If you’ve never felt anxiety, consider yourself both lucky and blessed. It’s one of those invisible struggles that can feel completely illogical yet utterly consuming. Anxiety doesn’t play fair—it doesn’t wait for something to actually happen. Instead, it thrives in the what-ifs, magnifying fears and possibilities until they spiral far from reality.
Think about it: feeling jittery, restless, and even panicked over something that hasn’t happened, and might never happen. It doesn’t make sense, does it? Yet, when anxiety hits, it doesn’t care about logic. Your mind and body take over, reacting as though the worst-case scenario is already unfolding.
Why Does Anxiety Exist?
I know anxiety has its roots in protection—a primal response designed to keep us safe from danger. It’s your body’s way of saying, Hey, something feels off. Stay alert! But the problem is, this protective mechanism doesn’t always know when to stop. What should be a short-lived reaction can morph into a constant, suffocating state of being.
It becomes exhausting to live in a world of maybe, to be shackled by fears of things you can’t control or outcomes you may never face. And that’s what makes anxiety so hard—it’s not just a battle with situations; it’s a battle with yourself.
For Those Struggling
To everyone living with anxiety: I see you, and I wish for nothing more than for you to be freed from its hold. You deserve peace—the kind that allows your mind to rest, your body to feel calm, and your soul to feel safe. Anxiety doesn’t define you, even when it tries to convince you otherwise.
On those hard days, remember to:
- Breathe. Slow, deep breaths can help ground you when the spiral begins.
- Remind yourself of the present moment. Anxiety lives in the future—pull yourself back to the now.
- Be kind to yourself. You’re not weak for feeling anxious. It’s a sign that you care deeply, even when it feels overwhelming.
For Those Who Don’t Understand
If you’ve never experienced anxiety, know that it’s not just “overthinking” or “worrying too much.” It’s a physical, mental, and emotional state that can feel impossible to escape. Be patient with those who struggle. Listen. Sometimes, the best gift you can give is your understanding.
To everyone reading this, whether you’ve faced anxiety or not, I hope you find peace in your mind and heart. Life can be overwhelming, but we’re stronger than we realize—and sometimes, just talking about it is a powerful step toward healing.
Have you ever felt anxious? If so, how do you navigate through it? Let’s create a space to share and support each other.
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Alejandra