Everyone has felt some form of anxiety at some point. Maybe before a big test, such as before finals, or maybe before a big presentation that could make or break their grade. Maybe they are finally working up the nerve to talk to the person they have been crushing on for the longest time and are very anxious to hear if they feel the same way. Other people, like me, experience anxiety on a daily basis. Regardless of the situation, there is some form of anxiety lurking around. “Anxiety is a general term for several disorders that cause nervousness, fear, apprehension, and worrying,” according to Medical News Today. Within the anxiety disorder spectrum, there are a wide variety of anxiety disorders, from general anxiety to more extreme ones, such as PTSD or panic disorders. Some people, when they have a more mild form of anxiety, tend to not get it diagnosed, or if they do, they learn how to deal with their anxiety.

For me, it took me a while to come to terms with what was wrong with me. I always knew I was more nervous and cautious than my other friends, but I could never understand why I was quite hesitant to do things. I had a general check up with my doctor and told her everything that I was feeling. She told me that I have a general anxiety disorder. Once I was able to put a name on it, everything in my life seemed to be easier. I was able to finally understand why I was no nervous all the time, or worrying about things that I didn’t need to worry about. It was easier to keep my feelings in check, but I was more conscious of my anxiety at all times. Eventually, I was able to determine what was causing my anxiety to act up so I could avoid those situations. I wasn’t necessarily letting the anxiety rule my life, but I was more cautious about what I did. I recently noticed that I was having more panic attacks. I can’t really pinpoint what is the cause of them, but sometimes there really is no actual cause than just being overwhelmed. I went back to the doctor to ask about it. I no longer wanted to be scared about things because of my anxiety. I no longer want the fear of a panic attack to rule my life. I wanted to be able to do things and not be anxious about them. I wasn’t ready for medication because my anxiety isn’t quite at the point of needing medication to control it, but I wanted to see what my options were. She recommended taking advantage of going to the counseling center on campus. Going to counseling has crossed my mind, but I never thought that I would get to the point that I would need to see a counselor and talk about my problems. Usually, I would talk to my friends and try to take whatever advice they could offer me, but sometimes what they say isn’t what is best for me. I need someone who can really help me through what is going on in my head, especially when I can’t figure it out for myself.

I have friends who have anxiety and have gone to counseling and said it was the best thing they have done to help combat their anxiety without the use of medication. There is this stigma that only older people with money go to counseling, or that counseling is for crazy people. Counseling is there for anyone who needs someone to talk to in a safe place. No matter what our friend’s say, they are going to have some kind of judgment about what we say to them and might not always have the best intentions. Their heart may be in the right place, but there are times that professional help is better. I love my friends and their support, but it's time that I do what is best for me and seek professional help to further take control of my life.