One time or another you have met someone or even yourself have experienced anxiety or a panic attack. I have anxiety, and this is what I have learned from the years that I have had it.
1. It is hard.
I know this seems like a ‘duh’ statement, but it is the truest thing I know about anxiety. It it not easy and at times it’s complicated and you feel alone, but it can always go away and it always will get better.
2. It is harder to trust people.
When you have symptoms of anxiety, it is harder to let people know you experience anxiety. Fear of being judged or letting people get close just to hurt me scares me.
3. You can not make everyone happy.
This is the most important thing I still have to learn. I can not please everyone, as much as I want to. I know at times I can not be happy unless everyone around me is, but it is not even worth making yourself upset about. The first thing you have to do is put yourself first. I still haven’t accomplished this, but I hope one day to.
4. There are always people there for you.
Whether is it is a friend, a classmate, or a therapist, there will always be someone there for you who will listen. Sometimes it is harder to talk about feelings, but once you do things get ten times easier.
5. You are not alone.
“Approximately 40 million adults between the ages of 18 to 54” have anxiety. (AnxietyCentre.com). I am one of those numbers, but anxiety doesn’t have to control you. Once you accept it is a condition you have, you can start the steps to make sure it doesn’t control you. Things get hard, but you are not alone.