Anxiety: A Personal Perspective
Anxiety has always been a part of my life, even if I didn’t always label it as such. From a young age, I wrestled with intense emotions and worries that felt larger than life. My fear of needles and hospitals became especially intense when my sister was diagnosed with cancer. Going to her chemotherapy sessions meant facing these fears head-on, which often left me feeling drained, anxious, and overwhelmed. Shots and needles were daunting, and the logic of their necessity didn’t outweigh my intense, almost paralyzing fear.
As I grew up, my anxiety took on different forms. While my fear of needles didn’t completely go away, I found ways to manage it better. I discovered that, while no one enjoys needles, I could find ways to cope that worked for me. In my mid-20s, flying became a major source of stress, leading me to catastrophize and fear the worst possible outcomes. This generalized anxiety affected my decision-making, causing me to question and doubt my choices constantly.
Despite these challenges, I sought ways to cope and find peace. I learned that coping skills aren’t one-size-fits-all. It took some time and a lot of trial and error to figure out what worked best for me. For example, I learned that talking to the nurse before getting a shot and gathering as much information as possible helps ease my anxiety, but this can cause more anxiety for someone else. Listening to bilateral music helps distract my mind from those “what if” thoughts, and keeping myself busy with games and movies on flights keeps my stress levels in check.
Throughout this journey, I’ve learned that while anxiety can be tough, it’s also pushed me to find coping methods that work for me. It’s helped me grow stronger and more empathetic. Even though my journey with anxiety is ongoing, I’ve learned to handle it with more grace and understanding. It’s become a part of my story, teaching me resilience and helping me find strength in my passions.
So, if you’re dealing with anxiety or know someone who is, know that it’s a process. It’s okay to try different strategies and find what works for you. Anxiety doesn’t have to define you—it can be a part of your journey that helps you grow and discover new strengths.
