Hi, my name is Julie! From reading the title of this article and the reason you clicked on this is because you probably can relate to what I am about to discuss.

First thing first (I'm the realest — sorry had to), anxiety sucks. To anyone who has ever experienced a sense of anxiety or an attack, I am sure you are shaking your head thinking to yourself, damn this girl gets me.

It is hard to wrap my head around the idea that this thing called anxiety has the power to instantly take over the brain whether we like it or not. For example, we can be sitting by the pool catching some rays with friends or by the beach (no way for anyone to be upset because hello friends + sun), but low and behold our little anxiety friend pops up out of nowhere to remind us, "hey bitch, do not forget about me!" It is like we can never get away from her no matter how hard we try.

But, what I have learned over the last few months and what I am going to share with you is that you cannot hide from it. Hiding and denying will not make it go away. For months I would say to my mother, "I cannot wait for the morning I wake up and it is just gone, poof no more anxiety." My mom would say to me, "Julie I know this is new for you, but that's not how it works." I kept telling my mother that she was wrong and one day it will all just go away, but it never did.

I just learned how to cope with it and not let it define me.

I will be 100% honest, it was hard at first and honey it is still hard. I would be hanging out with friends or family and suddenly feel anxious. Anxious in a situation or place that was never uncomfortable or uneasy for me to ever feel years ago. For example, why was I feeling this ball in my throat at a family holiday dinner? These people have seen me at my worst and love me unconditionally for me. But there is no real answer. It just happens.

For months I would question why it was happening or what could have triggered these feelings. But, in the end, the more time I spent concocting possible scenarios, I made myself even more anxious than I was to begin with.

There were multiple events I attended where I just lost it. For example, I went to a close friend's birthday dinner with a bunch of girlfriends. I was sitting at the table and conversing with some of the girls and boom out of nowhere I got nauseous and my throat felt like it was closing in. I was experiencing a panic attack right in front of fifteen close friends and some strangers.

I had to act cool because I did not want to take the spotlight from the birthday girl and if all eyes were on me I would feel even more anxious. I tried to keep eating and distract myself by talking to the girls next to me, but I could not focus on anything, but the anxiety I was feeling at that very moment. I couldn't sit there any longer or imagine myself going to the bar with everyone afterward to continue the celebration. I knew I HAD to get out of the restaurant and fast before the tears would begin or worse, vomit.

That has never been me. I have always been the girl who shows up to events happy and cheery ready to have fun. I am known to be outgoing and the go-with-the-flow type. But, ever since my anxiety has developed and changed my life, her presence randomly graces me when I least expect it.

As a sensitive and outgoing girl, I cared what people thought. "What were they thinking when I left the party because I could not physically imagine myself staying and acting like I was okay when I was not" or "Once they find out I am on medication that is it my life would be over." But boy, I was SO wrong.

I realized I was worrying about all the wrong things. Who cared what people thought about me? Who cared that I was on medication to stabilize myself, so I could live life the same again. What I did not realize and what many people tend to forget is that everyone is fighting their own battle. EVERYONE HAS ISSUES!!!

Look around.

Most people are on medication, have lost someone important to them, are insecure about something, or like I said before, are fighting a battle that you may not even see. So, with this in mind, be aware that everyone is living a stressful, chaotic, life. No matter how great they make it seem on social media, nothing is ever picture perfect.

I would spend hours praying that one day my anxiety would just poof away, so I could live life like I used to, with no worry or care in the world. But, what I was not doing was appreciating what I have.

I am blessed.

I have friends and family who would give the world to me. I am attending an amazing university with so many opportunities. I am healthy. I am happy.

And, I have anxiety.

But I will never ever let this one obstacle stop me from achieving what I want in my life. If people do not accept YOU for you do not be upset. Just brush your shoulder and realize that YOU are YOU for a reason. If they cannot handle all of you, then darling they are missing out on something awesome.