Battling Anxiety: How I Found My Calm

Anxiety isn’t something you can see coming. It sneaks up on you, small at first, like a nagging voice in your head telling you everything’s wrong. For me, it started with overthinking. I’d second-guess every word I said, replay every conversation in my head, and constantly worry about what people thought of me. But then, it got way worse.

I’ll never forget my first panic attack. I was sitting in class, just trying to get through the day like everyone else. Suddenly, my chest tightened, my heart started racing, and I felt like I couldn’t breathe. It was terrifying. I thought I was dying, and I didn’t know how to explain it to anyone. I just sat there, trying to hold it together, hoping nobody would notice.

That was the moment everything changed. Anxiety wasn’t just in my head anymore—it was controlling my life. I started avoiding things I used to love, like hanging out with my friends or speaking up in class. Even simple things, like answering a text, felt like too much. I felt like I was trapped in my mind, and no matter what I did, I couldn’t find a way out.

For the longest time, I didn’t tell anyone what I was going through. I thought people wouldn’t understand or that they’d think I was being dramatic. So, I tried to deal with it alone. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work. The more I ignored it, the worse it got.

Eventually, I hit a breaking point. I realized I couldn’t keep living like this. I talked to my parents, and they helped me find a therapist. Honestly, I was terrified. The idea of opening up to a stranger felt impossible, but it ended up being the best decision I’ve ever made.

Therapy taught me so much. I learned that anxiety wasn’t something to be ashamed of—it was my body’s way of telling me I needed help. My therapist helped me understand my triggers and gave me tools to manage my anxiety, like breathing exercises and grounding techniques.

At first, it was really hard. There were days when I felt like I wasn’t making any progress, and I wanted to give up. But then, little by little, things started to get better. I went to a party without feeling like I needed to leave. I answered a question in class without panicking. I started feeling like myself again.

Now, I’m not going to lie and say I’m 100% fine. Anxiety is still a part of my life, but it doesn’t control me anymore. When I feel it creeping in, I remind myself that I’ve been through worse and that I’ve got this.

If you’re dealing with anxiety, please know you’re not alone. It might feel like you’re stuck, but there is a way out. Talk to someone you trust, whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a therapist. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. You deserve to feel okay. You deserve to find your calm.

And trust me—you will.