Things We Wish We Could Say To People Without Anxiety | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Things We Wish We Could Say To People Without Anxiety

The things we wish we could explain to those who question anxiety.

29
Things We Wish We Could Say To People Without Anxiety

"Why are you anxious..?" You ask me.

What's funny is, you have no idea that in my head I'm asking myself the exact same thing.

'...Why am I anxious?' I think to myself.

The truth is, I have no idea. If I knew why I was anxious, I probably would have figured out how to fix it. How to make it go away. How to make it stop interrupting my every day life.. But the truth is I don't know. Life throws me new curve balls every day and I'm going with the flow just like anyone else. Maybe just a little more on edge than some people..

We all have things we'd love to say to people even though we know we can't. Or maybe we could, but we avoid the confrontation because the mere thought of confrontation sends our heads spiraling into a place we'd just rather avoid at all cost.

If you suffer from anxiety, from that pins and needles, chest tightening, overwhelming sense of fear; these may be things you find yourself wishing you could say to people when they question it or offer advice.

"Do you really think this is fun for me? Do you really think I enjoy the constant chest tightening and pins and needles feeling in my hands and feet?" I think people are under the misconception that anxiety is fun. Or that it's a form of attention. Trust me, I'd rather not have your attention when I'm going through this. I'd rather you not know that I feel as if the earth around me is caving in and I have no where to escape. There is nothing fun about anxiety, and I'm searching for everything possible to help me cope with it. It's hard to explain to someone that doesn't understand it or even to those that assume they do.

"Don't you think I've tried just about every thought possible to make this stop? If I could just stop thinking about it, you wouldn't have to tell me to stop because it wouldn't be an issue!" Unfortunately it's not that easy for those of us with anxiety, which is why I go to counseling. I'm learning how to cope with my anxiety. While I know you're trying to help, it's doing the exact opposite. I try and think about millions of other things when I'm anxious..

But it's like riding a roller-coaster that I can't get off of. I can't get off till it's done. There is no emergency stop, there are twists and turns, highs and lows and I'm just riding along. It looks like I'm fine on the outside, maybe even enjoying the ride. But truth be told, I hate roller-coasters. On the inside, I'm screaming for it to stop. Screaming over and over again to some imaginary figure I'm hoping can come along and stop this Hell for me. But I just ride along till it's done.

Sure, I can sit in the roller-coaster and try to picture something as simple as sitting on a boat on the lake. Something calming and relaxing; but the second that roller-coaster flips me upside down, I'm back to reality. That I'm stuck in a roller-coaster that decides for me when I can get off.

"Yes, there is medicine for that. Yes, I'm on medicine.. And no, it's not fun." Now while my medicinal solution is only temporary, as I am getting through post part-um depression, anxiety and OCD, some people aren't as lucky. They have to take this medicine every day and trust me... There is nothing fun about it. The days I forget to take it are terrible. I'm on edge, only a few hours without it and my body already goes through withdrawal. Anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication is not fun. It's not something to aspire to be on, and if you can avoid it at all cost, please do. It's made me an emotionless zombie most days and that's no way to go through life.

And medicine is only a small part in over-coming it. It takes a counselor, a strong support system and maybe even some significant lifestyle changes. Medicine is merely a tiny piece in this giant puzzle we're solving.

So I ask you, please, don't judge your friend, family member or significant other if they say they're feeling anxious, suffer from anxiety or go through an anxiety attack. It's a roller-coaster that we can't get off of. We just learn to ride alone. But some days, the ride is too hard and we may seem on edge, or angry. But we're not.

We're just physically and mentally tired from this roller-coaster and our patience has ran thin. But we're thankful for the patience you share with us. We promise we're learning how to cope with it. It just may take a little while. And while we know you're questions come from a place of love and concern, sometimes all we need is a shoulder to cry on. Or for someone to tell us, it's gonna be okay. Or to say, I'll sit beside you on this roller-coaster and take this head on with you.

I promise, that is the most you can do to help. And while sometimes we may forget to tell you, we're beyond thankful for you and we love you.





























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

17224
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.

7370
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.

5411
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.

4714
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