I remember hearing the word anxiety and thinking it was an emotion that every one had to go through. I thought it was similar to the idea of feeling happy, sad, mad, angry, etc. I didn't think anything of it, I overlooked it. Then I came to realize that I have anxiety. A lot of people have anxiety. But a lot of people also generalize anxiety and it's a slap in the face to me and all the other individuals that truly suffer from anxiety. Please stop generalizing anxiety.

Of course everyone goes through a spell of anxiety when it comes to tests, interviews, sports games, etc. It's normal to have that natural heart race, palm sweat, and adrenaline rush when something big is about to happen. But some of us have that feeling all day, everyday, for no reason at all. That's anxiety. That's when you can say you suffer from anxiety. Please stop generalizing anxiety.

For those of you who do not suffer from anxiety, I'll take you through a typical day of mine. I wake up in a sudden panic thinking I missed my alarm or I missed class, or maybe even an assignment. Then I calm myself down, get out of bed and stress over what clothes to wear. Common thoughts going through my mind at this time are: maybe someone will make fun of me for wearing this shirt, maybe I'll show too much skin wearing these shorts, maybe someone will notice the dirt on my shoe...blah blah blah.

Then I finally decide on something, usually sweats, and force myself to go get food. I talk myself out of a panic attack on my way to get food. I tell myself there's going to be a lot of people, but no one is going to stare at you, or judge you. Just get some food, eat it, and leave. Simple, right? Then I walk in, see all the eyes, and instantly feel my heart start to race, and my hands start to shake. And if it's a really bad day, I start to feel my head spin and my eyes get blurry. Please stop generalizing anxiety.

Then I head to class and start think of all the possible questions I may have to answer or how I will participate. Then as I raise my hand I begin to talk myself out of speaking. I tell myself that I could be wrong and others will look at me as if I'm stupid and my professor will laugh. I instantly go to that negative mindset to prepare myself for the worst. Please stop generalizing anxiety.

I know the trend these days is to suffer from anxiety, to be depressed, to joke around and say you want to kill yourself. But it's not funny, it's not a cool trend, it's not a trend, it's not a choice. People suffer from these mental illnesses and have no choice but to live with it everyday and some people can't even deal with it because it's such a challenge each day. Please stop generalizing anxiety.

Yes, I do not have it as bad as others do, but I still have to deal with it each and every day. There's no way to escape it, or remove it, or turn it off. I am constantly in a mindset where I think something is going to go wrong, or someone is mad/upset with me, or that the world and everyone in it is against me. It makes me feel alone and isolated and most of the time upset and bitter towards myself. I will forever have to hold onto this challenge and never let go. But the thing is, it's made me into the person I am today. It's molded me into my own person, even if it's not exactly where I want to be. I came to the conclusion that it's one challenge I have to deal with, but it's not impossible. Each of us have a challenge in life, so why do you have to claim you have to deal with something you do not? Do us all a favor and please stop generalizing anxiety.