Recently, there has been a lot of hype circulating the Internet about anxiety. While I am extremely happy that more people are becoming aware of what anxiety really is, I am also becoming extremely annoyed by the amount of people self-diagnosing themselves to “have” the illness just because they can relate to a few of the more minor symptoms. Being a person who has suffered from anxiety since the third grade, I am willing to share a few insights with all of you.
According to the ADAA, also known as the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders affect 40 million Americans over the age of 18. Being a part of this statistic is no walk in the park. Anxiety is not something to be taken lightly — it is a mental illness. While there are many forms of treatment, it never really leaves a person completely.
It is often assumed that all anxiety means is that a person feels worried, nervous or uneasy. Actually, anxiety comes in numerous forms. There are six major types of anxiety disorders, including: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobia, social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. There are also hundreds of other disorders that fit into sub-categories beneath these major types. It is also possible to have more than one anxiety disorder at a time.
People who have anxiety are often told to “just stop worrying about it.” Let me tell you, I would if I could. Anxiety can strike at any time, because of anything — large or small. It is currently 3 a.m. and I am writing this article because I worry that I will forget all of my ideas before morning rolls around. It may seem irrational to others, but to me it seems of highest importance — or so that is what my anxiety tells me.
Anxiety is often not seen. Although I may not be short of breath, shaking or sweating profusely, I may still be suffering on the inside. Oftentimes, internal anxiety attacks are more painful than those of physical nature. During these times, I may not seem like my usual self. Just please know that it has absolutely nothing to do with you. During these times, the best thing for you to do would be to just support me. Be my psychiatrist, hold my hand or be my shoulder to cry on — just be there for me so I know that I am not alone.
My illness is not who I really am. Because of it, I may cancel plans, push people away, have a bad attitude or be that awkward friend in the group. At these moments, I am screaming on the inside. I want to go out. I want you to stay. I want to be happy. I want to be normal. I am sorry for this.
For some people, anxiety is not their only struggle. According to the ADAA, nearly one-half of people who are diagnosed with depression also have an anxiety disorder. The two go hand in hand. For many people with both depression and anxiety, just getting out of bed in the morning is a struggle. Countless days we do not want to get up to face the reality of our illness. It can literally drain the life out of a person.
So please, if you or someone you know might be suffering from an anxiety disorder, get informed and get the necessary help. There are millions of people who understand your struggle — you are not alone.
