You Are Not Your Anxiety

Anxiety. It has many different forms and no two cases look the same. There are many of us who don’t even realize we have anxiety, right up until the moment it hits us, of course. Strange sensation in your stomach, the need to let out that awkward laugh, or even the desire to let go of that tension by making those around you laugh. While that sounds like it may not be so bad, what happens on the outside isn’t always what’s happening on the inside.

Anxiety can be downright debilitating and make it hard to go about your activities of daily living. It can make it feel impossible to go to social functions, work, and sometimes make even getting out of bed seem like an impossible task. But we’re here to tell you, how you feel is okay. It isn’t wrong and that anxiety doesn’t define you.

It isn’t something to be ashamed of or something you should feel judged over having. Embrace it, because it’s more than likely a part of who you are to your core. Which means it’s part of what makes you so incredible.

You are stronger than you give yourself credit for. Because every day that getting out of bed feels impossible, but you do it anyway, is just another battle that you’ve won. Getting yourself up and ready for work when your brain is trying to tell you it’s a bad idea? You’re a warrior. Spending all that time convincing yourself to go to that social function? Nothing short of impressive. Even those without anxiety can struggle with that one.

No one understands the exact battle you’re dealing with and it may not be something you’re able to put into words. But know that there are others out there that, while they may not understand your battle, they do understand the war you’re fighting. Your anxiety does not define you, it’s just one small part of the puzzle you’re made of.