10 Things I Wish My Parents Knew About My Anxiety

I have always had anxiety. When I was younger, I believed that anxiety was something everyone had and it was part of our daily lives as humans. I learned, however, that does not mean that everyone actually has anxiety! While I am stronger today than I have ever been, an issue I always face is I don’t know how to tell my parents what happens when I have an anxiety attack and there are things I wish my parents knew about my anxiety.

When I was 15, my psychiatrist told me that anxiety can be dealt with medication and there is no shame in that. My mother is bipolar so she understood and agreed right away. My father was a little skeptical but did not want to see his daughter suffer. To this day, I take my medications and I have learned to live with it. Here are 10 things I wish my parents knew about my anxiety.

1. It can hit me anywhere, anytime.

I can be at my calmest mood and then it just happens and I start breaking down.

2. Having some time to myself is the best thing we can all do.

This is so I can focus on what is truly important, me.

3. I need my privacy.

My anxiety makes me overthink so having my privacy helps me do things without thinking someone is watching me 24/7. This is one of the hardest things I wish my parents knew about my anxiety.

4. Working out helps me.

I do it cause it releases endorphins, not because I am becoming fitness crazy.

5. Drinking calms me.

I get that drinking and medication are not the best mix, but a glass of wine calms me down. I am not becoming an alcoholic.

6. Reading is helpful.

It helps me run away for a little while to another world.

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7. Anxiety is an actual disease.

I think this is something that’s easy to forget because so many people suffer from it. It is not something made up by millennials and one of those things I wish my parents knew about my anxiety.

8. Anxiety affects every part of my life.

It does not just affect my personal life

9. Writing about my feelings is easier than talking about them.

Anxiety makes me feel like people are judging me. If I write them down, I can pretend no one is listening.

10. I am OK.

I have my moments, but I can be independent. I know they worry but the fact that I really am OK is one of those things I wish my parents knew about my anxiety.

What would your list of “things I wish my parents knew about my anxiety” look like? Share in the comments below!

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