Admitting you have anxiety is probably something you try to avoid. Letting others know this part of you feels like a weakness and you’d prefer if they didn’t know, but I’m here to tell you it’s okay and that I get it. It’s more common than you think and it isn’t something you should be ashamed of — and it’s definitely something you shouldn’t ignore. If you struggle with anxiety, this one’s for you.
- It’s not something you can always control, so cut yourself some slack. Don’t make yourself more anxious and upset by belittling yourself or blaming yourself for your anxiety. It’s a part of you that seriously sucks sometimes, and while you can’t control when it will rear its head and try to tear you don’t, you don’t have to let it control you. Give yourself space to breathe and stop blaming yourself for something that’s no one’s fault. It’s okay. You’re okay.
- You’re still worthy of love, no matter what your head tells you. Being alone is bad enough when your anxiety is heightened, but the person you care about most can be affected as well. The best thing you can do is remember that this person is there to make you feel better and hopefully to understand your struggle. While someone who loves you will always show you love and patience, it’s also up to you to do the work to ensure that your anxiety doesn’t ruin your relationship by attending therapy, taking medication, or even doing things as simple as meditating and other self-care.
- You’re smart, capable, and worthy of professional success. Work anxiety is rough, especially if you’re a deeply driven person with a desire to climb the ladder of your chosen career field. You just want to do your job well, but it doesn’t help when your anxiety prevents you from performing at your best since your brain is trying to convince you that you’re not doing a good enough job. A little bit of stress can sometimes serve as an impetus for success, but don’t allow your anxiety to convince you that you’re incapable or unworthy of it.
- Anxiety isn’t just mental — your physical health can suffer too. Don’t let it. Dry mouth, shaky hands, inability to concentrate, racing thoughts and heart palpitations — these are physical symptoms of an anxious person and it happens way too often than it’s welcomed. Taking deep breaths, practicing yoga and reading are all things that can help even if it doesn’t make it go away completely. If your anxiety is affecting your daily life to the point where you feel you’re having trouble functioning, you should never feel ashamed to seek professional help. You and your health deserve it.
- It’s hard for others to understand, but the ones who matter most will always try. Even when you explain it to others, unless they’ve gone through it themselves, many won’t truly understand what it is you go through on a daily basis. They’ll tell you to just breathe, or assure that whatever you’re freaking out about isn’t that serious. Ignore them. Those who love you and who want to understand will always try to do so, and those are the people you need to hold onto.
- Much of your struggle is internal and hidden from the world, but that doesn’t make it less real. I know you probably fear that others will sense your tense and nervous vibes, but it really isn’t as obvious as you think. Most of your anxious fears come within and it really has nothing to do with anyone else. You may feel it on the inside, but it certainly doesn’t show on the outside. Keep your head up.
- No, you’re not going crazy, even if you’re sometimes sure you are. Anxiety can actually make you feel insane to the point that you don’t recognize yourself or understand what you’re doing or saying. It’s such an irrational way of thinking sometimes that makes you blame yourself for feeling this way. This is not your fault and you are not crazy, I promise. However, if you find yourself struggling to hold onto reality, this is another sign that you may need the help of a qualified professional to help get you back on your feet.
- It takes a toll on your well-being, but you will be okay. Life can feel a little less fulfilling when you deal with an anxious mind. Small things that should normally be overlooked are a lot bigger to you and it affects your quality of life sometimes. If you make a concerted effort to work on it, whether with the help of a therapist, medication, meditation or a combination of all three, you can begin to find ways to cope and breathe a little easier.
- Your anxiety does not own you. However strong your anxiety is, it does not own you or define who you are. Anxiety is only a part of you, not all of you. The best thing you can do is accept yourself for who you are and stay strong, just like you’ve always been. You WILL get through this. Repeat that to yourself for as long as it takes to believe it.
