Anxiety disorders are one of the most prevalent mental illnesses in the U.S. with about 40 million people between the ages of 18 and older, or 18% of the nation, being affected. And yet it's one of the least talked about in terms of an open discussion about what living with an anxiety disorder is like. Despite being highly treatable and manageable through therapy, only about 1/3 of people suffering from anxiety actually are being treated. This is likely due to the lack of discussion about what anxiety disorders are and why they're different then just normal anxious feelings. For more information visit the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
I live with an anxiety disorder and it has affected my life in the smallest things. Things that are generally overlooked by people without anxiety. This list involves all the things that are small victories for people like me, who know how daunting it is to face the world when the voice inside your head is telling you that everyone is out to get you.
1. Making multiple calls
Calling people can always be difficult because you can't see a person's face or body language, and all you have to rely on is their tone of voice. It can get really stressful for anyone, especially those with anxiety. But when you hang up, that sigh of relief is a burden off your shoulders.
2. Getting up on time for school/work
A fairly obvious one for many people, but when you have anxiety it's different. Getting out of bed and facing a world that terrifies you is hard. It's especially hard when sometimes you get overwhelmed with the world and you just want to run away or hide. But getting up is necessary and you never know what the day will surprise you with.
3. Went out by myself
Going out without another person as a safety net is hard. I don't have a driver's license so I take public transport which can be really difficult. It's not just being afraid for your own safety but also this innate fear that others might hate you or think you're not a good person. But sometimes you need to go out on your own and build new memories and experiences without other's influences.
4. Went out with friends
Going to parties and hanging out with friends can be really tough some days because of the anxiety. You get nervous and scared, and you overthink every little thing about everything going on around you. So when you go out and enjoy yourself, it feels so good.
5. Calmed myself during a stressful event or panic attack
Panic and anxiety attacks are not just mental but also physical. During these attacks every muscle tenses up and breathing correctly becomes extremely difficult. You get nauseous and lightheaded. It's hard to calm down or catch yourself in time. But when you do calm down in time, it always feels like the biggest victory because you saved yourself from ruining your own day.
6. Made plans and followed through
I can't think of how many times I've made plans with friends but canceled it in the end because I got so anxious. Even with friends I've had for years, it gets difficult because you overthink every little reaction they might have and you lose the courage to roam outside. Those times where you do make plans and follow through, you get to finally have fun and stress less about the moment.
7. Introduced myself to someone new
For introverts, shy people, and people with anxiety disorders alike, introducing yourself is a task and a half because it's so easy to overthink and be worried about what they're thinking. Unlike friends or coworkers or family, you don't know the quirks of their body language or the probability of what response they'll give. But once you get through that stressful introduction, you either end up with a new friend, or some more experience at small talk and introductions.
8. Found a counselor/attended counseling
Finding a professional to talk to is really hard because it's hard enough dealing with how you feel but you can also become ashamed of your anxiety. I get scared telling people about my anxiety in fear that I'll be seen as lesser or broken. But a professional can help you re-learn how to go about your day without the anxiety or at least teach you how to manage it better.
9. Slept a full 8 hours in a row
Often sleeping is difficult because anxiety is not only mental but physical. Your body tenses up and makes it difficult to relax. That added to the fact that now you're not busy so you sit there and overthink and analyze every little thing you felt was a mistake today. But everyone knows that after a full 8 hours, you feel so good that the day looks so much better.
10. Had positive thoughts
For a lot of people I know with anxiety including myself, the voice in your head is louder than anyone else's. And it's hard when you have a voice telling you that no one likes you, everyone wants you gone, or that no one has every told you the truth. Positive thoughts and feelings are a blessing.
11. Made time for self-care
Taking time for yourself can be difficult when your anxiety tells you doing so is being selfish or lazy or wrong. But taking time for yourself is necessary to keep from exploding.
12. Talked to a friend about how you feel
Like with a counselor, it's hard to tell your friends how the anxiety makes you feel because you're worried no one will care or understand what's happening. So you keep it to yourself because you don't want to be a bother or to ruin someone else's mood. But having someone on your side who knows why you're bothered or that you need help can only increase your chances at improving yourself.
13. Spoke up in a group setting
Talking in group setting or in meetings is hard. It's easy to think you're saying the wrong thing or that you're about to make a fool of yourself. But with the correct environment and, for me at least, a gentle nudge from a friend in class, it can feel like a weight lifting off of your shoulders when you do it.
