Anxiety is defined as something that relates to a person feeling uneasy or discomfort about situations. Most people, at one point in their life, experience anxiety to whatever degree. Although, I would like to offer some insight on what I have learned from living with anxiety.

For as long as I can remember, I have always been more anxious than the average family, whether it is about school, or family and friends. Upon going away to school anxiety has become tougher, but everyday I am learning to live with it. Most people probably would not know that I actually experience pretty bad anxiety some times, because I have become rather good at hiding it (most of the time). Most of my close friends have had to deal with me, and my crazy thoughts. What I have found is that it is extremely unhealthy to internalize anxiety, and having an outlet, whether it be writing, friends, or a therapist, it is important to discuss your feelings and thoughts.

Discussing thoughts is so important because sometimes verbalizing your anxious thoughts helps you realize that what you are thinking is definitely drastic. While most anxiety stems from real life problems, our mind has a way of exaggerating these thoughts to a level that it is unnecessary. Friends and family will also help talk you down from your thoughts, since they probably can understand what you are fearing or being anxious about is rather exaggerated.

Sometimes, anxiety does take over my life, no matter how much I know I should not let it. These times are tough, and it feels like it will last forever, but reminding myself that it will not last forever is always reassuring.

For those who know people suffering from anxiety:

- Do NOT tell them to just stop worrying about. Rather offer them words to help talk them down from their thoughts, instead of completely invalidating their anxiety.

-DO be there for them as a shoulder to cry on, and a person to seek comfort in.

-DO allow them to have their moments and cry or yell and scream. Letting them release all the thoughts that consume them and the adrenaline that is built up from anxiety also be released.

For those who suffer from anxiety:

-Found your outlet for your anxiety. Some suggestions: Working out, writing, drawing, or meditating.

-When you feel those anxious thoughts, write them down on a piece of paper and try reciting your thoughts out loud. I have found this to be helpful.

-Do not be afraid of talking to someone openly about your anxiety! This is so helpful, and you should not be ashamed or embarrassed of what you feel and experience!

-No matter how tough it gets, do not let the anxiety take over your life and get in the way of being happy and living everyday to the fullest.

To wrap things up, everyone has experienced or will experience anxiety at some point in their life, but it is important to try and not let the thoughts consume you. Live every day to the fullest, and be happy :).