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I Have Anxiety, But That Doesn't Define Me.

Stop with the labels.

Apr 11, 2016

I Have Anxiety, But That Doesn't Define Me.

I wrote an article earlier this year about living with anxiety. This is how my life has unfolded since, and things I did not mention then.

I am 19, going on 20, going into my junior year of college. Life is pretty stressful, but I know in the end it will all work out.

At any given moment, it is possible to have a panic attack. It could be over something small or something huge, and when it happens, it could be anywhere. I am tired of being labeled the girl who is "insane." Walk in my shoes for a day. See what it is like to just be sitting in bed and get too warm and all of a sudden just start panicking because the room feels like it is closing in. Try being me when that happens.

Support. Support is a major key and I get it from my family and family friends. My best friends are up there, too. There are also those people who become scared of you. Why are you scared of me? Can't you see I can't breathe? I can't just relax, it doesn't work that way. Anxiety just doesn't disappear over night.

What people don't tell you is that just because they are on medicine, panic attacks don't just go away. Thoughts can still consume you. You never know what can happen or when it can happen. You can have a small panic attack and yes, they are scary. But imagine having them almost every single day. There are also periods of intense worry. Imagine trying to go to sleep and everything that's bothering you causes you so much distress that it becomes physical and you loose way too much sleep over it.

It isn't fair that I have to be labeled because of this. I have learned not to care. You want to call me names and make fun of me? Go for it. I am beyond over listening to all of the hurtful words that people have to say to me. If you have to put me down to make yourself feel better that speaks volumes to me.

I am not perfect, but no one is. Before you laugh at someone with anxiety take a walk in their shoes. Try and see what it is like before you label them as "crazy".

I have anxiety. I am not perfect. Before you start judging others who are like myself please think about this article and the words said to me.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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I Have Anxiety, But That Doesn't Define Me.

Stop with the labels.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

No, I can't help you.

1. When a customer wants to return a product, hands you the receipt, where is printed "ALL SALES ARE FINAL" in all caps.

2. Just because you might be having a bad day, and you're in a crappy mood, doesn't make it okay for you to yell at me or be rude to me. I'm a person with feelings, just like you.

3. People refusing to be put on hold when a customer is standing right in front of you. Oh, how I wish I could just hang up on you!

4. Having the same conversations over and over again! To be honest I really don't even want to talk to you right now, or have this fake ass smile on my face!

5. Always having to have a smile on your face. I promise I'm not as happy as I may look!

6. Customers not understanding that sometimes, mistakes happen. I am a human being, we all mess up sometimes!

7. Having the boss from hell, it's their way or the highway! Even though I did my job correctly and efficiently, if I don't do it the exact way you do, I'm a piece of shit.

8. Having coworker who don't help out, who bend the rules just enough to screw you over.

9. Having to be at work after closing because a customer is taking forever and half! Not like I'd like to go home or anything!

10. Having shitty hours and more shifts than you asked for. Just because we don't have enough workers, doesn't mean I want to pick up every shift that you cant cover, oh great boss of mine!

11. Not having time for a social life. It gets old saying, "I can't I have work..." Every day of the week!

12. Having that lazy costumer who can't do anything for themselves... no please I'll get that, it's no problem at all!

It's just my face, I swear.

1. When you meet new people, they automatically assume you hate them or are rude.

2. People are constantly asking you if you're OK.

3. After being friends with someone for a while, they confess to you, "I thought you were so mean when I first met you," or, "I thought you hated me."

4. You get told to smile more, but they don't understand how scary that would be.

5. You're always labeled as seeming "judgy."

6. Passing a friend with your RBF in full force and not realizing you just shot them a death glare.

7. Being sarcastic, but everyone thinks you're outright rude.

8. Not knowing how mean you really look until you see a picture of yourself in resting face.

9. Your apologies never sound sincere because of your emotionless face.

10. Your "mad face" scares you.

11. And, lastly, people are constantly asking you if you are happy or having a good time because you look bored to death.

Please hold your blonde joke.

1. "Is Elle Woods your spirit animal?"

2. "Is that your natural hair color?"

3. "Oh wow, you get good grades at school?"

4. "You must really like the color pink!"

5. "You’re probably not into sports, right?"

6. "You must have such a bubbly personality."

7. "Your wardrobe must consist of all things preppy."

8. "What sorority are you in?"

9. "You were probably a cheerleader in high school."

10. "You look like you’re from L.A. because your hair is so light."

11. "You definitely like Pumpkin Spiced Lattes from Starbucks!"

12. "Do you actually think blondes have more fun?"

13. "You must encompass the typical “white girl” stereotype."

14. "Is that daddy’s credit card you’re using?"

15. "So all of your friends are blonde too?"

16. "I’m surprised about you; I thought you would be a lot ditsier."

The world's greatest university meets the world's greatest show.

1. When you get your acceptance letter

2. When you try to figure out how class enrollment works

3. When it’s move in day

4. When you arrive on campus and see all of the attractive people

5. FROG Week

6. When you find your squad

7. When you visit DHall (RIP) or EHall for the first time

8. When you take on way too many credits

9. When you go to your first party at JMU

10. When the rival school shows up for the homecoming game (or any game really)

11. Sunday Brunch

12. When you see the infamous “preacher” for the first time

13. The first snow day

14. Madipalooza

15. When finals week rolls around

16. When you have to say goodbye

17. And when you finally get to go back

Do you have a small get-together or throw a big bash?

1. Your family and friends ask what you want for your birthday, so you give them a list of options.

2. You're super excited about your birthday the week before.

3. Your family flies in town to celebrate with you.

4. Your siblings wake you up.

5. Your friends are so excited to be with you on your big day.

6. If you work, your office might throw a party for you.

7. For your actual party, you plan a small get-together with close family and friends ...

8. ... or large celebration with everyone you know.

9. You eat the best meal you've had in weeks.

10. You devour the first piece of cake proudly.

11. You embarrass yourself somehow.

12. You get the present you really wanted but thought no one would get you.

13. You are a little sad about getting older.

14. That feeling wears off and you realize how happy you are to have family and friends to celebrate this day with you.

15. The morning after your birthday looks something like this.

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