Anxiety Is More Than Just Worrying

Anxiety Is More Than Just Worrying

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Hey everyone and thank you for coming back to my blog, this week I am sharing some anxiety writing with you that I found when browsing Facebook. When I came across this passage about anxiety, I knew I had to share the content with you on here. Not only because it was relatable but I know that a lot of readers will benefit from this anxiety content.

Since I can remember, I have struggled with anxiety. This began from a young age when I was severely bullied at school and since then, it’s affected my mental health massively. I have suffered severely with anxiety attacks and at some moments in my life, anxiety also stopped me from leaving the house, having a job, and it even ruined many of my relationships.

Throughout the years I have had therapy, counselling, medication, and I have tried many holistic therapies. I no longer take tablets and I now have my own toolkit that helps me cope with the flare-ups of anxiety when they arise.

Sadly, anxiety has made a huge impact in my life and it’s also been something I perceived as negative until recently when I discovered that anxiety is much more than ‘worrying’ and it is, in fact, my saviour. It helps guide me to the things that are meant for me. Anxiety may challenge me but it will never break me.

I hope you enjoy this piece of writing and if you did relate to it, please let me know…

For the anxiety sufferer, for the friend who is a shoulder to cry on and for the lost parent/guardian of an anxiety sufferer, please read this…

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Anxiety is more than just worrying.

Anxiety is the restless nights of sleep, as you toss and turn. It’s your brain never being able to shut off. It’s the thoughts you over-think before bedtime and all of your worst fears become a reality in dreams and nightmares.

It’s waking up tired even though your day just started.

Anxiety is learning how to function with sleep deprivation because it took you until 2 am to shut your eyes.

It’s every text you wonder ‘how do I word this properly?’ It’s a double or triple text in case you messed up. Anxiety is answering texts embarrassingly fast.

Anxiety is the time you spend waiting for an answer as a scenario plays out in your mind of what they could be thinking or are they mad?

Anxiety is an unanswered text that kills you inside even though you tell yourself, ‘maybe they’re busy or will answer later.’ Anxiety is that critical voice that says ‘maybe they’re deliberately ignoring you.’ It’s believing every negative scenario you can come up with.

Anxiety is waiting. It always feels like you’re waiting. It’s the inaccurate conclusions drawn as your mind takes off and you have no choice but to follow it’s destructive lead.

Anxiety is apologising for things that don’t even require the words, ‘I’m sorry.’

Anxiety is self-doubt and a lack of confidence both in you, yourself and those around you. Anxiety is being hyper-aware of everyone and everything. So much so, you can tell if there’s a shift in someone merely by their tone or word choice.

Anxiety is ruining relationships before they even begin. It tells you, ‘you’re wrong, they don’t like you, they’re going to leave.’ Then you jump to conclusions.

Anxiety is a constant state of worrying and panicking and being on the edge. It’s irrational fears. It’s thinking too much, it’s caring too much. Because the root of people with anxiety is caring.

It’s sweaty palms and a racing heart. But on the outside, no one can see it. You appear calm and at ease and smiling but underneath is anything but that. Anxiety is the art of deception for people who don’t know you. And for the people who do, it’s a constant stream of phrases like, ‘don’t worry’ or ‘you’re overthinking this’ or ‘relax.’ It’s friends listening to these conclusions you’ve drawn and not really understanding how you got there. But they’re there trying to support you, as things go from bad to worse in your mind.

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Anxiety is wanting to fix something that isn’t even a problem.

It’s the stream of questions that make you doubt yourself.

Did I lock the door before I left?

Did I turn off the stove?

Is the straightener still on?

It’s turning back around just to double-check.

Anxiety is the uneasiness at a party because you think all eyes are on you and no one wants you there. Anxiety is that extra shot you take and it seems like you’re finally relaxing. Until you wake up the next day hungover, full of regret and wondering what you said to whom and do you owe them an apology?

Anxiety is the overcompensating and trying too hard to please people.

Anxiety is being everywhere on time because the thought of being late would put you over the edge.

Anxiety is the fear of failure and striving for perfection. Then beating yourself up when you fall short. It’s always needing a schedule or a plan.

Anxiety is that voice inside your head that’s saying ‘you’ll fail.’

It’s trying to exceed people’s expectations even if you’re killing yourself to do so. Anxiety is taking on more than you can handle just so you are distracted and not overthinking something.

Anxiety is procrastination because you’re paralysed with fear of failing so you hold it off.

It’s the triggers that set you off.

It’s breaking down in private and crying when you’re overwhelmed but no one will ever see that side of you. Anxiety is picking up and trying again because the only thing worse than overcoming other people is overcoming you and your own demons.

It’s beating that critical voice that says, ‘you really f*cked up.’ or ‘you should feel awful right now.’

Anxiety is the want and the need to control things because it feels like this thing in your life is outside of your control and you have to learn to live with it.

But more than anything anxiety is caring. It’s never wanting to hurt someone’s feelings. It’s never wanting to do something wrong. More than anything, it’s the want and need to simply be accepted and liked. So you try too hard sometimes.

And when you come across friends who begin to understand, they help you through it.

Then you realise this might be a battle you face every day but it’s one you won’t have to face alone.

 

I am loved. You are loved. When things are dark… Remember it’s only temporary and the brightness will return again soon. 💖💖💖💖 

If you’re currently suffering from mental health issues or extreme panic attacks, please seek advice and guidance from a trained professional. Don’t suffer in silence, someone out there truly cares for you. Check out this resources page with all of the NHS Mental Health Helplines: Mental health helplines

For your daily dose of positivity, head over to my social media pages (I post on my Instagram every day).

All my love,

Jessica x

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Hey! My name is Jess Ward – I was 15 when I first experienced bullying and depression. 10 years on and I am now a multi-award-winning mental health blogger. Positively Jessica Ward is a blog and location for all things positive. Magnetic colour, mouthwatering recipes and infectious positivity!

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2 Comments

  1. Lori Conn
    June 14, 2023 / 11:35 pm

    Thanks for sharing. I’ve seen these words posted randomly on various social media and want to give credit where credit is due.

    • December 10, 2023 / 6:06 pm

      Hi Lori,

      That’s very kind. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.

      Best wishes,
      Jess

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