What You Need to Know About Anxiety

Anxiety.

A term that is heard a lot today. But someone who lives with anxiety every day, will tell you its not to be taken lightly.

If you have not yet read my very first post, titled My Story, it may be helpful to fully understand this post.

I was diagnosised with anxiety in 2012, but after learning more about anxiety and the symptoms, I can tell you its something I have had since I can remember. I remember being a little girl, trying to sleep at night, and crying to the point where I vomited because I was thinking about how I did not want to grow up, and I did not want to die. I also remember going to many doctors regarding frequent urination, but no one ever found anything wrong, because it was anxiety related. I remember hating school, and having the worst upset stomach daily because I had to go. I stayed quiet, I never really knew what to say to others, and didn't want to make myself look stupid. But all those symptoms I would consider mild compared to what I deal with today.

Now, as an adult I have so many other things that come out of the blue that I blame my anxiety for. Here are some things I'm sure some of you can relate to, and if you can't relate, maybe it will help you have a better understanding of what some of your friends or family

might be going through, because I'm sure we all know atleast one person who suffers from anxiety;

1. Well honestly, sometimes I don't know why I'm anxious. It comes literally out of no where. I can be having a good time and all of a sudden. I just want to go home and crawl into bed because my head is racing with thoughts and I feel like somethings wrong, and everything just starts spiraling from there.

2. I must be early everywhere I go. If I'm not, I get super nervous. Having three kids makes being early difficult sometimes. But I think what makes it the most difficult, is my HUSBAND. (haha ... no seriously, his entire family is terrible with time)

3. I often think no one likes me, and that I come off as a "bitch" because I am terrible with starting conversation. I take things too personal, and always put myself down. (okay, some of these actually tie into depression too)

4. I often have chest pain and palpitations, and even though my doctor has told me more than once that I am fine, I still believe there is a problem, and that I just may be having a heart attack ... and then I wonder how will I know if I actually do have a heart attack?! This doesn't just go with my heart, this goes with my entire body, when I'm short of breath ... maybe I have a blood clot or a mass. When I have pain in my legs ... definitely a blood clot. Random pain in my head? I'm going to have an aneurysm.

5. I get random feelings that something bad is going to happen, and I convince myself, that since I had a miscarriage the last time I had this feeling, that something bad REALLY is going to happen.

6. Growing up I LOVED scary movies. Now? I have to mute or change the channel just when a commercial for one comes on.

7. I have always wanted to travel, mostly just around the USA. But also would like to experience a cruise. But I'm afraid to be "trapped", meaning I won't be able to get off if I needed.

8. When I'm anxious I feel like I'm going to vomit, I shake, my heart races, I get dizzy, and I feel like I have to use the bathroom over and over again.

9. Sometimes I feel like my throat is closing. Sometimes when I eat, even if its something I eat all the time, I will start to feel "weird" feelings like tingling, and I have to stop eating, because I go into a panic attack believing that I am having an allergic reaction and that my throat is closing.

10. Often times I worry that when I see a doctor for a problem, that they will see my anxiety and depression diagnosis and automatically assume that's the cause of symptoms I may be having at that time.

I know many people do not believe in mental health. Just like anything in life, you do not have a full understanding until you have been through it. And every person is different,

some may be able to manage their symptoms better than others. You probably have no idea someone is suffering, because most of the time they keep it interalized. So, even if you do

not believe or understand, please don't tell those suffering "It's just in your head" , "Just calm down", or "Get over it, you are fine". Do your research. Any to those who are suffering, don't be afraid to seek help as soon as possible, because the longer you wait, the longer you suffer and the harder it will be since medication and counseling takes time.