As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, In Their Own Words shares honest reflections from young people and writers about what mental illness can feel like from the inside.
This story discusses anxiety and may be difficult for some readers. Please read with care.
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It tells me I’m a burden.
That I’m weird.
That I’m unwanted.
Unloved.
Crazy.
Anxiety tells me I’m not good enough.
Smart enough.
Pretty enough.
Normal enough.
Successful enough.
Anxiety tells me every worse case scenario will come true.
Every worst fear will come to life.
Anxiety makes me feel like I’m always waiting. And I don’t even know what I’m waiting for . . . I’m just uneasy.
Anxiety makes living in the moment hard.
I’m constantly dwelling on the past and afraid of the future.
Anxiety tells me to hate myself for this.
But then every once in a while, I come across someone whose voice speaks louder than the doubts and questioning that goes on in my head.
Anxiety might tell me, they’re here because they feel bad for me. But then those people counter those thoughts with a hug, a kind word, a conversation. And I realize anxiety might be forever a part of my life but there are people who want to be too. – written by Kirsten Corley
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Anxiety can be incredibly overwhelming, but you are not alone and deserve care and support.