When You Can’t Do What You Want to Do Because of Your Anxiety
Today, I’d like to talk about something that means a great deal to me. When I was younger and didn’t deal with anxiety as much, I loved going places. I loved shopping, going to birthday parties and really just getting out of the house. However, now that my anxiety is much worse and harder to cope with, it’s difficult for me to get out.
Do I miss it? Absolutely! Do I wish I could just go wherever I want and have a good time without worrying? 100 percent, yes! However, as many of you who struggle with anxiety know, it’s not always that easy. As much as we may want to do something, sometimes our anxiety holds us back. In fact, sometimes it’s difficult for us to even picture going anywhere without feeling anxious.
Unfortunately, I don’t think people always understand this. I have relatives who seriously believe if I wanted to do things badly enough, I just would. I’m sorry to say this is not the case. When my mom or someone else invites me to go somewhere, I want so much to say, “Yes! When are we going?” Usually though, I don’t. Usually, I say, “I’m sorry I can’t, but I wish I could.”
It’s admittedly hard to feel as though people don’t believe you, especially your loved ones. I don’t want my family and friends to think I don’t miss doing things with them or I don’t wish I could. The truth is though I know I’m not ready to go somewhere and walk around for an extended period of time. I also know some of the people I’d be going with are not understanding. If I had to leave, then they would get frustrated. I’m not trying to blame others. I’m just stating the facts.
I’m writing this to let anyone who struggles to do the things they want because of anxiety that I understand. You’re not alone. I’m also writing this to remind those who have loved ones who struggle with anxiety and other mental health issues, that we don’t like going through this. We would much rather be going somewhere exciting or doing something fun!
Image via Thinkstock.
This post originally appeared on Getting Through Anxiety.
Hi, I enjoy writing and sharing my experiences with others. For many years, I have struggled with anxiety and know how difficult it can be to deal with something so seemingly limiting. I have loved to write since I was in first grade and am now a published author! My first book, Rest in Piece, was published in October 2016 and I have self-published five books since. My hobbies include: writing, reading, watching TV and working hard to get through my anxiety. I currently have blogs at Getting Through Anxiety and at Rest in Piece. I hope that through my writing, I can help others realize they are not alone in their struggles and that they can overcome their obstacles. “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” –Toni Morrison
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