Everybody experiences anxiety in different ways, but many of us (18% of the US population) have a more acute form of it that significantly affects our daily lives. My anxiety has been an obstacle for me as I've grown up, and although I have a better handle over it now, it still continues to impact my life and often makes simple tasks much more difficult than they need to be. Here's a little insight into just what can make me and countless other anxious people stressed out.
1. Having to make important phone calls.
Just... nope. Worst thing ever. Answering calls from unknown numbers is also out of the question.
2. Wanting to go to office hours but knowing you'll probably cry in front of your professor.
Yeaaaaah... I'll just email them instead.
3. Going to new places alone.
"Where even is this place?! Am I going the wrong way? What if I'm late?"
4. Automatically crying in response to stress.
This is THE most annoying thing for me. Even if I don't feel that affected by whatever's going on, I start crying! Time to cork up the ol' tear ducts; they've betrayed me for the last time.
5. Being the center of attention.
Cue the immediate pounding heartbeat and cold, sweaty hands!
6. Procrastinating until the last possible minute because you're anxious that your work will suck.
#finalsweektho
7. Getting even more anxious because you're procrastinating.
It's an endless loop, tbh. I never learn!
8. Having to remind yourself that you are not defined by your anxiety and that you can overcome it.
If you reflect on the situation and identify what triggered your anxiety, you are one step closer to having a better relationship with it. It takes a lot of work to understand your anxiety and even more to defeat it. Stay strong and keep on fighting! From one anxious mess to another: you can do anything you put your mind to, so go out there and live your life without letting your anxiety weigh you down!
