What is anxiety anyway? It is different for everyone who struggles with it but the dictionary definition is stated as a feeling of "worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event of something with an uncertain outcome". This kind of intense nervousness can become increasingly overwhelming throughout a typical day and other contributing factors can only make it worse. Whether it is being in a relationship, maintaining friendships, working at a stressful job, or keeping up with a busy schedule, individuals who struggle with anxiety find these simple everyday things hard to manage.

The following examples are going to be brief first-person perspectives on what it is like one specific individual to go through a day with their anxiety. This is no way, shape, or form is what all anxiety is like for everyone who experiences it. Everyone is different and handles their symptoms differently. Also, the following scenarios may or may not be triggering events for anxiety for everyone.

BEING IN A RELATIONSHIP:

I texted him earlier good morning, but he hasn't responded yet. I keep trying to tell myself that it's no big deal but as the minutes turn into hours I can't help what happens next. What could he be doing? When was the last time we talked? Did I say something wrong, do something wrong? What if he wants to break up with me.

My phone buzzes after what feels like an eternity. "I have to talk to you... But I'm busy right now so later."

Oh my god... what does he need to talk about? What if he wants to break up? I thought we were doing fine, we just had that nice date a couple nights ago. Was it not nice? I had had a busy day that day, maybe I was too tired and he thought I wasn't having fun. God, he wants to break up with me. Is he really going to let me sit there all day and think about this?

Another buzz. "By the way, hope you have a good day, I love you." I sigh and try to keep going with my work.

KEEPING UP WITH FRIENDS:

I asked if her if we should meet up after school and get some dinner, afterward maybe having a study session. She said she was too busy with other commitments but that we would get together soon. She's been busy a lot lately and I understand of course but what if...

No, you can't think like that. Of course, she still wants to be friends with you, her busy schedule has nothing to do with not liking you anymore. But the last time we hung out she seemed, distant. That's just because there was a lot on her mind.

But what if I'm not a good enough friend to her? Do I talk about myself too much? Have I not been there for her? What if she hates me and is just ignoring me until I stop making plans?

There's a knock on my door, and she walks in smiling.

HAVING A STRESSFUL JOB:

On the drive to work, my heart is always pounding. I know I'm not as strong of a seller as my other coworkers, but lately, it seems the boss is waiting for me to mess up so I can be let go. I'm trying my best, but it feels like no matter what I do, it's never as good as it could be. Everyone else probably thinks the same thing, that I'm not good enough. What if they all hate me, I mean they're nice when I'm around... But what if they're just pretending? Oh god, I think I left my straightener plugged in at home. Did I? I don't remember unplugging it but I have never left it plugged in before. Let me just text my friend and ask her to go check for me. I can't get on my phone at work, but what if my house is on fire right now and no one knows it.

I text her anyways, in the storage room at work. She texts back quickly, assuring me everything is fine at home. I go back to work.

These three scenarios are just brief moments in an individual's life where she felt that her anxiety built up the most. They may have seemed short but for some, an anxiety attack can go on for hours about something that might seem to someone else as insignificant. So the next time someone tells you that they experience anxiety, try to understand when an anxiety attack could hit and consider these brief glimpses into what is going on in their heads.