365 days of anxiety piled up. Sitting on my mind. Pressure building. Breaking me down.

Every worry I thought of over the past year came barrelling through my brain. Counting pennies to pay bills. Dealing with a sexist supervisor. Wondering if my writing will ever be good enough to become a successful author. My lack of self-discipline that would stop me from procrastinating and boredom eating. Plus an overall feeling that no matter how much I do, I'm not good enough.

A friend invited me to a party to celebrate the new year. I felt tempted to get dressed up and go out. All year I told myself I should get out more. My little black dress was ready to wear. But all I could do was hide at home and cry uncontrollably. If I went out I would be worried about DUI checkpoints and drunk drivers, plus being social at the party. I hate small talk and I'm not good at talking to other people. I'm one of those "yea...uhuh..." conversationalists.

The bottle of tequila in my kitchen refused to get me drunk and let me escape my anxiety. After four shots I gave up and put the bottle away.

The fridge didn't have much food but I scavenged for snacks anyway because I'm a stress eater and once the new year began, I was on a "non-diet." If I ate, I felt sick. If I didn't eat, I got angry about my self-given restrictions.

I was losing a losing battle. I couldn't care less about celebrating the new year and I really wanted 2017 to end as quickly as possible.

The point of writing my story in this article is this: if you were in the same (or similar) situation as me on New Year's Eve, I want to tell you that you weren't alone. While you may have been physically alone that night, I was there in spirit to remind you to stay strong with me. If you find yourself in an emotional breakdown on any other night, I'm there with you as well.

One anxiety attack might feel like a long time. But if you look at the bigger picture, one night is a mere moment in relation to a lifetime. Even a few nights or days added up might feel like forever. So let yourself cry. Cry until your emotions are balanced again. Then put yourself to bed and let the next day be better.

Write down what worries you and do what you can to worry less about each item. Make as much effort as you can until the ball is in someone else's court. For example, if you're in a dead-end job that only causes you misery, search for a few jobs online and send in your resume. While you're waiting for responses you can rest easier knowing you made the first step toward improving your life. The ball is in someone else's court and you have less to worry about.

Make yourself a cup of tea and curl up in bed. Clear your mind and tell yourself you're doing everything you can. The issue is no longer yours to worry about.

You are not alone in your worries. I am here with you. Other people are out there in this world, too. We have each other's backs.