Anxiety: noun: a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.
Anxiety affects over 40 million people every year in the United States alone. You are not alone and it is nothing to be ashamed of. Anxiety ranges for everyone; some people just get anxious before exams, for others its a constant darkness that doesn't go away, and everything in between. Anxiety can get the best of people, but the most important thing to remember is I am not my anxiety.
I am not the horrible thoughts that run through my mind everyday telling me I am not good enough.
I am not the constant rocking back and forth or the tears that come out during a panic attack.
I am not the shortness of breath and the tight chest that will not go away no matter what.
I am not the fear I feel whenever I go out into a social environment.
I am NOT my anxiety. I am NOT this disorder. It does not characterize me.
Although I am none of these things, I am good enough. I am brave enough to fight this. I am smart, and I am strong enough to know when my anxiety is getting out of hand, and when it's time to take a step back. I am me, and only me. I am not my anxiety.
Just because you can't always see the anxiety on the outside, does not mean someone is not freaking out on the inside. It may seem irrational to you, but it is very real and very serious to the person with anxiety. You are never sure when its going to creep up, and it's always at the worst time. Please don't give up on anyone struggling, just be patient and don't shut them out.
