Anxiety is one of the most exaggerated disorders out there. Many people make the mistake of diagnosing themselves, when in fact, anxiety disorders should be diagnosed by a professional. Anxiety is much more than being scared to perform at a show or a game and getting over it as soon as it begins. It's not being so anxiously excited for your trip to Florida the next day. Anxiety is:

1. It's having to take pills to help control it.

Having to take pills is not a good thing. There is nothing to be jealous of. Taking pills is not a competition of who takes higher dosages. Anxiety can get so bad and rise to such high levels that therapy itself may not work alone, and your body may need the help of medicine to reduce it. Knowing that your anxiety has risen to a higher level and you have to take pills for it can be a difficult challenge.

2. It's the worry that your friends or loved ones are annoyed with you whenever you try to talk with them.

No matter if you just need to rant or if you're upset or need someone to talk to you, many can't help feeling that the people you talk to are starting to get irritated. Thoughts like, "They don't want to talk to me" or "they're so sick and fed up with me" start to circle around your brain. It can trigger from something as simple as if you expect them to talk to you more than they do or their tone of voice. You jump to conclusions right away.

3. It's constantly feeling that you are never good enough, smart enough, or busy enough.

There is a never-ending, 24/7 nagging feeling that no matter what you do, how hard you're working, how involved you are, and how intelligent you are. Fretting over every single grade, no matter how little it is, wrecks you inside. At the end of every day, you basically feel like a failure. You feel as if you'll never graduate, never get a job, or never get married. You are stuck constantly labeling yourself.

5. It's always comparing yourself to others.

You never stop to admire your strengths. Instead it's comparing other people's strengths to your own weaknesses. To you, someone is always smarter, another is always skinner or more fit than you, and one has been in a 3-year relationship with their boyfriend while you struggle with keeping a boyfriend for that amount of time. Comparisons make you feel like a nothing, but you just can't help it.

6. It's the fear of big social situations because of your social anxiety.

No matter what, no one seems to understand that it's not because you don't want to make friends, but it is just pure FEAR. People who don't suffer from social anxiety don't think twice about these situations, but for people with it, questions such as "What if I'm standing alone?" or "What if I have no one to talk to?" pop up. Even answering the phone can be a huge task. You feel as if everyone who looks you in the eye is either judging you or making fun of you.

7. It's the never-ending negative thoughts and worries swirling around your head.

All of these bullet points have one thing in common: they never stop. It very rarely decides to leave. They seem as if they come out of nowhere. You could be having a great time with your friends, or on a vacation and these thoughts can still occur. There is usually no trigger. It's usually very difficult to focus on your strengths, as these thoughts take over completely.

So, please consider these points before you diagnose yourself. Only professionals may know for sure. Remember, it's much more than normal anxious thoughts. Anxiety can be filled with pain, with distress, and with self-doubt. It's not cool to brag about your "anxiety". But, anxiety can make you stronger. There will be times when you can rise out of your worries and be strong. Be proud, it will always get better. The strongest and most mighty people are the people with anxiety.