When I was a freshman in high-school I was diagnosed with a type of anxiety disorder. We think it started much earlier, but this was the time that it had been the worst.
It happened out of the blue, and it was not a slow process. All of a sudden, I couldn't go many places without getting ill. I missed a ton of school because of that. I would be so nervous to be around big groups of people that if I knew I was going to be in that situation that day, I would have to refrain from eating. As a result of that, I began to lose a lot of weight.
We began to visit doctors because we weren't exactly sure what was wrong with me. The doctors thought something was wrong with my stomach, but after a few tests they learned that was not the case.
I had an anxiety disorder that affected my acid reflux greatly.
This article isn't so much about my story, but about everyone who suffers from some type of anxiety disorder.
Allow me to hit you with some facts.
Anxiety and feeling anxious at times are two different things. We mustn't confuse the two. Anxiety is a real mental illness, and it is serious.
It consumes your whole life. You have to make every decision with your anxiety in mind. It floods your mind with thoughts of worry, nervousness, and negativity. You second guess everything, in fact you triple guess.
Having anxiety feels like you are drowning. It makes you feel alone, and as though everyone around you thinks you are crazy.
But you aren't crazy, or alone.
Did you know that anxiety is the most common mental illness? Over 40 million people in the United States have it. That is 18 percent of our population! This means you are not alone.
Anxiety is a result of a chemical imbalance. Researchers believe that biological factors may also be a cause, but it is not proven. This, however, means that it is not your fault.
Anxiety is a battle, a war within your mind. It is not a battle you can't win.
Anxiety is treatable, but only one third of people suffering from it actually seek help. If you think you are suffering from this, please see a doctor!
I thought I was going to feel that way for the rest of my life. It took a lot of help from someone, but I don't struggle with it as much.
There are still days where I face my opponent a little extra. There are days where I will be at a restaurant, or a gathering, and instantly feel sick. Those days are few between now.
You can't let it control you. You have to put up a fight. Train yourself to win. Train yourself to realize how badass you truly are.
You are more than your illness. It doesn't define you, so don't let it!
