May is Mental Health Awareness month in the United States. This means a lot to me, as I have suffered from Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) for the last five years. Anxiety disorders affect roughly 40 million people over the age of 18, or about 18 percent of the population. An anxiety disorder is not the same thing as getting nervous now and then: It's a heart-racing, immobilizing, stressful disorder. As debilitating as an anxiety disorder can be, it has taught me a lot about life.
1. Appreciate the good days.
Anyone with an anxiety disorder will tell you that there are good days and there are bad days. Sometimes we don't have any control over these days; something that would normally not cause us any anxiety can suddenly trigger panic for no real reason. The bad days make the good days special. When I have a good day, I enjoy it wholeheartedly. I know not every day can be worry-free.
2. A good support system is the best thing you can have.
Having a support system of family and friends who love you regardless of your anxiety disorder is key. Just because they may not have personal experience with anxiety doesn't mean that they can't do their best to understand and provide you comfort when you need it. I live by the mantra "Quality over quantity." Sure, I may not be popular, but the people in my support system are the best around. I wouldn't trade them for anything.
3. "This too shall pass."
I have survived every single one of my worst days. I have survived every panic attack, every mental breakdown, every health scare...I am here. Even the worst day only lasts 24 hours. It may not feel like it in the moment, but you grow through what you go through.
4. Breathe.
Breathing is crucial when you're battling anxiety. A calm, calculated intake of breath followed by an extended exhalation has the power to completely change your mood. This slows down a racing heart and a racing mind.
5. The human brain is incredibly powerful.
I never knew how powerful the human brain was until it single-handedly convinced me that I was suffering from appendicitis, an ulcer, a tumor and a stroke within a span of 24 hours. Sometimes the human brain is a little too powerful; I wish I could shut it off when it kicks into overdrive.
6. You never know what's going on inside someone's head.
People with anxiety disorders are experts at pretending that they're fine. In fact, we can look put-together and relaxed on the outside while we fight our own inner turmoil. Sometimes, we have nervous tics that give us away: foot tapping, fidgeting, and doodling can all ease an anxious mind. Just because we may look okay doesn't mean that we are.
7. Take care of yourself.
If you need a mental health day, take it. Eat ice cream, take a nap, visit a therapist, watch Netflix, go for a walk...whatever makes you feel better, do it. Never feel guilty for taking care of yourself. Human beings can only be strong for so long before they need a break. This break will rejuvenate and restrengthen you, so please take it.
8. Everyone's anxiety is different.
Anxiety can manifest itself in hundreds of different symptoms. No two anxiety disorders are alike. There is also no guaranteed way to treat anxiety. Anti-anxiety medication helps some people, but not everyone. Finding your individual treatment plan is a long process. During this time, be patient and trust your intuition. If you feel like something is wrong, get it checked out. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
9. You are strong.
My anxiety disorder has made me stronger than I ever thought possible. Sure, it's weakened me on some days, but I rise up with more knowledge and experience. Of course, I wish that I didn't suffer from anxiety, but I've grown to accept that it will always be a part of my life. I am not alone in this fight. There are millions of us, and we will not let anxiety take away our happiness.
