Thoughts of the Day

Wednesday 29th August, 2018.

Here is a random jumble of thoughts, in no particular order, of a 22 year old living with generalised anxiety disorder.

People try to understand what it is like, but no-one really knows. No-one truly knows what it's like to live with anxiety unless they have personally experienced it.

Today I felt like no-one understands what it's like. Like no-one else has ever experienced the same horrible thoughts I do every single day. But I had to stop and remind myself, that they do. Millions of people all over the world feel exactly the same as I do right now. And that's a comforting thought. That I am not alone. I don't have to go through this by myself, there is people that I can talk to. People DO understand. As much as I think there is no-one when I am having an awful day and full of frustration.

But that thought also makes me sad. That there are millions suffering the same as me. That they probably think they are alone too. With no-one to talk to. It breaks my heart. Anxiety is something I wouldn't wish for anyone to experience.

So if you happen to be reading this and you suffer with GAD, OCD, PTSD, social anxiety, depression, anything, any mental illness or condition that bothers you every day, this is your daily reminder that you are not alone. I am fighting this battle with you, along with millions of other people. We can do this, together. It takes courage to live through a nightmare like anxiety, and you are all the most courageous people for just getting through the day. Even if you feel like you haven't made any great accomplishment for today, just surviving the day is your great accomplishment, and I am so proud, of all of us; especially because we do it while people are still ignorant to anxiety disorders, and mental health in general. We are 1 in 4. We will end the stigma.

Do you worry that you said something the wrong way? Worry you offended someone? Worry you're running late even though you know you left yourself plenty of time? Have a constant fear of the future or the unknown? Dread something bad happening? Fear you have forgotten something important? Fear someone is upset with you? Hate not being able to control everything that is happening around you? Worry you've made a mistake? And that someone will judge you? Put off going out with your friends in case you look stupid in front of them or anyone? Or just feel anxious, because you are anxious and don't know why?

These are my thought and worries. Every. Single. Day.

So if your answer was yes to even one of those... then here is a big list of some of my most helpful quotes to get me through every day life with gad, I hope at least one of them can be helpful for you:

1.) “Smile, breathe, and go slowly.” 2.) “You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” 3.) “You can’t always control what goes on outside. But you can always control what goes on inside.” 4.) “The biggest obstacle you’ll ever have to overcome is your mind. If you can overcome that, you can overcome anything.” 5.) “Challenges are what make life interesting, and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” 6.) “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.” 7.) “Becoming fearless isn’t the point. That’s impossible. It’s learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it.” 8.) “Be gentle with yourself, you’re doing the best you can.” 9.) “Do it! I say. Whatever you want to do, do it now! There are only so many tomorrows.” 10.) “Most fears are just illusions.”

I believe in you!