What's Anxiety? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

What's Anxiety?

Here is the cold truth about anxiety.

176
What's Anxiety?

A lot of people deal with some form of anxiety. It presents itself in many different ways, and affects each individual differently. For some, it's short term. For others, it hangs around for long periods, years even. I encourage you to keep going. Keep pushing yourself. It gets better, don't worry!

So, what's anxiety like? Here's the truth:

She crawls into bed after a busy day, and cocoons herself into the sheets. Only a few moments pass before she says her prayers and closes her eyes, on the brink of a good night's rest...

After forty-five minutes of laying in the silence, a tear runs down her cheek. She can't sleep. Her anxiety begins acting up. She'll flip through the channels on the tv, but it's not calming her. She begins panicking. She'll play with the apps on her phone to divert her attention elsewhere. It's getting worse. Is something wrong?

Nope, just anxiety!

She will once again close her eyes and try to fall asleep. Sharp pains begin traveling up her abdomen and into her chest. Her heart is fluttering. She is still crying. Is something wrong now?

Nope, just anxiety!

Her body begins to shake as heat waves run through it. The pressure in her forehead is intense. She uses some breathing techniques to try calming it. It's not working. Something is surely wrong with her.

Nope, just anxiety!

She will get on the internet and search for literally anything to calm the activity... Sleep meditation, progressive relaxation, calming music. Nothing is working. Two hours later, she is still awake, still shaking, an still aching. Something must be wrong.

Nope, just anxiety!

Somewhere between the heat waves, the shakes, the tears, the body aches and the chest pains, she manages to fall asleep. Her body is exhausted the next morning. This isn't normal. She is not okay. Something is seriously wrong here.

Nope, just anxiety!

And so, on goes the day and into the night, where the battle will once again take place. But it's JUST anxiety, people say.

Tell that to the girl whose tears run down her cheeks as she tries her hardest to stop the shaking. Tell that to the girl who's heart begins fluttering as she experiences a panic attack. Tell that to the girl who is desperately searching for anything to calm her, when it seems like nothing will. Tell her. After all, it's just anxiety, isn't it?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

15934
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6855
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5059
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4445
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments