Being Anxious isn't Unusual
Research shows that levels of anxiety, especially among teenagers, are higher than ever before. Even though anxiety can be a tough topic to discuss with others, it's an epidemic that can greatly impact people’s lives. Teens with anxiety struggle with emotional tension and fear that affects their daily life. Although anxiety is labeled a mental issue, it comes with physical symptoms such as fatigue, restlessness, sleeping problems, and much more.
Anxiety presents itself in many different forms. Social anxiety, for example, is characterized by feelings of fear or worry in social settings. Many teenagers today identify with social anxiety, which can have profound effects on their ability to socialize with others.
Severe cases of anxiety can also lead to anxiety attacks, which occur when a stressor triggers an episode of overwhelming emotion and panic. Anxiety has many different levels, and sometimes we might not even recognize it in ourselves or others.
As someone who has dealt with anxiety, I have realized the many benefits of speaking to an adult about my situation. Often times, we tend to suppress feelings and emotions about sensitive topics. Not expressing your emotions allows these issues to go unresolved. It is important to remember that you are never alone. You can always talk to your family or friends about your situation. If you do not feel comfortable seeking help from those close to you, you can try talking out your problems with a trusted adult, whether that be a teacher or school counselor. Thankfully, I felt comfortable enough to talk to my family about my struggles with anxiety. Having conversations about my anxiety helped me to understand the root of my anxiety and how to fix it.
I am proud to share my story because I want others to feel comfortable asking for help. Anxiety and other struggles with mental health are nothing to be ashamed of. Acknowledging my anxiety gave me the strength I needed to overcome my fears and face my everyday battles. Never be afraid to voice your feelings and always remember that help is just around the corner.