Anxiety. Webster's dictionary defines anxiety as follows:
anxiety
noun anx·i·ety \aŋ-ˈzī-ə-tē\
1. fear or nervousness about what might happen
2. a feeling of wanting to do something very much
Now, Webster did a great job breaking anxiety down into something everyone can understand. However, personally, i think the definition is a bit... well, lacking in a sense.
SO, to help better explain anxiety and what it's like to suffer from it, I've recruited Chandler Bing.
Here's Anxiety: Explained by Chandler Bing
Anxiety is kinda like bully, but instead of taking your lunch money, it takes away all your self confidence and ability to socialize.
You Question Everything You Say
That thing you said to so-and-so at 8 a.m. this morning that was a little iffy but you said it anyways... Yeah. That's gonna haunt you forever. Even when in reality you didn't say anything wrong. But You'll still feel awful about it for years to come.
New Experiences Are The WORST
Going to College was the worst for me. I was so excited, but I also almost vomited every time I thought about. There were too many uncharted variables for my anxiety to handle. 'Would people like me?" "Would I make any friends?" "Would the Professors think I was dumb?" "Was a smart enough?"
Sometimes You Wanna Scream At Your Anxiety
For me, I'm hyper aware that I'm often being illogically anxious about something, but I can't make myself stop. I want to stop and i know what I'm feeling is wrong, but that also doesn't make it any less real or make it simply disappear. It in reality makes it harder and the only way to deal with it is to have an epic internal battle of mind over matter.
When You Say/Do Something Awkward in Public
You start down the street and then realize that where you are actually headed is back the opposite way. WHAT'S A PERSON TO DO???? Do I go back and play it off? Do I continue going and go around the block? Someone please help me!!!!
Having To Explain Your Weird Tendencies To New Friends
This was the hardest part about making friends in college. My friends from high school grew up with me so they learned about my anxiety and how to handle me over the course of 13 years. In college, friendships develop at a much faster pace. I'm constantly making new friends and having to find ways to explain my actions due to my anxiety. I'm sorry I always ask if you're okay or if you're mad at me. I have to check that we're still cool because my anxiety is telling me we aren't...
Always Being The Funny One
Sure, sometimes you're funny at inappropriate moments, but hey.. whatever gets you by, right? After all, if they're laughing with you there is less of a change for them to laugh at you. or develop a dislike toward you.
Having A Problem With Someone/Something
LOL NOPE. Especially if it's someone you feel close to. You basically bottle everything up inside and shove it into the deepest, darkest corners of your mind where it will never see the light of day. Eventually it'll all boil over and you'll probably explode, but we don't talk about that.
Meeting New People
Probably the one thing that jump starts my anxiety more than anything. You question everything about the situation, over analysis the person's responses, body language and even breathing. You're sweaty, clammy, and this close to passing out. You're afraid that they will think you're too stand offish but at the same time you don't want to be over friendly. It's a mess and so are you.
Well...
Anxiety sucks. But, at the end of the day, I'm gonna be okay... Right???
