My Struggle with Anxiety - Edgar 20years

"Anxiety can strike at any moment."

As a 20-year-old boy, I've been struggling with anxiety for years now, and it's not something that can be easily brushed aside. Instead, it's a constant battle with myself that I can never seem to win. My anxiety can strike any moment, whether in a room full of people or alone. It can be triggered by minor things, like a text message from a friend or something as insignificant as a missed call. It's like a switch in my brain that gets turned on, and once it's on, there's no turning it off.

Symptoms of anxiety 
The physical symptoms of my anxiety are the worst. My heart starts racing, and my palms get sweaty. Sometimes, I feel like I can't breathe like the world is closing in on me. Other times, I feel like I'm going to throw up. It's a constant battle to keep my anxiety at bay. It can make me feel like I'm losing control like everything is slipping away from me. It's frustrating because I know that my anxiety isn't logical. I know I have no reason to be anxious, but that doesn't stop the feeling from consuming me. I feel trapped in my mind, and there's no way out. My anxiety has also affected my relationships. I struggle to form meaningful connections with people because I'm always worried about what they think of me. I'm constantly second-guessing myself and afraid I will say or do something wrong. As a result, it's hard to open up to people fearing being judged or rejected.

Self-Doubt.
My anxiety has also affected my ability to pursue my goals and dreams. For example, I've always been passionate about art, but I'm too afraid to put my work out there for fear of rejection. I know I'm holding myself back, but I'm stuck in a cycle of self-doubt.

Coping with Anxiety.
Despite all of this, I refuse to let my anxiety define me. I'm determined to find ways to manage it and live without constantly feeling like I'm on the verge of a panic attack. One of the things that have helped me the most is therapy. Talking to a professional has given me a safe space to explore my feelings and work through my anxiety. It's been an opportunity to gain insight into my thought processes and learn how to challenge negative thoughts. I've also been trying to take better care of myself physically. I've been exercising regularly, eating healthier, and trying to get enough sleep. It's incredible how these small changes can impact my mood and overall well-being. It's a work in progress, and I know I won't overcome my anxiety overnight.

Speaking up and fighting stigma.
It's not always easy to talk about anxiety, especially when there's still so much stigma surrounding mental health. But speaking up and letting others know they're not alone is essential. So, I'll keep pushing forward, taking one step at a time, and trying my best to keep my anxiety at bay. It won't be easy, but I know I'm strong enough to face it head-on. After all, anxiety may be a part of me, but it's not all of me.