Simply, I wish you could get it. I wish you could understand it. And I wish it didn’t make you mad. So I’m sorry it’s not what you want. And I’m sorry you don’t agree.

Anxiety sucks. And unless you suffer from it, you will truly never understand. What people don’t get, is that anxiety is not something you can just turn off, like a radio station if you don’t like the song. It is just there. It exists, and you just have to learn to coexist with it.

Anxiety is not just about worrying and having panic attacks. Though that is typically what it is thought to be. Sleepless nights, lack of hunger, irritability, and muscle tension, are some issues that come from anxiety to name a few. Rapid heart beat, and choking are some more physical ones many people experience too. It is frustrating, to not be able to sleep no matter how tired you are. And it is terrifying to not be able to slow your heart rate down, when all you’re doing is sitting still. These effects are not choices.

It’s simply not a choice to feel. Whether someone feels happy when they eat pizza, or sad when they miss someone who passed away, the feelings are natural. If we could change how we feel the world would be such a different place. Telling someone to stop, or suck it up, is simply disregarding how they feel. Just like all the other emotions we feel, anxiety is not a choice. And it is not something anyone would wish upon themselves.

Instead of telling someone to stop being anxious, remind them they are okay and that you are there to help. Offer them a listening ear, or a shoulder to cry on. Sometimes just letting out however they feel can make a huge difference.

Whether you believe that anxiety is lifelong, or short term... it exists. Some people have had it since they were young enough to understand. For others, it comes after a traumatic experience. While some people, they simply just grow to have it. Regardless, anxiety is out there. If you have it, keep trying your best, you can do this! If you don’t, please try your best to respect the people that do. As I’ve said before, it is not their choice have it. And until you’ve had it, you just won’t get it. So take a step back & respect those who deal with the never ending burden of an unwanted thought.

So, I understand that you just don't get it and that you can't understand it. I too wish that it didn't make you so mad. However I am not sorry, since this is just a part of who I am.