If you live with anxiety, you know that merely getting through the day is hard to do without almost having a panic attack. From worrying about saying something dumb during class, or having to merely talk to someone and worrying about messing something up — you're in a constant battle with your mind. Twenty million thoughts about different scenarios about every single thing that could go wrong during the day go through your mind and anything that brings you back to the present scares the crap out of you. Trying to read or study for a test leads to you googling about what happens if you fail and how you can make a living serving or surviving as a homeless person, just to put your mind at ease if your studying doesn't go well. If your chest hurts, you automatically think you're having a heart attack and you have to Web MD all your symptoms to realize that you probably pulled a muscle. Living with anxiety sucks but, hey, you aren't alone, and anyone who suffers anxiety will be able to relate to these 20 things only anxious people will understand.
1. You never, ever feel relaxed. Like, ever.
There is no way to calm yourself — except if you sleep, but then your dreams express what you're anxious about.
2. You bite your nails, pick at your fingers, pull at your eyebrows, pick at your face.
Yeah, and the weird part is, you actually get some relief or calm down while you're doing it. But, it also ruins your nails and you could have a huge red mark on your face that makes you never want to go out in public again.
3. Trying to make a decision is near to impossible to do.
You worry about what you want, what your friends want, what you don't want, what you might want, what will make you happy, and everyone else happy. Then your mind goes blank and you freak out that anyone even asked you a question.
4. You're. Exhausted. All. The. Time.
5. You can't even believe/ trust your own thoughts anymore.
Is this what I really think, or it is my anxiety talking? Do I know my own thoughts anymore?!?!
6. You're always worried that someone is mad at you, or that you are burdening someone who loves you because of your constant outbursts or anxiety pains.
"Please don't be mad at me. I'm sorry. Do you still love me?"
7. You don't believe any compliments that anyone ever gives you.
Am I actually pretty? Were they trying to get something from me? No one is that nice, are they? That guy doesn't want my number. People lie. Stop telling me nice things. Please.
8. You try every technique to calm down — yoga, medication, therapy, meditation, but nothing ever seems to work.
OK, so I tried to breathe, but I really need to finish this project. Ugh, why can't I just focus on breathing!
9. People who try to help actually end up making it worse sometimes.
Especially when they have no idea what is going on in your brain and you have no idea how to make them understand. But when people do know, and can relate to you, it's amazing.
10. The mental part sucks, but anxiety can cause some seriously terrible physical problems as well.
Yes, my hands are shaky — I'm sorry, it's my anxiety. My chest hurts and I feel like I can't breathe and I need to run out of class. I'm sorry. My head is spinning and I can't stop it. Help.
Anxiety can suck and be extremely hard to live with. However, there are ways to get help! Go to therapy, keep trying to meditate and keep those who say they love you close — because trust me, they do love you.
