Anxiety is not a choice

      The World Health Organization states that 1 in 4 people worldwide will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. Still, as a society we generally believe mental health isn’t really an issue, and if it is an issue for some people then it must say something about them. They’re choosing to be anxious instead of just getting on with things like everybody else. If you don’t know and have never suffered from anxiety, you cannot understand how it feels.

       Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common anxiety disorder that involves persistent worrying, nervousness, and tension. This condition could be developed either from a prolonged or recent exposure to stressful situations like; loss, dysfunctional family settings, illness, abuse, divorce or genetics, just to mention a few. I will tell you some of the ugly truths of anxiety in a little bit. In the meantime, here are a few questions to ponder on:
Do you find yourself excessively worrying about things that are unlikely to happen? Or feel tense and anxious all day long sometimes with no real reason?
Do you get sweaty palms, repeated stomachaches or diarrhea when in a stressful situation?
If your worries and fears are so constant that they interfere with your ability to function, sleep or relax, you may have generalized anxiety disorder. Even though Anxiety symptoms are similar to that of depression, OCD and phobias, they are not the same.

Truth:
Anxiety is not a choice.
Anxiety doesn't choose a particular person; it could be you, just as easily as it could be me.
Anxiety gives no prior warning, no reason, it occurs suddenly.
Anxiety is terrifying for those who suffer it.
The sufferer knows that there is no reason to worry about what they are stressing over but continues to worry anyway because it's GAD.
GAD sufferers may worry but be completely unaware of why they are worrying

Lies:
 It’s not a phase.
They are not weak.
They are believers of God.
They trust God.
It's not just a hard phase of life
They cannot just merely get over it
They cannot just stop worrying

       If you know somebody who is living the reality of anxiety; then you should know it can be hard because the worry is excessive and disruptive. Hence, causing some form of interruption in your relationship with the sufferer. However, they are as helpless as you are in this situation.  Try to listen to what they have to say. Don't try to argue with them if they're upset, and try to avoid saying anything that reinforces their feelings of guilt, shame or failure. Don't shy away because you're not sure what to say; be prepared to listen to what they have to say, rather than coming out with empty clichés. Dealing with anxious people can be frustrating because at times they seem to have a negative answer to every solution you pose. Don't give up on them. However, stick with them, because when they are better they will appreciate your non-judgmental support far more than tactless reprimands. Please don’t tell people with anxiety to "stop worrying”, don’t leave them alone. They can't help themselves.

       I do not believe that there is a person who simply enjoys the act of worrying or creating unnecessary drama for one's self. Who will choose to suffer such turmoil? GAD is mentally and physically exhausting. It drains your energy, interferes with everything, and wears your body out. It is a daily battle that even the bravest people in our society fight against, and it is rarely talked about because of the stigma and shame associated with mental illness. But those people are here. They live amongst us.

      To all those who are living and fighting the reality of anxiety, that overwhelming sense of guilt, sadness, worthlessness, failure and shame is not peculiar to you. You are not alone.