Anxiety: a feeling of worry, nauseousness, or unease.

But what does it feel like to have this feeling every minute of the day? It feels like a million thoughts running through your head, unable to concentrate and restless sleeping habits. It feels like there is not enough time in the world to finish everything on your to-do list.

It starts off by sending your friend texts like:

I'm not okay.

I'm literally having an anxiety attack right now.

I can't breathe.

I'm so stressed out, I'm crying.

Now, these texts are a plea for support, but believe it or not, these words and phrases are taken for granted these days. They have lost a little bit of their meaning because they are so over-used.

But what do these texts forget to capture? Just to name a few...

The heavily breathing and gasping for air in between each word you try to speak.

The puffy red eyes and pupils filled with tears and despair.

The completely empty feeling in the pit of your stomach and your thoughts picking at you and your consciousness.

The thoughts that tell you that you're not good enough, you won't amount to anything, and you're not going to get through this.

The loss of appetite but the good head on your shoulders telling you to eat. And then a feeling of guiltyness if you don't eat because you fear someone may notice.

The "trying to suck it up" feeling which leads you to to break down even more later in the day.

The embarrassed feeling from those who do not understand.

The alone feeling when everyone surrounds you does not understand.

The feeling of defeat as you look yourself in the mirror, telling yourself to get yourself together as you see mascara running down your face and your whole face swelled up.

The biting of your nails and the biting of your lip.

And the shaking hands, the runny nose, and the weakness that overwhelms you.

This is what an anxiety feels and looks like. The worst part is that words cannot even describe it as a whole because every individual is different. However, it is important to know that there are people that understand you and want to help you. Do not try to hide in fear that your friends may like you less or your family will worry. It's important to seek help or comfort when you need it.

What to do when someone has an anxiety attack:

Hug them.

Get them some water.

Tell them to breathe slowly.

Put on some calming music.

Go on a walk.

Eat something.

There's more ways to cope with anxiety, but these are just a few simple mechanisms to calm someone who is experiencing an attack. Remember, it does not define them.