Dear Anxiety, I Know You Will Never Go Away, But You Will Never Define Me | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Dear Anxiety, I Know You Will Never Go Away, But You Will Never Define Me

A letter of things I've been waiting to tell my anxiety.

115
Dear Anxiety, I Know You Will Never Go Away, But You Will Never Define Me
Max Pixel

Dear Anxiety,

You have overstayed your welcome for far too long. I never asked you to be here. It’s even hard to pinpoint an exact time you showed up. You’ve just always been there. I’ve had so much taken away from me because you will not leave me alone. I’ve missed out on so many childhood experiences because you made me too nervous to do them.

The countless sleepless nights and panic attacks. The years of switching medication just to numb you. Numerous friendships that have been broken from your interferences. A lifetime of bullying resulted by you not allowing me to stick up for myself for so long. The countless hours in therapy to learn why you’re here and how to get rid of your furtive personality.

It took 20 years, but I’m starting to realize you will never go away.

I’ve had my perspective changed so many times, but I’ve finally settled on one perspective that I don’t believe I’ll be changing anytime soon. I’m sick of your chatoyant eyes always following my every move, but I’ve learned to accept it at the same time.

You are part of me, but you do not define me.

I needed to start learning how to live with you rather than get rid of you. I realize that it is a cause of genetics, not of upbringing. Regardless, you are not an enjoyable entity to lug around each day, but I can’t change that. I’ve gotten used to the feeling that half of who I am is eternally hidden in your penumbra, but I won’t let you mask the entirety of who I am. I have enough strength now to pull most of myself from you, which is better than nothing.

I learned from the difficult situations you’ve caused me to have and now understand how to function with you. I know I will be learning how to handle you every day for the rest of my life, but it gets easier with each passing day. I've developed metaphorical handfuls of coping strategies and the motivation to not let you control me another day longer than you have. I am much stronger than you may think, and no matter how hard you try, you will not destroy me again. I am so much more than you.

However, any time you would like to leave would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

A Very Exhausted Girl

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

Here you will find a list of many of the people you will come across in your life, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to give a name to all these characters that you hopefully see day to day. Don't take these friends for granted because they all add a little something to your life, and if you can't name all of them to your personal friends, chances are it might be you...

Keep Reading...Show less
gossip girl

On the Upper East Side, Blair Waldorf is an icon. She's what every girl aspires to be. She's beautiful, confident, and can handle any obstacle that life throws at her. Sure, she may just be a television character. But for me, she's a role model and theres a lot that can be learned from Queen B.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Perks of Being a Girl

“I just want you to know that you’re very special… and the only reason I’m telling you is that I don’t know if anyone else ever has.”

2142
girl

As frustrating and annoying as it can be, being a girl is really awesome. We are beautiful inside and out. Not a lot of people may see that, but girls have a ton of amazing qualities.

We have unique flirting skills.

Us girls have a significant way to flirt with other people. Even when we say the most random or awkward things, we have a way of making everything sound cute and planned. It’s just a gift; we’re good like that.

Keep Reading...Show less
gossip girl

Us college students know all about the struggle of spending the day in the library. Whether you are writing a ten-page paper, studying for a biology exam, or struggling through math homework, you somehow find the strength to get to the library to get it all done. Let's just say you have a lot of different thoughts that run through your head during the many hours you spend in the lovely library.

Keep Reading...Show less
female tv characters
We Heart It

Over the past decade, television has undergone a very crucial transition: the incorporation of female lead characters. Since it's a known fact that girls actually do run the world (Beyonce said so herself), it's time for the leading ladies of the small screen to get some credit. Without these characters, women would still be sitting in the background of our favorite shows. These women are not only trailblazers for female empowerment, but role models for women worldwide. With that, here are 15 of the smartest, sassiest ladies gracing our screens that remind us that women do, indeed, rule:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments