Clinical anxiety is definitely not a walk in the park. It tends to plague my life in more ways then I tend to let on. I have a hard time talking to people, I struggle with asking for help, and hate confrontation. I started taking medicine for my anxiety this past year, and it has been one of the best things I have ever done. I feel more confident, more secure, and more independent. However, the Covid-19 crisis has definitely not helped. The first week when everything started to explode, I have never felt more alone, sadder, or more anxious. It was hard. Things started to get better and I am thankful to say that I got through it, however, every once in awhile the anxiety comes back and I am reminded about the times we are living in.
My recent bout of anxiety happened the other day. I attend the University of Georgia and to be fair, it has been exhausting being one of the only people who actually is trying to actively be a good citizen and follow the guidelines in the middle of this pandemic. People are still going out to bars, partying, and overall just not being safe. It has been very frustrating. It is stressful knowing that I could get sick while it not even being my fault. I recently had a scare when someone I knew had been exposed to people who started showing symptoms. Rather than fighting the situation, I took myself out of it and drove back home for the week leading up to labor day weekend. My friend's test was negative, but I felt better going home instead of staying where I could possibly be sick. It was a very scary situation and I am just thankful that my roommate is okay and that everyone is safe.
While the current situation we are in is not ideal, we will just have to continue to live with it. The whole pandemic is very anxiety-inducing, so I recommend finding ways to make sure that you feel safe. Do things with close friends, stay home on weekends, and ALWAYS wear your mask. We will get through this, but everything will be okay. Take a deep breath, count to ten, and remember God has your back.
Much Love,
Maddie