Catatonic, cold, alone.

Those three words starting becoming consistent in my mindset once I turned ten. I won't go into too much detail, but if I was to put it simply, that was the start of a battle that I continue to face today. With the help of my family, and friend with a counseling license, I have made tremendous strides. Strides I never thought I would be making.

I've had people tell me they can't imagine what it would be like to be stricken with anxiety. Let me attempt to give you a mental picture of what it's like for me.

I wake up each morning with the thought that I have done something wrong to someone or something at work, when the truth is, I did everything that I was supposed to and I'm not at odds with anyone. That doesn't stop the wall of fear from making its appearance and crushing your day every chance it gets.

Exams are ten times worse when it comes to anxiety. Not only do you have to remember so many different formulas and definitions, you have to keep yourself calm enough to even be in the same room with everyone else. Excuse my example, but think of the first time you had your heart broken, multiply that by three and that is the amount of pain it is during an exam. Trust me, it's not a fun time and I don't wish that kind of pain on my worst enemy.

It's difficult to establish relationships with new friends and with significant others.

In our relationships we tend to be standoffish when it comes to becoming physically attractive to the opposite sex for fear of getting too close and end up hurting themselves. I have unfortunately been involved in many relationships where I have gotten too close and hurt in the process.

I want everyone to know that you're not alone. You shouldn't keep this to yourself. I have let this fear haunt me for years before I started talking about it. I never realized how much help I needed until I was able to release all of my feelings. Find a group of friends or someone of high authority to confide and trust in.

If you keep your anxiety bottled up it will continue to consume you until you are unable to breathe. I will never forget when I was finally able to release all of my emotions and the burden was taken of my shoulders. Don't let yourself turn catatonic, but energetic.