I've seen plenty of articles on the internet in the past few years written by brave people talking about their struggles with anxiety. Seeing the wall-like stigma which covers anxiety and mental illness as a whole, being chipped away brick by brick, as the years go by, is a change that's long overdue.
If you're reading this, and you have no issues with anxiety, then more than likely you know somebody who does. If you are one of the many people in the world who struggle with anxiety, then I'd like to say this to you: Yo. Welcome to the club!
So, here goes my big confession; you may want to take a seat for this one. I'm human--I suffer from an anxiety disorder. Wow, what a relief that is to get off my chest. Yes everyone, you read that correctly.
All jokes aside, I have spent the past 20 years of my life only telling a select few people that I struggle with anxiety, which is absolutely ridiculous. Imagine you have diabetes. Would you hesitate for even a second to tell people about your illness? Doubtful. So why in the world do so many young adults, like myself, feel as if they must spend their lives keeping their mental illness a secret? I was always scared that people would think I was a lunatic if I ever admitted that I had an anxiety disorder. Crazy, huh? No pun intended.
Like all illnesses, anxiety is not exactly a blast to deal with. I get pretty nervous in front of groups of people. My voice shakes when I have to speak for a presentation. Meeting new people can be a little awkward at times. Sometimes I'd rather be alone in my room than with a couple of friends. The list goes on and on.
The point I want to make from this article is that you have two options when you're faced with an anxiety disorder. You can either succumb to it, or you can deal with it. I know that sounds a little blunt, but it's the truth. I used to let anxiety control what I would and wouldn't do, but I've come to realize that's no way to live life. As a young teenager, not knowing how I was going to deal with this annoying illness, I would have loved to read all the articles about anxiety that I see while scrolling through the internet today. So this one's for the teenagers that have no idea how they're going to go on.
Go to that music festival 10 hours away. Fly halfway across the United States with your two best friends for spring break. Talk to the girl you never thought you'd stand a chance with. You're going to feel anxious as ever doing those things, but in the end, you will gain strength, confidence, and experiences. Do not let this illness hold you back from living the life you deserve...because I know one thing, I sure as hell am not.
