Example: "It's usually at night when I'm trying to sleep."
What is one myth about anxiety you wish more people understood?
💡 Example: "I wish people knew it's not just being nervous. What's a myth you would debunk?"
Share a time when someone supported you during an anxious moment.
💡 Example: "My friend stayed with me on the phone until I calmed down. Has anyone helped you like that?"
How does anxiety impact your daily life or routine?
💡 Example: "I sometimes avoid errands because of anxiety."
What music or sounds help you calm anxiety?
💡 Example: "Rain sounds on YouTube help me relax."
Share your favorite self-care activity for anxious days.
💡 Example: "Taking a warm bath really helps me. What's your go-to self-care?"
What advice would you give your younger self about anxiety?
💡 Example: "I would say it's OK to ask for help. What would you tell your younger self?"
Have you tried therapy or counseling for anxiety? Share your experience.
💡 Example: "Therapy helped me understand my triggers. Have you tried it?"
Describe how you feel after an anxious episode passes.
💡 Example: "I usually feel exhausted but relieved."
What small steps help you manage anxiety in public places?
💡 Example: "I always bring headphones to crowded places. What works for you?"
Share a time you surprised yourself by handling anxiety well.
💡 Example: "I gave a speech at school and stayed calm. Have you surprised yourself?"
What is one misconception people have about anxiety?
💡 Example: "People think you can just 'snap out of it.' What's a misconception you encounter?"
How do you practice self-kindness on tough days?
💡 Example: "I let myself rest and avoid negative self-talk. What helps you?"
Describe your first panic attack and what you learned from it.
💡 Example: "My first panic attack felt like a heart attack. I learned to recognize the signs next time. What about you?"
What role does exercise play in your anxiety management?
💡 Example: "A short walk helps me clear my mind."
Have you ever helped someone else with anxiety? Share the story.
💡 Example: "I listened to my friend during a panic attack. Have you helped someone?"
What is your biggest anxiety trigger?
💡 Example: "Large crowds really set off my anxiety."
Do you have a daily routine that helps with anxiety? Share it.
💡 Example: "I meditate each morning. Do you have a routine?"
How do you celebrate progress in your anxiety journey?
💡 Example: "I treat myself to my favorite meal. How do you celebrate?"
What is a common misunderstanding about living with anxiety?
💡 Example: "People think I'm just shy, but it's more than that."
Share a book, podcast, or resource that has helped you with anxiety.
💡 Example: "The 'Anxiety Slayer' podcast is great. Do you have a favorite resource?"
How do you manage anxiety when it interrupts your sleep?
💡 Example: "I use guided meditations. How do you handle it?"
Describe a time when you felt understood about your anxiety.
💡 Example: "My partner listened without judging. Have you felt understood?"
Share a positive affirmation you use during anxious moments.
💡 Example: "I remind myself that I am safe. Do you use affirmations?"
What was your biggest breakthrough in managing anxiety?
💡 Example: "Learning to set boundaries was huge for me. What about you?"
How do you support yourself after a tough anxiety day?
💡 Example: "I watch a comfort movie and rest. What do you do?"
Share a lesson anxiety has taught you about yourself.
💡 Example: "I've learned I'm more resilient than I thought. What have you discovered?"
What advice would you give someone new to dealing with anxiety?
💡 Example: "Take it one day at a time and reach out for help. What advice do you have?"
To use these templates, simply copy and paste a prompt into your community platform of choice. Encourage members to respond in comments, threads, or dedicated posts. Rotate prompts weekly or monthly for variety and revisit popular ones to inspire new voices. Personalize prompts with your own example to kickstart the conversation, and remind members that all experiences are welcome.
Since these templates work across all platforms, adapt the format to suit your space. Use pinned posts in forums, story stickers on Instagram, or threads in Slack and Discord. Encourage replies via comments, DMs, or audio responses, depending on your platform's features.
Aim for once a week or as part of a regular rotation to keep content fresh and encourage ongoing participation.
Model vulnerability by sharing your own story and remind members that every experience is welcome and valued.
Yes, the prompts are designed to be broad and accessible, inviting participation from all experience levels.
Set clear community guidelines, remind members about respectful responses, and offer trigger warnings where needed.
Absolutely. Feel free to personalize the language or add specific examples to better fit your group's style.
Step in quickly to redirect the conversation, reinforce guidelines, and privately support those affected.
Track engagement metrics like comments, reactions, and participation rates to see which prompts resonate most.