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Belongs to: Can you relate to zach s struggles with anxiety sh
I’ve had severe anxiety since I was a kid. I have a tool box of things to help me control it now, and I have people in my circle who help. It’s not easy to deal with. So many say just get over it but they have no idea how hard it is.
Hey there friend - you are speaking absolute facts here. I appreciate you sharing!
Having anxiety so young is so difficult and can really make you question yourself really hard, especially when puberty and growing up is already a tumultuous time.
I now know that I’ve had anxiety since I was little. I remember having trouble sleeping because I was scared of the future, scared of losing people, etc. And as a teen, I struggled to make friends as I overthought, doubted myself, and often just kept to myself for fear of rejection.
It’s wild how that effects a growing childs mind and how it effects their ability to socialize. And you’re absolutely right - people sometimes equate anxiety to fear, but it isn’t exactly the same. It’s often a huge struggle.
Thank you for encouraging others here. I appreciate you!
Yes, it’s so frustrating when people suggest to just “get over it”. Heck yeah, if it was so simple, there would be much less people struggling with anxiety. Struggling with depression as well, I was recommended multiple times to “just exercise”, “just go outside”, and whatnot. If only there was a magic recipe like this, it would be a tremendous relief. But the struggle is deeper, and sometimes being told things like this can really make you feel like no one gets it. That as long as they don’t experience it firsthand, they don’t understand how it feels to live the reality of an overwhelming anxiety.
It’s so good to hear about how much you have developed over time your own set of tools, and found people who can be a part of your support system. On the other side of what mentioned just above, it is such a relief to have allies by your side. People who understand, are willing to support you and are rooting for you. Not only you have managed to let people see this vulnerable side of yours, but you’ve also gained in understanding of yourself, of your needs, and of what helps YOU personally. Finding the right support and the right tools can be discouraging at times, for it is such a trial and error process. It’s amazing and inspiring to hear about how you’ve found things and people that feel aligned with you, with your inner world and with what you need to keep on moving in this life, despite the anxiety.
Keep it up, friend! You are doing the hard work and you are succeeding at it. I imagine not every day is easy, but you have without a doubt experienced tremendous growth in face of this struggle. I believe in you and will definitely be rooting for you.
Thank you also for sharing these parts of your story here with us. Reading your words brings hope, especially in light of how consuming and overwhelming it can be to deal with anxiety. You are showing how in the midst of the darkness it creates, it is still possible to learn to be our very own ally, and to thrive above it. 
So pleased that you have tools that can help you with anxiety. It would be cool if you could share a little bit about what they are! It’s taken me many years to reduce but not eliminate my anxiety. I fairly often talk to strangers and now sing @ open mics. I have found taking baby steps, as in choosing things that are not totally overwhelming and dipping my toe in helps build confidence and finding encouraging allies and teachers (does not have to be official school teachers) who will encourage you is key. Years ago I read a book called Feel the Fear and Do It anyway. I only remember the title but I have found that while most things that scare us might be unpleasant at first once you get through it one time iy gets easier. Those feelings will pass eventually. I meditate now too which is helps me be calmer. But you have to expect at times you will be overwhelmed and that’s OK. Improvement not perfection is the goal.