We always hear about how miserable anxiety is. And while some people can exaggerate, many are not. It's a serious, difficult enigma for many people who have no idea what to do. But for those of us battling anxiety, there are good things to come out of it once the storm has cleared.
1. We learn to take care of ourselves.
Speaking from personal experience, I know how easy it can be for someone with anxiety to work until they feel like imploding. While this isn't an enjoyable event, to say the least, these crashes make us face an important reality: We have to take care of ourselves. If we can't bring ourselves to do something, we can't let ourselves dwell on it, or else we'll wind ourselves up. Not sleeping can make it easier for anxiety to temporarily take over the brain, as can headaches or other physical discomfort. As a result, it becomes vital for those with anxiety to take the time to make sure they're OK before anything else (though some of us have to swallow a little pride first).
2. Sometimes we shut out the world, and that's OK.
This goes back to our taking care of ourselves. Anxiety doesn't care if you're an extrovert; when it decides you're done with people, it's not always a bad idea to listen (within reason). Put on some headphones, watch some Netflix, or even take a nap! Allowing oneself to rejuvenate is important for everyone, not just for those dealing with anxiety or depression.
3. It makes us more empathetic.
When we suddenly go silent, or have to leave, or worry about what to say to the point where we say nothing at all, those of us with anxiety want nothing more than for the people around us to understand, even if they don't know how to explain it. So of course, when there's a situation in which these people are on the other end, the amount of empathy within them is astounding. I once had a friend in middle school who was struggling, and I was able to describe how she felt more accurately than she could. I'm not one to boost my own ego, but that may have been because of my anxiety, although at the time I had not been diagnosed.
4. Anxiety has tremendous brainstorming potential.
Ever heard of racing thoughts? They're a little different for everyone who experiences them. But to put it in a nutshell, your brain can't shut down. Sometimes it's bouncing between memories and song lyrics; other times it convinces you that your friends are only nice to you out of pity because of something minuscule that happened a month ago (of which you were reminded by something equally unimportant).
It's not hard to see why something like this could be destructive to one's psyche. However, when the brain is allowed to function at this capacity concerning ideas rather than worries, the brainstorming power is endless. Hours of creativity might leave an individual worn out, but also invigorated for having created something in such a flurry of thoughts and ideas.
5. We've become much more open minded.
You need medication in order to function in your daily life? OK, just be careful. You feel like you need to go away for a month to clear your head and find yourself? All right, but tie up your loose ends before you go anywhere, or all the stress will come right back.
Along the same lines as being empathetic, because those with anxiety have had to find ways to live their lives, they in turn are much more open to those trying to do the same. Morals may come into play with particular issues, but there still tends to be a willingness to listen to the logic behind it, even if they are not in agreement.
There are other things worth listing, but I think I'll cut to the chase: Anxiety is a struggle. While that's no secret, struggles allow us to grow as people and become free to be ourselves, like so many other people are dying to be. They dream of achieving it someday, while people with anxiety may reach that point sooner because we have to go through more on a day-to-day basis.
So to those still experiencing growing pains: The sun always comes out after every storm. Remember you have that to work towards.
