Anxiety. Let’s talk about it. To clarify what anxiety is for the people who do not know, according to the National Institute for Mental Health “for a person with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. The feelings can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, school work, and relationships.” Anxiety is a serious mental illness that is a gateway into many other serious disorders, so in other words anxiety is severe. People dealing with this, like myself, have to struggle with traumatic experiences on a daily basis, but still have to carry on as if nothing happened. Society shames mental illnesses, and I am extremely tired of it. I should not have to feel ashamed for something I have no control over. Anxiety is a real thing that needs to be addressed rather than glamorized or oppressed.
Having an anxiety disorder does not mean that I am exaggerating how I am feeling. I have no control over what I become anxious about. Literally anything can trigger it. However, that does not mean I am being a hypochondriac about my life. Anxiety disorders cause the person to excessively worry about one thing. I fixate on the small problems, even if I know they won’t affect me. Somebody dealing with anxiety will constantly worry until they have a panic attack. Panic attacks aren’t a joke as well. I can’t just “calm down.” They can be life threatening. Dealing with anxiety is not something somebody would want to go through. I did not choose to have this. People glamorize this, and honestly, it’s just offensive.
My anxiety does not define who I am. Just because I have a mental illness does not mean I cannot function like a normal person, because I do. Millions of people suffer from anxiety disorders each year. It’s surprising how many people struggle with it. However, I can do normal things without having a panic attack, or excessively worrying. It does interfere sometimes, but that does not mean I can’t live my life! People with anxiety disorders can do anything people without disorders can do.I still go out with my friends, I still go to school, and I still go to work despite having it. I shouldn’t be oppressed because of something I have no control over. Society stereotypes people who deal with anxiety, and when someone says they have a mental illness, a negative image comes to mind. I don't want to be ashamed of something I have, and I don't think anyone should feel that way. Anxiety disorders are real, and everyone should know that.
