Whenever someone mentions they have anxiety, people who do not suffer from it themselves typically respond with, "Everything is fine; calm down." Although things may be "fine," my head says otherwise, and there is nothing I can do about it.

Anxiety, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is

"an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physical signs (such as tension, sweating, and increased pulse rate), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one's capacity to cope with it."

What people do not understand about anxiety is that we can not always control it. This especially applies to the people whose parents do not believe putting their children on medication, or those who think their children are completely fine.

I am currently writing this at all hours of the night because I am unable to sleep. At random times, my mind will just start racing and over thinking every little situation, even if it was something that happened years ago. I wish I could make it all stop, but I can't.

So, here I am writing this article so that hopefully those without anxiety can understand what we with anxiety go through. For those with anxiety, you are not alone.

Often times, anxiety makes me feel alone or feel the need to be separated from everyone else. I can be with several friends and at a great spot in life, but the anxiety in me says otherwise. This can cause many people with anxiety to slip into a depression that at times can become unbearable. However, having anxiety does not automatically mean you are depressed person, so do not assume. These are two separate illnesses that overlap at times.

Having anxiety makes us very empathetic and understanding towards others. We know what it feels like to have a bad day or just want to be comforted by others. Those with anxiety need reassurance and to feel safe. The littlest of things can trigger anxiety and panic attacks.

"Anxiety

1. The feeling where you stay up at night, stare at your ceiling, ask yourself an infinite number of questions, then sit there and debate on whether or not you actually want to know the answer.

2. The feeling where you wonder who truly cares about you and who is just using you; who is there for you and who is so desperately waiting for you to fail.

3. The feeling where you feel like you're not good enough; that you need to be this, this, and this to be successful and liked. You crave for the attention you know you can't have.

4. The feeling where you get frustrated because it's physically impossible to be 100% happy. You want someone to vent to, but no one will understand you.

5. The feeling where you question your value, your worth, your pride, yourself, everything... and you think. Overthink. All night. All you're left with, is you, yourself, and a very dark place."

Call 1-800-273-8255 for "Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals".