“Shake it off,” “Get over it,” “It’s all in your head,” are lines that have never helped anyone fighting anxiety or depression, yet people say them often.
They probably mean well, but they’re not helping and probably making everything worse.
You simply cannot control your anxiety and your helpless position makes you feel even more desperate.
You feel like you have this pessimistic intruder inside of your head who is affecting every single word that comes out of your mouth and every move you make, and you’re completely powerless to it.
Somebody who has never battled a condition like this doesn’t know that anxiety is quite similar to a little voice in the back of your head you can’t chase away, as much as you try.
It’s like a naggy mother-in-law who follows you around, telling you that you won’t make it and you’re not enough.
The one who keeps telling you that you should give up before you embarrass yourself.
One who convinces you that everyone will abandon you sooner or later, that everything will turn out for the worst.
It’s this voice that’s making all of this chaos in your head.
What they don’t know is that anxiety is telling you it’s completely pointless for you to put your hands to something, when it’s more than obvious that you’ll fail.
It manages to convince you that you’re good for nothing and that you can’t succeed in anything, so it’s better not to try at all.
Anxiety whispers in your ear that you’re not meant to be loved and that nobody could ever truly care for you.
It’s telling you that your friends are still in your life out of pity, that your boyfriend is only leading you on and taking advantage of you, and that even your closest family members are sick of you and want you out of the way.
It convinces you that sooner or later, everyone will cut you off and replace you.
That people around you will get tired of your condition and are already slowly pulling away from your life.
And anxiety doesn’t stop here.
You hear those kids playing across the street? I bet they’re laughing at you.
You know that great guy you’ve just met?
Well, he’s too good to be true and it’s just a matter of time before when he walks away and leaves you heartbroken.
What about that job you applied for? Well, you couldn’t land it in a million years.
After all, there are much better candidates than you.
There are much prettier and smarter girls that guy would rather date.
And the list goes on forever.
I’m not here to tell you to magically shut this voice inside of your head up.
After all, I know that’s impossible for now and that you would be the happiest person in the world if only you could make it happen.
Nevertheless, I’m just begging you not to believe it.
If necessary, hear what it has to say and leave it behind you.
Remember: Anxiety is your enemy. It does everything possible to mentally destroy and spiritually kill you.
However, it’s your job not to let it.
The question is: Why would you listen to someone like this?
If it were a real life person, would you really follow their advice or take their opinion into consideration?
Would you allow someone this mean to get the best of you and control you completely?
Don’t forget that you’re in charge. You’re the only one with control in your hands.
You are stronger than your insecurities, self-doubts, and overthinking because they’re a part of you – not the other way around.
Your voice is louder than everything your anxiety is trying to sell you.
Your optimism is above its pessimism.
Your light has what it takes to conquer its darkness.
And deep down, under all those damaged parts, you know very well that you’re enough.
You see that your anxiety is deceiving you and that none of its claims is true.
Deep down, you see your worth. You know you’re loved and, most importantly, you love yourself.
