"Because sometimes people don't actually feel that way. Sometimes your life feels like it's caving in on you. Sometimes people really do feel like they don't want to exist, like they just want to curl up into a ball, and go into that place between life and death. Saying, 'I don't want to exist' isn't saying, 'I want to go die.' It's saying that 'I wish that, for the time being, I could go somewhere and not have to feel.' I don't think there's anything wrong with that and if you don't know how it feels to feel that way, then you have no place to judge anyone else."

Just so you know, I actually do suffer from an anxiety disorder. I know you may be thinking, "Is that not personal? Why would you want to admit that?'' Honestly, I have simply come to face the fact that this is what I have to live with. Why would I be ashamed of it? That is basically saying that I am ashamed of who I am. The quote above stuck out to me because it is so true (on every aspect, not just anxiety). The fact that people suffer from mental disorders like this does not mean they are ANY different.

I obviously realize I have anxiety (duh), but what irritates me the absolute most is the fact that some people simply don't talk to me because of it. Our society today consists of rumors and media that can easily link to judgment of others. I admit that I have been involved in this act, but in all honesty, it's the most ridiculous notion ever.

I AM NOT MY ANXIETY.

I have already missed countless opportunities because I didn't know how to handle my thoughts and anxiety attacks. Feeling like you can't breathe or simply control your body is nothing I would ever wish upon someone. I hope to let people know that simply talking to a girl or boy who looks shy and doesn't talk, can make a huge difference for us.

• It gives the message that we are not alone.
• It makes us feel involved.
• It can actually make our whole day.

People don't realize how much it means to simply look past the outside and look into maybe why we are the way we are. We don't choose to be what we have, so don't label us as so.

I am NOT my anxiety disorder, I am simply a girl whose brain doesn't work like everyone else's. If you find yourself encountering someone with this disorder, just realize that all we want to be is understood. I have overcome a lot of obstacles in my short life, and I could not be more thankful for the people who actually began to accept me for just who I am and not for my disorder.