This Is What My Anxiety Looks Like

Research shows a definite connection between hypothyroidism and anxiety. People (like myself) with anxiety often have low levels of thyroid hormone. (Hotze Health and Wellness Center)

This is what my anxiety looks like…

• Thinking that the whole class is going to stare at me if I dismiss myself from class because I’m having an anxiety attack

• A migraine so strong I cannot even stand to hear the sound of myself chewing

• Sweaty palms and feet

• Nausea

• Feeling as if my throat is going to close up

• My heart racing 1,000 miles an hour

• My hands start shaking

• My face turning beet red

• Me picking at my fingernails and cuticles hoping it will distract me from my anxiety attack

What triggers my anxiety…

• The pressures of school

• Meeting new people

• Too much caffeine intake

• Lack of sleep

• Being the center of attention

• Fearing the unknowns of life

• ????????

What do I do to calm my anxiety…

• Decrease my caffeine intake

• Drink TONS of water

• Drink a carbonated beverage

• Sit in the sun

• Breathing exercises

• Call my nurse to ask for tips

• Listen to music that brings me happy thoughts

• Try to talk myself out of the anxiety

• Call my mom for her tell me words of encouragement

Fortunately, most days are good days, but sometimes I have bad days. We all have bad days and they all look different. As I have gotten older, I have grown to be less ashamed of my anxiety and more willing to talk to others about it.  Keeping my anxiety bottled up inside does not help. Talking to others about it and asking for help actually, does help. Living with anxiety can be difficult, but with the right support system, it can make that journey a little less difficult. I hope for the day where I live the anxiety free life I had before high school, but as for now, I will lead the best life I can with anxiety and work hard every day to defeat it.

https://www.hotzehwc.com/2017/07/10-diagnoses-commonly-caused-by-hypothyroidism-2/

As mentioned above, with hypothyroidism can come anxiety.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)

• anxiety
• Hypothyroidism